But now there was no alarm for themselves.
And now the stranger was far down, and the coil of rope was well-nigh exhausted.

But this had been prepared for, and the drivers fastened this rope to another coil, and after a time began to let out that one also.
Farther and farther down the descent went on.

They saw the stranger pursuing his way still with unfaltering resolution; and they sent after him all their hearts and all their prayers.

At last he plunged down almost out of sight, but the next moment he emerged, and then, after a few leaps, they saw that he had gained the place where lay the ruins of the shattered avalanche.

Over this he walked, sometimes sinking, at other times running and leaping, until at length he came to the precipice over which the sled had been flung.
And now the suspense of the ladies became terrible.