"I do not hear them," interrupted Leonard.
"Then you ought to. Are you quite devoid of imagination? Our hearts are rent by these appeals. We are not practised mountaineers, and are unable to render assistance. Therefore we hasten to the nearest village, and return with men and ropes to the rescue. But by that time it is too late."
"By that time," said Leonard, in a questioning tone, "they are dead?"
"By that time," repeated Dr. Peterssen, "they are dead. And"--with a steady look at Leonard--"of this fact we must convince ourselves before the introduction of other characters into the melancholy scene."
Dr. Peterssen rose to his feet, and cast sharp glances around.
"Not a person is in sight," said Leonard, watching his ruthless companion with curious eyes.
They stood perfectly still, all their senses on the alert.
"There is no doubt," said Dr. Peterssen, "that we are the only witnesses of the unhappy occurrence, and, thus far, safe. Now to make sure."
He divested himself of coat and waistcoat, and unwound a rope which he had adjusted round his waist.
"It is not very thick," he said, "nor very long, but it will help to steady us. See, I wind and fasten it about this slim trunk which providence has grown here to further our ends. Try it; you will find it quite secure."
"Yes, it can hardly get loosened of itself."
"The descent, as you will observe, is not very difficult after all. All that is required is steadiness and confidence. About 30 feet down--I reckon it is not more than that--you see a broad plateau of rock upon which half a dozen men can stand easily."
"But neither Gerald nor your patient is there."
"They have rolled over it, and we must ascertain their position, if it is possible to do so. Descend."
"Descend," repeated Dr. Peterssen, calmly. "I will follow you."
"Because, cherished idol of my soul, I do not trust you. You above and I below, you might easily finish me off, and have the game entirely in your own hands. You are quite safe with me, dear friend. It is to my advantage to keep you alive; I intend to get money out of you in the future. It would be to your advantage if I were in the same plight as our friends below, for then you would save the money you will have to pay me. Even as a lad I was distinguished for frankness. Descend."