For the Zigzag started off as a fair enough chalk path, but in a few paces narrowed down till it was but a whiter thread against the grey-white cliff-face, and afterwards turned sharply back, crossing a hundred feet direct above our heads.

And then I smelt an evil stench, and looking about, saw the blown-out carcass of a rotting sheep lie close at hand.
'Faugh,' said Elzevir, 'tis a poor beast has lost his foothold.' It was an ill omen enough, and I said as much, beseeching him to make his own way up the Zigzag and leave me where I was, for that they might have mercy on a boy.
'Tush!' he cried; 'it is thy heart that fails thee, and 'tis too late now to change counsel.

We have fifteen minutes yet to win or lose with, and if we gain the cliff-top in that time we shall have an hour's start, or more, for they will take all that to search the under-cliff.

And Maskew, too, will keep them in check a little, while they try to bring the life back to so good a man.

But if we fall, why, we shall fall together, and outwit their cunning.