'That will I,' said the girl, 'but I must have a light.'
'It is surely unsafe for you to attempt it.'
'Not at all. I have climbed it. I know what it is like. I have led you so far. I will go through with my enterprise. Let me have a lantern.'
One was passed to young Rattenbury.
Winefred stepped along the fringe of the rent till she reached its extreme limit.
'I can descend here in safety,' she said, 'but it is not easy work, and a heavy man might sink in the rubbish; see, I am over the edge already. When I am lower down I will light the lantern. It is a little difficult at first to descend, but it becomes easier farther down. Do not fear for me. I learned how to do it to-day—I mean yesterday: it is past midnight now. You shall follow me after you have lowered the casks.'
She disappeared into the black chasm. It made the heart of the young man stand still for a moment. He expected to hear a heavy fall. Then a white hand was extended out of it, and he let her take the lantern.
'Is there room for me also?' he asked.
'No; it is steep and narrow. Give me flint and steel.'
In another moment he saw a splutter of sparks, then a glow that brightened as the girl breathed on the ignited tinder. Finally came a burst of yellow flame. She had kindled the candle, and this she at once placed in the lantern.