“I’m afraid it’s of no use, Fred. The only way is for one of us to let the other down with the rope, and the one who goes down to call for help.”
“But why not both go down?”
“Because there is nowhere to fasten the rope; and, after it slipped as it did just now, I should not like to venture.”
“That was with your tying. You wait till I’ve found a place.”
There did not seem much risk of a fall after Fred’s securing of the rope, for the simple reason that he was not likely to tie it. Everywhere, as they searched, they found smooth rock without a projection, or shivering shaley slate, which crumbled down at a touch, and, at last, Fred gave up with a sigh of despair.
“It’s of no use,” he said. “One of us must go down and try the mouth of the cave. I don’t want to, but I will go if you’ll hold the rope.”
“I feel so much afraid of not being strong enough, that I ought to go, and let you.”
“Let’s have a look, and see if we can make out what it’s like first,” said Fred; and, creeping cautiously to the edge, he lay down, and peered over, Scarlett following his example, and looking into the gloom beneath from close by his side.
“Looks very horrible,” said Fred; “but I suppose it’s because it’s so dark. I don’t believe it would be anything to mind, if it was so light we could see clearly.”
“Perhaps not,” replied Scarlett, gloomily; “but then, it is dark; and how dreadful the water sounds as it rushes into the mouth of the cave!”