‘No wake him. Eddy very tired. He carried me long way.’
‘Then, I’ll take you home and come back for him,’ said Wal. ‘Give me a kiss, little one.’
She put up her face and he kissed her tenderly. Then he took her up in his arms and carried her as gently as possible over the rocks back towards the rope. Tired and worn out, the child was soon fast asleep.
‘That’s well,’ said Wal Jessop as he hurried on; ‘she’ll not be frightened as we are hauled up. There’ll be something for Mary to do here. We’ve no young one of our own. Perhaps we are to have this one from the sea. We’ll see about it when the lad can tell us all.’
When Wal Jessop reached the rope he gave a loud hallo, and held up the sleeping child. He could hear the ringing cheers from those on the top.
Having made the rope fast and tied the child firmly round the waist, he gave the signal to haul up, and soon reached the top without any mishap.
‘Here, lass, there’s a present for you,’ said Wal, as he laid the sleeping child in his wife’s arms.
Mary Jessop kissed it fondly, and could find no words to express her feelings.
‘There’s a lad down yonder,’ said Wal Jessop. ‘I must go back for him. You take the child home, Mary. I’ll not be long. There’s no danger. It’s a safe trip. I’ve been once, and I know the way. Now, lads, lower me down again, and we’ll soon have the young fellow up here. He’s a fine-looking chap, and I’m glad I’m the one to rescue him. Lower away, boys!’