They saw the drivers fasten the rope to the sled, and let it down the slope.

It was light, and the runners were wide.

It did not sink much, but slid down quite rapidly.

Once or twice it stuck, but by jerking it back it was detached, and went on as before.

At last it reached the precipice at a point not more than a hundred feet from where the stranger had last appeared.
And now as they sat there, reduced once more to the uttermost extremity of suspense, they saw a sight which sent a thrill of rapture through their aching hearts.