They stood perfectly still, all their senses on the alert.
"There is no doubt," said Dr. Peterssen, "that we are the only witnesses of the unhappy occurrence, and, thus far, safe. Now to make sure."
He divested himself of coat and waistcoat, and unwound a rope which he had adjusted round his waist.
"It is not very thick," he said, "nor very long, but it will help to steady us. See, I wind and fasten it about this slim trunk which providence has grown here to further our ends. Try it; you will find it quite secure."
"Yes, it can hardly get loosened of itself."
"The descent, as you will observe, is not very difficult after all. All that is required is steadiness and confidence. About 30 feet down--I reckon it is not more than that--you see a broad plateau of rock upon which half a dozen men can stand easily."
"But neither Gerald nor your patient is there."
"They have rolled over it, and we must ascertain their position, if it is possible to do so. Descend."
"Descend!" cried Leonard, retreating.
"Descend," repeated Dr. Peterssen, calmly. "I will follow you."