The ledge, grassy and terrace-like, sloped slightly downwards and outwards, and in parts was slippery; but it was as wide as a highway, and the fall to the water did not exceed thirty feet.

Even in such a dim light as now displayed it to us, and by increasing the depth and unseen dangers of the gorge gave a kind of impressiveness to our movements, a nervous woman need not have feared to tread it, I wondered how often Mademoiselle had passed along it with her milk-pitcher.
'I think that we have him now,' Captain Larolle muttered, twisting his moustachios, and looking about to make his last dispositions.

'Paul and Lebrun, see that your man makes no noise.

Sergeant, come forward with your carbine, but do not fire without orders.

Now, silence all, and close up, Lieutenant.