Then bidding his companions hold the hither end of the ladder, and having first tested it with his foot and found that it hung firm, calmly he walked across, being a brave fellow, and presently was seen seated on the opposing mass of rock.
Now came Oliver's turn.

He nodded to Maqueda, who went white as a sheet, muttering some words to her that did not reach me.

Then he turned and shook my hand.
"If you can, save my son also," I whispered.
"I'll do my best if I can get hold of him," he answered.

"Sergeant, if anything happens to me you know your duty." "I'll try and follow your example, Captain, under all circumstances, though that will be hard," replied Quick in a rather shaky voice.
Oliver stepped out on the ladder.

I reckoned that twelve or fourteen short paces would take him across, and the first half of these he accomplished with quiet certainty.