“He’s probably there,” I said, and feeling that my words had sounded rather half-hearted.
Brent started for the narrow ledge and I followed slowly, so as to keep a safe distance between us. Neither spoke until we were safe on firm ground again.
I laughed nervously as I scooped and brushed the oozy green scum from my clothes. The stuff was thick all along the ledge. Brent did the same. And we both realized it had been a risky jump across that yawning chasm.
In a self-congratulatory mood for our good fortune, we moved simultaneously toward the edge of the precipice and looked over. Almost instantly Brent gave my arm a painful jerk and drew back.
“Heavens!” he cried, hoarsely. “Look what’s down there!” His head was turned toward mine but his hand was outstretched and I followed the line of his pointed finger.
Down in the gully, lying face downward and partly immersed in the swift mountain brook was the form of a man.
CHAPTER XXII—TOM
“It can’t be—I began.
“It must be!” Brent exclaimed, his voice quivering.
“Tom?” I asked, in a voice that sounded not like my own. Brent nodded.