“Aunt Ruby,” exclaimed Topsie suddenly, “if one could only reach yon outlet above, one would be safe.”
“Mere mockery, Topsie, to mention it,” replied Lady Vane almost reprovingly. “Who amongst us could scale that terrible face? One false step, and we should be precipitated into the icy waters of this lake, and dashed to pieces against yon fallen rock.”
“Yet we shall die of a worse death if we remain here,” persisted the young girl, in whose face shone the light of a high resolve taken. “Listen, Aunt Ruby, listen, Uncle Francis. Why should not one of us make the attempt? If we reached the top we could descend the precipice to the raft by one of those giant creepers. It was up and down them that our old uncle told us the demons passed to and fro to the cave. Then, with the help of some lassos made firm to yon trees above, and let down here, the whole lot of us could escape. Let me try and make the attempt. You know you always said I could scale rocks better than my brother and cousins. What is the good of perfecting oneself in anything, if at a moment like this, one does not try and turn it to good use? Let me try, at any rate. I believe that if perfect silence were enjoined, and with God’s great help, I might find a way to the top. Anyhow, I can but try.”
Brave Topsie. Yet in face of this courageous proposal, this high resolve, so modestly and quietly put, there are many who still presume to train the boy up to believe himself the girl’s superior in daring, skill, strength, and physical activity. It is a false and unnatural idea, one to which the beautiful, athletic girl gave the lie direct, as she stood there prepared to face a violent death, in a great effort to save the lives of her companions in misfortune.
Yet why was Topsie plucky and strong, the equal, nay, the superior, of her brother? Because she had been given fair play. Equal opportunities had been meted out to her in all things possible, where not denied by law. There stood the result, justifying the plea in favour of giving perfect equality to the boy and girl in their bringing up, and their mental and physical education.
Who shall gauge the thoughts of Sir Francis Vane as he saw before him the noble result of his efforts to give Topsie the same fair play as that which had been meted out to her brother? Yes, who? Large tears sprung to his eyes, as he laid his hand on the shoulder of his undaunted niece.
“My dearest child,” he said, and his voice trembled. “Who shall refuse your brave offer? Not I. Say a prayer to God, and try your best, and may the great and good God protect you.”
But Harry sprung forward and threw his arms around his sister’s neck. He could not bear to see her go from him to risk her life, even in the fearful situation in which they were placed.
“Let me go, Topsie,” he cried pleadingly. “You are worth a dozen of myself. Let me have the first try.”
“No, dear,” she answered firmly. “Uncle Francis has given me leave, and I mean to try. I think, Harry, I can do it. I am a good climber, you know, and I am strong. Pray to God that I may succeed.”