Placing a torch in each pocket, Forbes began the ascent, and speedily reached the top. The colonel followed with equal dexterity.
"All right?" called the Greek.
"Yes," replied Chutney; "all right. We will return as soon as possible. If anything happens fire your gun."
Guy lit a torch, and the glare revealed only the narrow ledge on which they stood. Beneath and overhead was empty space.
They paused a moment to listen to the sound of the running water.
"It is far beneath us," said the colonel; "possibly a hundred feet, but it is the outlet of the lake, I am sure. Upon my word, Chutney, I believe we will get out of this scrape yet."
"Come on," said Guy briefly; and he led the way along the narrow path.
They traveled in silence for five minutes, until the light from the raft had nearly vanished, and then Guy halted suddenly. A wall of rock, steep and smooth, prevented further advance.
"Come, let us go back," he said; they retraced their steps until they were near the starting point.
Under foot were loose fragments of stone. Guy picked up one of these and tossed it over the edge. A faint splash was distinctly heard a few seconds later.