It did reach, with many fathoms to spare; so it was quickly hauled up and recoiled again.
A bight was now made at one end, and into this brave Frank quickly, and with sailor-like precision, hitched himself.
"Lower away now, men. Gently does it. Draw most carefully up as soon as I shout. When poor Conal is drawn to bank, lower again for me."
Next minute Frank had disappeared over the brink of the abyss, and was quickly and safely landed beneath.
He approached the bundle of rugs with a heart that never before felt so brimful of anguish and doubt.
And now he carefully draws aside the coverings. A pale face, white and hard, half-open eyes, and a pained look about the lowered brows and drawn lips.
Is there hope?
Frank will not permit himself even to ask the question.
But speedily he forms a strong hammock with one of the rugs. Not a sailor's knot ever made that this boy is not well acquainted with. And now, after making sure that all is secure, he signals, and five minutes after this the body is got to bank without a single hitch.
Then while two men, with Captain Talbot and Duncan, commence operations on the stiff and apparently frozen body, the others lower away again, and presently after Frank's young and earnest face is seen above the snow-rift.