What Shall We Do

I felt horribly frightened, and as if I were sinking somewhere. I
glanced round, and there was the beautiful garden all flowers and fruit,
with the glorious sunshine over all. Below me that terrible pit with
the falling whispering water, and a chill seeming to rise out of its
depths.

As I looked I saw Shock coming towards us at a run, as if he divined
that something was the matter, and the sight of him made me think of Mr
Brownsmith's garden and my happy life there, and I gave a low sob as my
eyes filled with tears.

I tell you I felt horribly frightened, and all this that has taken so
long to describe seemed to pass in a flash--almost as I started from
gazing down the well to my feet.

"Tie the rope round me," I said huskily. "You can pull me up if I
fall."

"Well done, young un!" shouted the plumber, catching up the coil of
rope. "I like pluck, I do."

"You stand aside," cried Ike, snatching the rope from him and giving him
a rough thrust with his elbow. "I'll do this here."

He ran the rope rapidly through his hands, and secured one end about my
chest.

Then he made a running noose at the other end.

"Look here," he cried. "You take this here noose in your hand, my lad;
there's plenty of rope to reach down double. When you gets to him put
it over his arm or his leg, or anywhere, and pull it tight. I'll take
care o' you, my boy, and have you up again like a shot."