Without questioning his purpose, both raised the cashmeres from their shoulders, and held them out to him.
“A plan has occurred to me,” said he, taking out his knife, and cutting the costly fabric into strips. “I did not think of it before. By the help of these I may get you up the cliff.”
The shawls were soon separated into several bands. These he knotted together so as to form a long, narrow festoonery.
With eager hands the young ladies assisted him in the operation.
“Now?” he said, as soon as the junction was completed; “by this I can draw you up, one by one. Who first?”
“Go, cousin!” said she of the dark eyes; “you are lightest. It will be easier for him in the trial.”
As there was no time for either ceremony or dispute, Cornelia accepted the suggestion. The stranger could have no choice.
The shawl-rope was carefully adjusted around her waist, then with equal care fastened to his. Thus linked, they commenced climbing the cliff.
Though difficult for both, the scaling proved successful; and the young girl stood unharmed upon the summit.
She made no demonstration of joy. Her cousin was still below—still in danger!