"You're mighty lucky you're here to tell us about it," said Biff.
"I'll say I am! I just managed to grab that root growing out of the side of the cliff and I hung there until I thought my arms would be pulled out of their sockets. I thought I'd never be able to hold on until you found me."
"It was quite a while before we missed you."
"At any rate, I couldn't have held on, but I managed to find that ledge and got my feet on it. That rested me. I was certainly glad when I heard you fellows shouting for me."
Recovering somewhat from their grueling experience, Frank and Joe Hardy got to their feet.
"Let's run for it," suggested Chet. "We're drenched to the skin, as it is, but I don't want to stay out in this storm any longer than I have to."
With one accord, the boys resumed their journey over the rocks. This time no one lagged behind. For safety's sake they stayed close together and well away from the verge of the cliff.
In a short time Frank gave a cry of delight.
"The ravine!" he yelled.
Through the pouring rain, just a few yards ahead, they discerned a deep cut in the rocks.