But the dread passed away as quickly as it had come. He tore off another of the shingles to widen the opening, and shouted down into the shed:
“Come on, then. Come on.”
Already the hounds were growing savage in their disappointment, and baying and growling with tremendous clamour, as they kept on leaping over each other and dropping back.
But at the words of encouragement from above one of them awoke to the fact that there was a step all ready in the darkness, and, leaping upon it, the great creature reached up, got its paws on the sides of the opening, scrambled through without help from Nic, as he sat on the roof, and leaped down.
That was enough; the others followed quickly, and the next minute Pete was up, seated by Nic’s side, the dogs now leaping at them from below, barking loudly.
“Hurt?” panted Nic.
“Not a bit. Durst us jump down?”
“We must,” cried Nic firmly; and, shouting to the dogs, he lowered himself down, dropped to the ground, and was followed by Pete.
“Hie on, boys! Forward, then!” cried Nic, as the dogs leaped and bounded around him, and he began to trot away from the river.
“Which way?” said Pete, who was as excited now as his companion.