In half an hour the raft was lying at the bottom of the cliff, and then several alterations were made. Chutney exchanged places with Forbes, and Sir Arthur, who found himself unequal to the task of pulling the heavy logs to the top of the cliff and dragging them along the summit, took the Greek's place, and went down to assist Chutney with the raft. Sir Arthur and Guy transferred themselves to the canoe as the raft grew smaller, and when the last log went up they noosed the rope about the center of the canoe itself and went up hand over hand and joined the others. The canoe was pulled up with some difficulty, and lowered to Guy, who allowed it to remain on the ledge, which, though narrow, was ten or twelve yards long. The baggage was next lowered, and then, one at a time, Bildad going first, they descended to the platform where Guy was awaiting them. Forbes was the last one down, and, with a dexterous jerk, he threw the hook loose from above, and it but narrowly missed their heads as it cleared the ledge and struck the ground. It was dragged back and hooked in place. The final descent was not free from accident, for the canoe slipped from the noose and fell with a crash, but with no other mishap all reached the solid earth, and with the casting off of the rope from the ledge was severed the last link that connected them with the underground lake and its horrors. CHAPTER XXXIII. A TERRIBLE RIDE. Their first act showed the true character of these brave men. "Let us thank God for our deliverance," said Guy solemnly, and kneeling on the wet sand--an example that was followed by all--he offered a simple and fervent prayer. Renewed hope was visible on their faces when they rose to their feet in the dim light of the torch. "We will put the raft together," said Guy, "and then have something to eat before we start." It was but a short distance to the water's edge, and by all working industriously the logs were soon lying on the sandy beach, and Forbes was fastening them together as before. Bildad, from the warmth of the rugs, watched these proceedings with a look of mute wonder on his dusky features. As soon as the raft was ready the baggage was placed on it. "Take the canoe along," said Forbes. "It is too badly shattered by the fall to use, but it will furnish us with torches and firewood." There was room to spare, so the boat was placed on one end of the raft, and then sitting on the sand they made a hearty meal of crackers and figs. "I don't admire the appearance of that river very much," remarked the colonel. "It comes through the cliff as though shot by a cannon. No wonder, though, when you think of the terrible pressure from above." "We will make up for lost time by rapid traveling, then," said Forbes.