He would be but too contented if one should be carried aloft; and if that one should succeed in effecting a landing on the summit of the cliff, it was of no importance what afterwards became of the aerial ship.

Having completed that one voyage, it might make another on its own account--either south to Calcutta or eastward to Hong Kong, if it liked China better.
Of course, if any one of them should succeed in surmounting the cliff, it would be an easy matter to get over the mountain; and as they had passed native villages on their way upward, these could be reached in a day or two, and a party of men, with a proper rope-ladder, brought to the rescue of the others.
Even had there been no prospect of assistance from any one outside, it would not matter very much.

If only one of them could get to the top of the cliffs, they could construct a rope-ladder of themselves--by which the other two would be able to make the ascent.
It is hardly necessary to say who was to make the attempt--Ossaroo was to be the aeronaut.

Ossaroo had voluntarily offered himself for this perilous performance; and his offer had been accepted.
Not that either of the others were at all afraid to have run the risk.
It was from no desire to shirk the danger that they had appointed Ossaroo to undertake it; but simply because, once outside, the shikaree would be far better able to find his way down the mountains: and in his native language could readily communicate with the villagers, and give a correct account of their situation..