THE SIIORES OF BRTTATX. 109 



earth, from which he lowered himself. One day, 

 having found such a cavern as I have mentioned, he 

 imprudently disengaged the rope from his body, and 

 entered the cave with the end of it in his hand. In 

 the eagerness of collecting, however, he slipped his 

 hold of the rope, which immediately swung out 

 several yards beyond his reach. The poor man was 

 struck with horror ; no soul was within hearing, nor 

 was it possible to make his voice heard in such a 

 position ; the edge of the cliff so projected that 

 he never could be seen from the top, even if any 

 one were to look for him; death seemed inevitable, 

 and he felt the hopelessness of his situation. lie 

 remained many hours in a state bordering on stupe- 

 faction; at length he resolved to make one effort, 

 which, if unsuccessful, mast be fatal. Having com- 



if O 



mended himself to God, he rashe 1 to the margin 

 of the cave and sprang into the air, providentially 

 succeeded in grasping the pendulous rope, and was 

 saved. 



Sometimes it is thought preferable to make the 

 attempt from below : in this case, several approach 

 the base in a boat; and the most dexterous, bearing;; 

 a line attached to his body, essays to climb, assisted 

 by his comrades, who push him from below with 

 a pole. When he has gained a place where he can 

 stand firmly, he draws up another with his rope, 

 and then another, until all are up, except one left 

 to manage the boat. They then proceed in exactly 

 the same manner to 2:ain a limner sta^e, the first 

 climbing and then drawing up the others : and thus 

 they ascend till they arrive at the level of the birds, 



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