was well done, Claude," Hugh now told him, his main object
being to put a little more confidence in the other boy, and thus
lighten his own load. "We'll manage to cling here for a bit longer.
When I think 'Just' Smith is getting near by I'll let out a whoop
that is bound to fetch him to our assistance."

One, two, three minutes passed. It was very trying to Hugh, and
already his muscles began to feel the undue strain keenly. But he
gritted his teeth, and waited, as it would be only a waste of breath
and energy to shout before the next runner was close enough up to
locate the sound.

Claude was shivering as though he would shake to pieces. He had
received a dreadful fright, for a fact, and it was having its due
effect upon his never strong frame. What would his doting mamma
think, and say, Hugh told himself, almost with a chuckle of
amusement, could she see her darling then and there, and realize how
his very life depended upon the strong muscles and will to do things
that Hugh Morgan had developed in himself?

How slowly the seconds passed! Hugh was trying to count, so as to
judge when the Marathon runner would be likely to have covered that
half-mile, and be at the spot where he, Hugh, had left the road.

When, finally, the time had expired he again spoke to Claude.

"Don't be startled, Claude, because I'm going to shout out. Hang
tight, now!"

With that he sent out a whoop, and coupled it with the name of "Just"
Smith. There was no immediate response, but then Hugh had already
discounted this in his mind, remembering how he also had come to a
sudden stop, and listened as though unable to believe his ears.

Again he shouted, and once more uttered the name of the other boy.
This time there came a speedy reply.

"Hello! that you, Hugh?"

"Yes, and I want help right away!" answered the boy who clung there
with a burden on his hands. "Turn out of the road to the left, and
hurry here. I'm down a precipice, Just. Keep coming, and I'll guide
you all right."

So Hugh continued to utter loud shouts every dozen seconds or so. He
could catch the calls of the advancing runner, and knew from their
increasing loudness that he was gradually getting closer.

Then, looking up, he saw a head projected over the brink above. He
could easily understand how "Just" Smith's eyes must have almost
started from their sockets when discovering the dreadful position of
the pair below; and especially after he had recognize