nd seated themselves on a comparatively thin projecting ledge of
snow which overhung the crevasse. Thus they remained for some time
enjoying themselves, with death, as it were, waiting for them
underneath! What rendered their position more critical was the great
heat of the day, which, whatever might be the strength of the sustaining
ledge, was reducing its bulk continually.

After having sketched for some time, the artist thought it advisable to
see as far down into the crevasse as possible, in order to put in the
point of the longest icicle. The better to do this, he unwound his rope
from his waist and flung it on the ice by his side, while he lay down on
his breast and looked over the edge. Still he did not perceive the
danger of his position, and went on sketching diligently in this awkward
attitude.

Now it was a melancholy fact that Master Gillie's interest in art or
science was short-lived, though keen. He soon tired of watching his
companion, and began to look about him with a view to mischief. Not
seeing anything specially suggestive, he thought of aiding the
operations of nature by expediting the descent of some neighbouring
boulders from their positions on ice-blocks. He intimated his intention
to Slingsby, but the artist was too much engrossed to give heed to him.
Just as he was rising, Gillie's eye fell on the rope, and a happy
thought struck him. To carry striking thoughts into immediate execution
was a marked feature of the boy's character. He observed that one end
of the rope was attached to Mr Slingsby's belt. Taking up the hook at
the other end, he went with it towards a large boulder, drawing the rope
after him with extreme care, for fear of arousing his companion by a
tug. He found that, when fully stretched, it was just long enough to
pass round the rock. Quickly fastening it, therefore, by means of the
hook, he walked quietly away.

He did not exhibit much excitement while doing this. It was, after all,
but a trifling jest in his esteem, as the only result to be hoped for
would be the giving of a surprise by the little tug which might perhaps
be experienced by the artist on rising.

Thereafter, Gillie sent innumerable ice-blocks to premature destruction,
and enjoyed the work immensely for a time, but, having exploratory
tendencies, he soon wandered about among obelisks and caverns until he
found himself underneath the ice-cliff on which his friend was seated.
Then, as he looked up