He remembered that, before he attempted to dislodge the stone, he had placed the child in a cavity of the pier, which the granite mass had been intended to fill.

This obstacle being removed, in his eagerness to proceed, he had forgotten to take his little charge with him.

It was still possible the child might be in safety.

And so bitterly did the carpenter reproach himself with his neglect, that he resolved, at all risks, to go back in search of it.
Acting upon this humane determination, he impelled himself slowly backwards,--for he did not dare to face the blast,--and with incredible labour and fatigue reached the crevice.

His perseverance was amply rewarded.