frantically at the only large root which remained near me, but in
vain; I could not reach it, though my fingers were within a few
inches of it. Again and again I tried to reach it, until at
length, maddened with the thought of my situation, I swayed
myself violently by striking my foot against the side of the
rock, and at the instant that I approached the large root caught
desperately at it, and transferred myself to it. It vibrated
violently under the sudden weight, but fortunately did not give
way.

My brain grew dizzy with the idea of the frightful risk I had
just run, and I involuntarily closed my eyes to shut out the view
of the depth beneath me. For the instant I was safe, and I
uttered a devout ejaculation of thanksgiving for my escape.

'Pretty well done,' shouted Toby underneath me; 'you are nimbler
than I thought you to be--hopping about up there from root to
root like any young squirrel. As soon as you have diverted
yourself sufficiently, I would advise you to proceed.'

'Aye, aye, Toby, all in good time: two or three more such famous
roots as this, and I shall be with you.'

The residue of my downward progress was comparatively easy; the
roots were in greater abundance, and in one or two places jutting
out points of rock assisted me greatly. In a few moments I was
standing by the side of my companion.

Substituting a stout stick for the one I had thrown aside at the
top of the precipice, we now continued our course along the bed