Again and again I tried to reach it, until at length, maddened with the thought of my situation, I swayed myself violently by striking my foot against the side of the rock, and at the instant that I approached the large root caught desperately at it, and transferred myself to it. It vibrated violently under the sudden weight, but fortunately did not give way.
? ? ? ? My brain grew dizzy with the idea of the frightful risk I had just run, and I involuntarily closed my eyes to shut out the view of the depth beneath me. For the instant I was safe, and I uttered a devout ejaculation of thanksgiving for my escape.
? ? ? ? "Pretty well done," shouted Toby underneath me; "you are nimbler than I thought you to be- hopping about up there from root to root like any young squirrel. As soon as you have diverted yourself sufficiently, I would advise you to proceed."
? ? ? ? "Ay, ay, Toby, all in good time: two or three more such famous roots as this, and I shall be with you."
? ? ? ? The residue of my downward progress was comparatively easy; the roots were in greater abundance, and in one or two places jutting out points of rock assisted me greatly. In a few moments I was standing by the side of my companion.
? ? ? ? Substituting a stout stick for the one I had thrown aside at the top of the precipice, we now continued our course along the bed of the ravine.
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