d not say make
haste."

These orders were delivered in a low, rapid voice. The men proceeded at
once to obey them. At the same time Antoine and his comrade swung
themselves down the cliffs, and were instantly lost to view. The young
porter, whom he had named Rollo, was already going down the mountain at
a smart run, and Jacques was on the ice-slope wielding his axe with
ceaseless energy and effect, while Lawrence held the rope to which he
was attached, and descended the rude and giddy staircase behind him.

It was a terrible time for those who were left above in a state of
inaction and deep anxiety, but there was no help for it. They had to
content themselves with watching the rescue, and praying for success.

It was not long before the guide and porter reached the spot where poor
Lewis lay. He was not insensible, but a deadly pallor overspread his
scarred face, and the position in which he lay betokened utter
helplessness. He could scarcely speak, but whispered that he fancied he
was not so much hurt as might have been expected, and expressed wonder
at their having been so long in reaching him.

The guide spoke to him with the tenderness of a woman. He knew well how
severely the poor youth was injured, and handled him very delicately
while making such preliminary arrangements as were in his power. A few
drops of brandy and water were administered, the poor limbs were
arranged in a position of greater comfort, and the torn rags of clothing
wrapped round him.

Soon they were joined by Lawrence, who merely whispered a few kind
words, and proceeded at once to examine him. His chief anxiety was as
to the amount of skin that had been destroyed. The examination revealed
a terrible and bloody spectacle; over which we will draw a veil; yet
there was reason to believe that the amount of skin torn off and abraded
was not sufficient to cause death. Lawrence was comforted also by
finding that no bones appeared to have been broken.

Nothing could be done in the way of attempting a removal until the
return of Rollo with a litter. Fortunately this was not long of being
brought, for the young porter was active and willing, and Gaspard had
promptly accompanied him with men and materials for the rescue.

But it was a sad, slow, and painful process, to bear the poor youth's
frame from that savage gorge, and convey him on a litter, carried by
four men, over glaciers and down rugged mountain sides, even although
done by