Hurry , or you will be too late ! '' Instead of starting off at full speed , as I expected him to do , Ernest stood still for a moment , and then began to pick his steps down a narrow path over the cliff , followed by Laddie . `` Ernest , '' I shouted frantically , `` what are you doing ? Why do n't you go for help ? '' Ernest had by this time reached a narrow ledge of rock just above the water-line . I noticed that he was carrying something over his arm . `` It would take too long , '' he shouted . `` By the time I got to the Cove and a boat could row back here , you 'd be drowned . Laddie and I will save you . Is there anything there you can tie a rope to ? I 've a coil of rope here that I think will be long enough to reach you . I 've been down to the Cove and Alec Martin sent it up to your uncle . '' I looked about me ; a smooth , round hole had been worn clean through a thin part of the apex of the rock . `` I could fasten the rope if I had it ! '' I called . `` But how can you get it to me ? '' For answer Ernest tied a bit of driftwood to the rope and put it into Laddie 's mouth . The next minute the dog was swimming out to me . As soon as he came close I caught the rope . It was just long enough to stretch from shore to rock , allowing for a couple of hitches which Ernest gave around a small boulder on the ledge .
I XXXXX my camera case on my head by means of some string I found in my pocket , then I slipped into the water and , holding to the rope , went hand over hand to the shore with Laddie swimming beside me .
've carrying fasten gave go noticed sent stretch tied worn