t I did that o' purpose," came from
below.

"Where are you?"

"Sitting straddling on a big bit o' bush."

"Where? I can't see you."

"Here, all right. 'Tarn't ten foot, it's about five and twenty--

"`De-riddle-lol-de-ri.'"

"Jem, we must climb back. It is too risky."

"No, we mustn't, Mas' Don; and it arn't a bit too risky. Come along,
and I'll wait for you."

Don hesitated for a minute, and then continued his descent, which seemed
to grow more perilous each moment.

"Say, Mas' Don," cried Jem cheerily, "what a chance for them birds.
Couldn't they dig their bills into us now!"

"Don't talk so, Jem. I can't answer you."

"Must talk, my lad. Them fern things is as rotten as mud. Don't you
hold on by them. Steady! Steady!"

"Yes. Slipped a little."

"Well, then, don't slip a little. What's your hands for?

"`There was a man in Bristol city,
Fol de rol de--'"

"Say, Mas' Don, think there's any monkeys here?"

"No, no."

"'Cause how one o' they would scramble down this precipit. Rather
pricky, arn't it?"

"Yes; don't talk so."

"All right!

"`De-riddle-liddle-lol.'

"I'm getting on first rate now, Mas' Don--I say."

"Yes!"

"No press-gang waiting for us down at the bottom here, Mas' Don?"

"Can you manage it, Jem?"

"Can I manage it? Why, in course I can. How are you getting on?"

Don did not reply, but drew a long breath, as he slowly descended the
perilous natural ladder, which seemed interminable.

They were now going down pretty close together, and nearly on a level,
presence and example giving to each nerve and endurance to perform the
task.

"Steady, dear lad, steady!" cried Jem suddenly, as there was a sharp
crack and a slip.

"Piece I was resting on gave way," said Don hoarsely, as he hung at the
full length of his arms, vainly trying to get a resting-place for his
feet.

Jem grasped the position in an instant, but remained perfectly cool.

"Don't kick, Mas' Don."

"But I can't hang here long, Jem."

"Nobody wants you to, my lad. Wait a minute, and I'll be under you, and
set you right.

"`There was a man in Bristol city,'"

he sang cheerily, as he struggled sidewise. "`Fol de--' I say, Mas'
Don, he was a clever one, but I believe this here would ha' bothered
him. It's hold on by your eyelids one minute, and wish you was a fly
next."

"Jem."

"Hullo, lad?"

"If I let go and dropped, how far should I fall?"

"'Bout two foot ten," said