r:" muttering, however, soon afterwards to himself, as the
difficulties of the way increased, "He thinks no more of his life than
if he were a sprat or a spawn." No other word was breathed by either of
the adventurers, as they threaded the giddy path, until about midway,
when the elder paused and exclaimed, "A-hoy there, boy! there are two
steps wanting; you had better indeed go back. To me, the track has been
long familiar; not so to you."

The youth thought of his master's taunt, and Jeromio, and resolved to
take his chance. "Ay, ay, sir, no danger when I follow you." But the
peril was, in truth, appalling, though its duration was brief. Below,
the sea that was now rapidly covering the small creek, rudely agitated
and opposed by a rising breeze, dashed and foamed against the rocks. To
fall from such a height was inevitable destruction. There was scarcely
sufficient light to mark the inequality of the ascending cliffs; and a
spectator, gazing on the scene, must have imagined that those who clung
to such a spot were supported by supernatural agency. The Skipper,
nothing daunted, struck the spear, that had served as a climbing-stick,
firmly into the surface of mingled clay and stone, and then, by a
violent effort, flung himself upwards, catching with his left hand at a
slight projection that was hardly visible; thus, hanging between earth
and heaven, he coolly disengaged the staff, and placed it under the
extended arm, so as to form another prop; and feeling, as it were, his
way, he burrowed with his foot a resting in the cliff, from which he
sprang on a narrow ledge, and was in safety. He then turned to look for
his young companion, to whom he extended the boat-spear that had been of
such service. Animated by his master's success and example, Springall's
self-possession was confirmed; and both soon stood on the brow of the
precipice.

"Sharp sailing that, boy," observed the elder, as the youth panted at
his side.

"Ay, ay, sir," replied Springall, wiping his face with the sleeve of his
jacket. "Take a drop, master," he continued, drawing a tin bottle from
his bosom, "'twill warm ye after such a cursed cruise."

The Skipper nodded as he accepted the flask, "I hope you are as well
armed on all points as on this; but don't take in too great a reef, or
it will make you a heavy sailor before your time: drop anchor now, and
keep watch here till further orders."

"Keep watch here, sir!" said Springall, in a mournful tone.