THE SHORES OF BRITAIN. 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 inévitable, 
and he felt the hopelessness of his situation. He 
remained many hours in a state bordering on stupe- 
faction; at length he resolved to make one effort, 
which, if unsuccessful, must be fatal. Having com- 
mended himself to God, he rushed 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 gain a higher stage, the first 
climbing and then drawing up the others: and thus 
they ascend till they arrive at the level of the birds, 
K 
