Being assured that she was then quite safe in her
position, I took hold of the higher part of the climbing line and
with its assistance scaled the crag.
When I reached the top I gave Thora the signal, and by hauling the
rope up with all my strength I helped her to ascend. It was a long
time ere I felt sure that she was safe, but at last I heard her
call out that she was all right, and I stretched my hand down to
her. She took hold of it, and I assisted her until she stepped once
more upon the soft turf, and then, still holding her hand, I led
her home, deeply thankful that our adventure had ended without
fatality.
Chapter XXVII. A Family Misfortune.
I must now tell you what happened on that afternoon while I was
away from my sheep, neglecting my work, and seeking useless
adventure in the North Gaulton cave. But I must go back to record a
conversation that took place at Lyndardy on that same morning, so
that you may understand the gravity of the misfortune which was the
result of my neglect.
We were sitting over our early breakfast, my mother, Jessie, and I,
discussing the family resources for the coming winter--a subject
that had given us much anxiety since the death of my father and
uncle. Our concern was intensified by the fact that our harvest had
not turned out so fruitful as had been anticipated; for the oats
were light in the grain and the potatoes diseased; and the expenses
incurred for repairs and improvements on the farm, had well-nigh
exhausted the ready money that had been left by my father or
procured by the sale of the small boat and various articles of
furniture from the old home.
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