re, for it was quite a
long way, while now, at night, it was not to be seen at all. It was on
the tip of John Willows' tongue several times to ask Drinkwater if he
were sure, but he reflected what would be the use? For the man was
plodding steadily on, and the tiny rays of his lantern fell on the rough
grass and stones. Evidently he knew quite well what he was about, for
there was a certainty in his movements--never any hesitation.

"Suppose," said the Vicar, "that they have gone back home another way."

"Aren't no use supposing, sir. I don't think as they have," said the
man, quietly. "This 'ere's the only safe way through the bog."

"Very well," said Mr Willows, shortly. "We must just press on. I wish
Mr Manners wouldn't lead our lads so far afield."

"Yet, if they followed him--" said the Vicar.

"Ah, yes, to be sure. He strikes one as being a good reliable man.
Ah!" And he gave a snatch at the Vicar's arm. "I was nearly down that
time. Terribly rough."

"Terribly," was the reply. "Drinkwater!"

"Yes, sir."

"Let us keep one each side of you. It is so dark, and the lantern will
help us better that way."

CHAPTER SIX.

THE ARTIST'S PLIGHT.

The two boys were at the edge of the fissure at length, and leaned over
to peer down through the bracken and heather which grew on the sides of
the rough descent.

"Help!" came up faintly.

"Mr Manners! where are you? It's all right. We're here."

"Thank Heaven! That you, boys? Ah! I am on a shelf down here--been
here for hours--a long way down; and I have sprained something. Can you
get help?"

"Well, we are here," said Will, "and I am coming down."

"So am I," said Josh.

"No, no. It is too dangerous," came up.

"Is it?" said Will. "You lie quiet, Mr Manners. We are coming.
There," he continued to Josh, "take hold of the bracken, and keep your
big boots out of my face, can't you?" For he was already on his way
down.

"Same size as yours," said Josh. "I say, it's precious deep! Coming,
Mr Manners--coming!"

"Be careful," came faintly.

"Oh, yes; we will be careful," said Will. "Ah! I say, Josh, look out
there. I slipped. It's sheer down. Oh, now I see. Hallo, Mr
Manners! Come on, Josh. 'Tisn't as dark as I thought. Here we are;"
and the boy slipped the rest of the way down, to a fairly wide ledge, on
which the artist lay in rather an awkward position.

"Mr Manners, are you much hurt?" asked Will, as he dropped dow