“Dreadful daring!
“If he should attempt to stoop, he has nothing to take hold on.
“Nothing was within reach beneath him but a long, smooth, naked spar, which even then bent with his weight.
“Any attempt to get down with the child would be almost certain death.
“He would lose his balance and be dashed to pieces!
“Such was the nature of the thoughts of everyone on board, as they gazed at the adventurous youth up aloft.
“The parents of the child were now almost frantic.
“They had to be led into the cabin, for they were well-nigh crazed with fear.
“What was to be done?
“No one dared to go up after him, for the spar even now bent under his weight.