Bet's mind was clear. She heard once more Joy's faint cry in the distance and knew that it depended on her to rescue her friend. The empty hand clutched and found another tough root, and slowly, now, she brought first one foot then the other to the ledge. She was saved! But would she reach Joy in time?
With greater caution she crept the few feet along that treacherous path until she came close above Joy's head.
"Hold on, Joy, don't give up! I'll help you in a minute." Bet encouraged her.
Working desperately, Bet got to her feet and clung there. It was the only hope for Joy. The rain had ceased to pour down in such a torrent, and Bet could now see her friend clinging to that slender plant. Leaning over as far as she dared, she dropped the loop over Joy's head and shoulders.
"Joy dear," she called. "Put one arm inside the loop, quick!"
Joy heard and understood. She let go with one hand. There was a shriek, a groan, a shower of rocks descended as Joy slipped down that steep wall.
For Bet, everything went black. She grew faint and closed her eyes, then suddenly pulled herself together, and looked over.
The rope was taut. It had held.
A second shower of rocks came from the trail, started by the sudden jerk on the saddle. The horse pawed the ground in an effort to keep its footing.
It held. And Bet gripped the stirrup with her foot and drew on the rope.