"Will you jump first, Monty?" said Russell; "both of you are better jumpers than I, and to tell the truth, I'm rather afraid." "Then I won't leave you," said Montagu; "we'll both stay here." "And perhaps be drowned or starved for our pains. No, Monty, _you_ can clear it, I've no doubt." "Couldn't we try to swim it together, Edwin?" "Madness! look there." And as he spoke, a huge furious wave swept down the entire length of the gulf, by which he stood, roaring and surging along till the whole water seethed, and tearing the seaweeds from their roots in the rock. "Now's your time," shouted Eric again. "What _are_ you waiting for? For God's sake, jump before another wave comes." "Monty, you _must_ jump now," said Russell, "if only to help me when I try." Montagu went back as far as he could, which was only a few steps, and leapt wildly forward. He lighted into deep water, nearly up to his neck, and at first tried in vain to secure a footing on the sharp slippery schist; but, after a complete ducking, he stumbled forwards vigorously, and in half a minute, Eric leaning out as far as he could, caught his hand, and just pulled him to the other side in time to escape another rush of tumultuous and angry foam. "Now, Edwin," they both shouted, "it'll be too late in another minute. Jump for your life." Russell stood on the rock pale and irresolute. Once or twice he prepared to spring, and stopped from fear at the critical instant. In truth, the leap was now most formidable; to clear it was hopeless; and the fury of the rock-tormented waves rendered the prospect of a swim on the other side terrible to contemplate. Once in the grasp of one of those billows, even a strong man must have been carried out of the narrow channel, and hurled against the towering sweep of rocks which lay beyond it. "O Edwin, Edwin--dear Edwin--do jump!" cried Eric with passionate excitement. "We will rush in for you."