Eric's courage supported the other two. "There's no good thinking about it," said he, "jump we must; the sooner the better. We can but be a little hurt at the worst. Here, I'll set the example."
He drew back a step or two, and sprang out with all his force. He was a practised and agile jumper, and, to their great relief, he alighted near the water's edge, on the other side, where, after slipping once or twice on the wet and seaweed-covered rocks, he effected a safe landing, with no worse harm than a wetting up to the knees.
"Now then, you too," he shouted; "no time to lose."
"Will you jump first, Monty?" said Russell; "both of you are better jumpers than I, and to tell the truth I'm rather afraid."
"Then I won't leave you," said Montagu; "we'll both stay here."
"And perhaps be drowned or starved for our pains No, Monty, you can clear it, I've no doubt."
"Couldn't we try to swim it together, Edwin?"
"Madness! look there." And as he spoke, a huge furious wave swept down the whole length of the gulf by which they stood, roaring and surging along till the whole water seethed, and tearing the seaweeds from their roots in the rock.
"Now's your time," shouted Eric again. "What are you waiting for? For God's sake, jump before another wave comes."
"Monty, you must jump now," said Russell, "if only to help me when I try."