At the bottom of the descent, both looked up, and saw at a glance that
poor old Sassi could never get down, even with assistance. He seemed
unable to put his foot down without slipping, in spite of Masin's
help.
"I think you had better not try it," said Malipieri quietly. "In a few
days I am sure that the Senator will have a way broken through from
above, and then it will be easy enough."
"Yes," answered the old man regretfully. "I will go back again to the
other side and wait for you."
"I am so sorry," said Sabina untruthfully, but looking up with
sympathy.
"Take Signor Sassi back to the cellar," said Malipieri to Masin. "Then
you can follow us."
Sassi and Masin disappeared through the breach. Malipieri led the way
into the dry well, where there was another light. In her haste to
reach the end, Sabina did not even glance at the sacking that covered
the skeletons.
"Can you climb a ladder?" asked Malipieri.
"Of course!" Such a question was almost a slight.
Malipieri went up nimbly with his lantern, and knelt on the masonry to
hold the top of the ladder. Sabina mounted almost as quickly as he had
done, till she reached the last few steps and could no longer hold by
the uprights. Then she put out her hands; he grasped then both and
slid backwards on his knees as she landed safely on the edge.
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