“Yes, sir,” came in chorus.
“And we shan’t get in a tangle this time, sir, I hope,” said Gedge.
“I hope not, my lad. Up with you, then.”
There were no preparations to make; nothing to do but for the two officers to get their man face upward between them, and stand ready while Bracy and Gedge followed suit with theirs.
“Ready?” said Roberts. “Count ten after we’ve started, and then follow.”
As soon as he had spoken he gave Drummond a nod, and they stepped among the rocks to the swift water, bent down, and, as they lowered themselves in, the strong current seized them, as it were, their helpless companion was drawn out, and away they went as fast as a horse could have trotted, down what was a veritable water-slide.
“Now, my lad,” cried Bracy as Gedge, at a signal, went on counting the ten slowly. “Keep a good heart. We won’t leave you.”
“All right, sir;” said the man, drawing a deep breath.
“Nine—ten!” counted Gedge.
“Off!” cried Bracy, but checked himself for a moment, startled by the noise of the ragged volley which was fired from the enemy’s bank as soon as they caught sight of the three heads gliding down the stream.