He was evidently dizzy, and in pain; and they noticed that he only seemed to use one foot.
While he was regaining the ledge, neither of the boys spoke, lest their voices should startle him, and make him fall; but now, they both cried out, "Are you hurt, Edwin ?" He did not answer, but supported his pale face on one hand, while he put the other to his head, from which the blood was flowing fast.
"O Edwin, for the love of God, try once more," said Montagu; "you will die if you spend the night on that rock." They could not catch the reply, and called again.

The wind and waves were both rising fast, and it was only by listening intently, that they caught the faint words, "I can't, my leg is hurt." Besides, they both saw that a jump was no longer possible; the channel was more than double the width which it had been when Eric leaped, and from the rapid ascent of rocks on both sides, it was now far out of depth.
"O God, what can we do," said Montagu, bursting into tears.

"We can never save him; and all but the very top of the Stack is covered at high tide." Eric had not lost his presence of mind.

"Cheer up, Edwin," he shouted; "I _will_ get back to you somehow.

If I fail, crawl up to the top again." Again the wind carried away the reply, and Russell had sunk back on the rock.
"Monty," said Eric, "just watch for a minute or two.