“‘No, not much,’ said Billy, as we reached him by one of the loopholes in the stone wall. ‘Got some skin off, and a bit bruised.’
“‘Why, we thought you were half killed,’ we said.
“‘Not I,’ he replied, gruffly; ‘the rope caught over one of the crockets, and that broke my fall a bit.’
“‘Going to try again?’ said Joey, with a sneer.
“‘No, I aint going to try again, neither,’ said Billy gruffly. ‘I left the rope up at the top there, thinking you were so clever you’d like to go.’
“‘Oh, I could do it if I liked,’ said Joey.
“‘Only you daren’t,’ said Bill, rubbing his elbows, and putting his lips to his bleeding knuckles.
“‘Daren’t I?’ said Joey.
“Without another word he pushed by Billy, and went on steadily up towards the top of the tower.
“‘I hope he’ll like it,’ said Billy, chuckling. ‘It aint so easy as he thinks. Let’s go down. I’m a good bit shook, and want a drop of brandy.’