How slowly the seconds passed! Hugh was trying to count, so as to
judge when the Marathon runner would be likely to have covered that
half-mile, and be at the spot where he, Hugh, had left the road.

When, finally, the time had expired he again spoke to Claude.

"Don't be startled, Claude, because I'm going to shout out. Hang
tight, now!"

With that he sent out a whoop, and coupled it with the name of "Just"
Smith. There was no immediate response, but then Hugh had already
discounted this in his mind, remembering how he also had come to a
sudden stop, and listened as though unable to believe his ears.

Again he shouted, and once more uttered the name of the other boy.
This time there came a speedy reply.

"Hello! that you, Hugh?"

"Yes, and I want help right away!" answered the boy who clung there
with a burden on his hands. "Turn out of the road to the left, and
hurry here. I'm down a precipice, Just. Keep coming, and I'll guide
you all right."

So Hugh continued to utter loud shouts every ten seconds or so. He
could catch the calls of the advancing runner, and knew from their
increasing loudness that he was gradually getting closer.

Then, looking up, he saw a head projected over the brink above. He
could easily understand how "Just" Smith's eyes must have almost