"Now let yourself down, Figgins," cried Jack; "drop straight and steady."
Figgins tried his best to obey.
When he let go the branch, it rebounded with a force that threw him out of the perpendicular, and instead of landing upon the mule's back, he fell and landed on the bed of stinging nettles.
The orphan roared lustily—as indeed well he might—for, besides being shaken by the fall, the pain he soon felt in every portion of his frame exposed to the nettles was excruciating.
When the party emerged from the forest, a scene of unusual beauty broke upon their vision.
"This is a charming spot," observed Harkaway.
"And just the thing for a picnic," added Harry. "I vote we halt under those trees and begin operations."
Hampers were then unpacked, bottles uncorked, and application made to a pure stream of water which flowed near the spot.
At length all was ready.
Poor orphan, the first mouthful he took seemed to consist of cayenne pepper.