Percy, much as he repined at the change in the elements, felt no doubt as to the possibility of getting over.
"We may have to crawl a bit of the way if this sort of thing goes on," said he, "but it's straight enough sailing." "Would it be better," suggested Jeffreys, "to go to the top again and get down by the Sharpenholme track ?" "We shouldn't get home till midnight if we did; besides, I don't know the way.

We're all right this way if we look sharp." The wind had now increased to a tempest, and beat against the side of the great cliff with a sound like the sea breaking on an iron-bound shore.

They could scarcely hear one another speak; and poor Julius's whines were drowned in the great clamour.
"Do you mind my going first ?" said Percy; "I know the path better than you." Jeffreys nodded, and they started.

The first step they took on that ledge threatened for a moment to be their last.

The wind, gathering fury every moment, beat Percy to his knees, and nearly sent Jeffreys staggering over the ledge.
"We shall have to crawl," said Percy.