Then came the priest, for Iberville, battered as he was, would not stir until the abbe had gone up--a stout strain on the rope.

Fortunately there were clefts and fissures in the wall, which could be used in the ascent.

De Casson had consented to go first, chiefly because he wished to gratify the still youthful pride of Iberville, who thought the soldier should see the priest into safety.
Iberville himself came up slowly, for he was stiff and his limbs were shaking.

His clothes were in tatters, and his fine face was like that of a warrior defaced by swords.
But he refused to be carried, and his first care was for the boy, who had received no mortal injury.
"You have saved the boy, Pierre," said the priest, in a low voice.
"Self-abasing always, dear abbe; you saved us both.

By heaven, but the king lost a great man in you!" "Hush! Mere brawn, Pierre....