Of course, Hugh only said that last to reassure the poor chap. Claude
was already cold with as cold as an icicle, in fact; and quaking with
fear in the bargain.

It was easy enough for Hugh to drop down another foot or so, until
he felt the solid little ledge under him. Indeed, had it been necessary,
such an agile fellow very likely might have continued all the way
down to the base of the precipice.

His next move was to find a firm hold for his left hand, to which he
could continue to cling while he sustained much of the weight of the
other boy, after the weakened roots of the bush gave way entirely.

Claude was trying to do what he had been told, though in rather a
bungling fashion. Inch by inch he allowed the bush to slip through
his hands, looking down as well as he was able at the same time, in
order to ascertain just how near he might be to that same ledge Hugh
had told him of.




CHAPTER XI

THE CRISIS IN CLAUDE'S LIFE


Hugh kept a watchful eye on that bush. He knew it was going to give
way presently, when, unless Claude had managed to secure a fresh grip