These fears were not all imaginary. Finding the ground very uneven on a sudden, and stumbling dangerously myself, I stood still—I did not hear my companion!—I called—I received no answer! I repeated, in a louder tone, 'Clarke! Where are you?'—Still no answer!
I then shouted, with all the fear that I felt, and heard a faint response, that seemed to be beneath me, and at a prodigious distance. It terrified; yet it relieved. We had spoken not three minutes before. I stood silent, in hopes he would speak again: but my fears were too violent to remain so long. I once more called; and he replied, with rather a louder voice which lessened the apparent distance, 'Take care! You'll dash yourself to pieces!'
'Are you hurt?' said I.
'I hope not much,' returned he. 'For God's sake take care of yourself!'
'Can you walk?'
'I shall be able presently, I believe.'
'How can I get to you?'
'I don't know.'
'Stay where you are, and I will try.'
'For God in heaven's sake don't! You'll certainly break your neck! I suppose I am in a chalk pit, or at the bottom of a steep crag.'