ing that there was hope of saving his comrade now.

"Shall I send someone down?" shouted the Colonel, who was evidently in
command at the top.

"No. We'll do it," cried Gwyn, breathlessly. "All right, Joe. We're
here."

There was no response from above him, and at every step Gwyn felt as if
his legs were turning to lead, and a nightmare-like sensation came over
him of being obliged to keep on always clambering a tremendous ladder
without ever reaching to where Joe was bound.

And all this in the very brief space of time before he reached to where
he had tied the insensible lad.

Gwyn uttered a sigh like a groan as he touched Joe's feet. Then,
without hesitating, he went higher, till he was on a level, with his
feet resting on the same spell, fully expecting moment by moment, as he
ascended, that the silk would give way and Joe's fall dash them both
down. And, as at last he thrust his arms through the ladder on either
side of the boy's neck and then spread them out, so as to secure them
both tightly pressed against the spells, his head began to swim, and he
felt that he could do no more.

His position saved him, for in those moments he could not have clung
there by his hands, his helplessness was too great.

But this was all momentary, and he was recalled to himself by the voice
of Hardock.

"I say, lad, hope this ladder's strong enough for all three. Now, then;
what's next? Will you tie the rope round him and cast him free?"

Gwyn made no reply. His lips parted, and he strove to speak, but not a
word would come.

"D'yer hear?" said Hardock. "I say, will you make the rope fast round
him?"

"Below there!" came from above. "Make the rope fast round Joe's chest--
tight knots, mind, and send him up first. Be smart!"

"All right, sir," shouted back Hardock, as he took hold of the rope
swinging close to his hand. "Now, then, Master Gwyn, don't stand there
such a gashly while thinking about it. Lay hold and knot it round him.
They'll soon draw him away from under you."

Gwyn uttered an inarticulate sound, but only wedged his arms out more
firmly.

"Ready?" came from above in the Colonel's voice.

"No, nothing like," roared Hardock. "Hold hard. Now, my lad, look
alive. Don't think about it, but get hold of the rope, and draw it
round his chest. Mind and not tie him to the ladder. Steady, for it's
all of a quiver now."

Still Gwyn made no sign.

"Hi! What's come to you?" growled Hardock.