But the Power that had supported Montrose before supported him now, and
he felt singularly clear-headed and strong. Slowly but surely he dropped
down the face of the precipice and finally alighted gently on the
projecting spur of rock. Very cautiously he looped a twist of the rope
round Enistor's body, knotting it to himself, for the least mistake
would have tumbled both from the insecure foothold. As it was the spur
trembled and vibrated dangerously under the added weight of Montrose,
even though he was greatly supported by the line. However he managed to
bind the Squire's insensible body to himself, then gave the signal to be
drawn up. The coastguards made sure that the rope was safely attached to
the rock, and then, hoping that it would not give way under the strain,
they began to haul up the two men. With one arm round Enistor, who was
bound more or less tightly to him by the rope, Montrose assisted as best
he could with the arm left free and with his feet. But it was a perilous
journey, and the two men above, as well as Montrose, heaved sighs of
relief when willing hands dragged rescuer and rescued into safety.
Notwithstanding the immense strain to which he had been subjected, the
young man still felt able to deal with the situation. "Have you any
brandy?" he asked the nearest man, as the three of them looked down at
the insensible body.
"Yes, sir," and a flask was handed over.
Montrose knelt and forced the clenched teeth apart to pour down the
ardent spirit. The Squire still lived, for his heart was beating
faintly, but his face was woefully scratched, his head was bruised, and
the mackintosh he wore was ripped to shreds by the tearing and rending
of the rocks and shrubs which he had struck during his fall. That he was
alive was a miracle, and so the bluff coastguards thought as they held
the lanterns for Montrose to do his office of mercy. They respected the
young hero intensely for what he had done, as few men would have dared
the perils of such a descent in the stormy gloom of the night. But they
did not know how truly heroic Montrose had been in saving the life of
one who could condemn him to a shameless death for a deed he had never
committed. Montrose himself did not consider the action further, being
wholly occupied in aiding Enistor to recover his senses. What he had
done he had done. There was no more to be said.
"Better?" asked the young man softly, when Enistor feebly opened his
eyes to stare into the pale face bending over him.
"What's the--the matter?" murmured the broken man faintly.
"You fell over the cliff. Hush, don't talk. Take some brandy: you will
be all right soon."
"No! I think--I think--my back--broken," the voice died away in a drawl
of exhaustion and the eyes closed. With a last effort they opened again,
and Enistor asked a question. "Who saved me?"
"I did!"