Then as a last forlorn hope upwards.

So, peering down carefully from either side, they traced the ravine till, gradually becoming shallower, less steep, it merged into the grassy valley.

But there was no sign.

Then sadly they commenced their upward search, until they were close to the high cliff whence the stream gushed out.

Here they found that the ravine was wider, and at the bottom of it a patch of sand and boulders showed that there was foothold beside the roaring torrent.
"I will climb down and see if there is aught," said Roy; "it is easier here--if he had fallen here, he might--" the tears in his voice prevented more, as he tucked up his garments preparatory to the difficult descent.
But the shepherds raised an urgent outcry.