think she could do it if we lifted her out; but it looks awful
dangerous; I should be afraid.'

'I'm not a bit afraid,' said Betty sturdily.

'You wait till you're once out. I dare you to do it!' And Douglas
danced up and down in delight at the coming excitement.

Not a doubt entered Betty's head as to the right or wrong of such an
escapade; her impulsive little soul was longing to prove to her brother
her ability in climbing, and audacious as she was in daring feats, this
seemed to be a test of her powers. The garret window was opened; it
was in the roof, so Betty had no difficulty in climbing out and
standing in the gutter, which ran right round the house. Then slowly
and carefully, in sight of the four admiring faces at the window, she
commenced her perilous walk. Steadying herself by leaning with one
hand on the sloping roof at her right, Betty walked triumphantly on
till she reached the corner of the house; here she hesitated.

'Come back,' called out Molly; 'you can't turn the corner!'

'I dare you to go on!' naughty Douglas cried excitedly.

There was breathless silence; but others besides the little inmates of
the garret were watching this feat in horror. Two gentlemen were
walking leisurely through the meadow in front of the house.

'What on earth is that on the roof, Stuart? Not a child, surely!'

'A child it is; good heavens! It's one of my hopeful nieces; she'll be
dashed to pieces to a certainty! Come on, St. Clair; only don't make a
row!'

They reached the house as Betty was in the act of turning the corner.
For a moment the little figure swayed outwardly, and Captain Stuart
quite expected that moment to be Betty's last; but she recovered her
balance most miraculously, accomplished the turn successfully, and went
steadily on till she reached the pear tree.

Both gentlemen remained perfectly silent, knowing that a start might
produce a false step, and they watched her descent to the ground now
with less anxiety. Half-way down had Betty got, when there was a
rushing sound of feet, and nurse, with a scream of horror appeared on
the scene.

Betty's nerves gave way; she placed her foot on a rotten branch, which
broke under her; her hands relaxed their hold. Another scream from
nurse, echoed by Mrs. Giles behind her, and the child fell heavily, but
safely, into her uncle's arms below.

CHAPTER XII

Uncle Harry's Friend

'There's a pretty welcome for a tired man who wants his di