"Distinctly, dearest; but I am so frightened!"
"Pull up this ladder softly and hook the irons on to the rim of the balcony."
"Blast that dawg!" growled Caudel, "dummed if I don't think he smells us."
The ladder went rising into the air.
"It is hooked, Herbert."
"All right, Caudel, swing off upon the end of it—test it, and then aloft with you for mercy's sake!"
The three metal rungs held the ropes bravely stretched apart. The seaman sprang, and the ladder held as though it had been the shrouds of a man-of-war.
"Now, Caudel, you are a seaman—you must do the rest," said I.
He had removed his boots, and, mounting with cat-like agility, gained the balcony; then taking my sweetheart in his arms he lifted her over the rail and lowered her with his powerful arms until her little feet were half-way down the ladder. She uttered one or two faint exclamations, but was happily too frightened to cry out.
"Now, Mr. Barclay," hoarsely whispered Caudel, "you kitch hold of her, sir."