Then Jack leaped into the chasm and vanished.
The men looked at each other.
Said one to his mate, 'I think I shall slip over the downs.'
'Ay,' said a second. 'I had rather risk the chance of running into the mouths of the sharks than go down yonder.'
'And I,' said a third, 'shall turn into the straw in Bindon barn, and lie there till daylight. I am not disposed to go underground without the assistance of the undertaker.'
'We have our orders,' said one of the young Nutalls.
'That's right, my boy,' spoke old David. 'Follow me,' and he went over the side.
Jack Rattenbury descended step by step in the darkness. It was a difficult and dangerous downward climb, to be executed only with extreme caution, but he achieved it.
He had, not, however, reached the bottom before he was greeted by Winefred, who had taken the lantern and held it so as to assist him.