shreds, he rushed to the inn, which was the nearest
spot where help could be found. His appearance naturally created
consternation, and in answer to the numerous questions addressed to him
he related in a few breathless words the dreadful accident which had
befallen his father. A score of stalwart hands were instantly ready to
rescue the unfortunate man from his dreadful position; the landlord of
the inn ordered ropes, poles, and ladders to be got in readiness, and
meanwhile pressed refreshment on the well-nigh exhausted youth. Moments
were precious, but ere long the party reached the scene of the disaster,
when Walter, leaning over the edge of the cleft, cried to his father,
and was answered.

"Yes, I'm still alive," replied the mountaineer, in feeble tones; "but I
am almost frozen to death, and in dreadful pain. Make haste and help me,
if you can, for I'm losing my senses."

"Down with the rope!" shouted the landlord, who had himself come up with
the party.--"Look out, Hirzel! Place the loop over your shoulders and
under your arms, and try to draw it tight. There are plenty of strong
arms here that will soon get you up."

The rope having been made fast to an iron stanchion driven into the ice,
the looped end was lowered away into the chasm; but no sign was made by
Hirzel that he had obeyed the directions, and fastened it round his
body.

"Father, why don't you make haste?" exclaimed Walter in agony.

But there was no answer.

"He must have fainted at the last moment," said the landlord; "and if
so, then may God have mercy upon him! for not a living creature could
venture such a depth."

[Illustration: "LET ME GO!" HE CRIED. "I MUST SAVE MY FATHER!"]

"_I_ will venture it!" exclaimed Walter, seizing the rope. But twenty
hands held him back. "Let me go!" he cried. "I must save my father!" and
breaking loose with a sudden effort from the men who surrounded him, the
courageous youth seized the rope and disappeared in sight of his
horror-stricken companions.

A few terrible moments passed, when a shout from below was suddenly
heard, and the cry, "All right! pull away, friends!" sent a thrill of
joy through every heart.

"Pull steadily, my men," cried the good landlord; "but pull as if your
own lives depended on it. I can see them now!" exclaimed he, gazing into
the gloomy abyss. "Hirzel seems to have fainted, just as I thought, but
Watty has fastened the rope round him securely. Pull away! they will be
at the