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"
No; it's wuss nor that," replied Cap'n Bill sadly. "I'm on the edge of a
precipice. Wait a minute an' I'll move along and let you see for yourselves. Be
careful, Trot, not to fall."
Then he crept forward a little and moved to one side, holding the candle so
that the girl could see to follow him. The Ork came next and now all three
knelt on a narrow ledge of rock which dropped straight away and left a huge
black space which the tiny flame of the candle could not illuminate.
"
H-m!" said the Ork, peering over the edge; "this doesn't look very promising,
I'll admit. But let me take your candle, and I'll fly down and see what's below
us."
"
"
Aren't you afraid?" asked Trot.
Certainly I'm afraid," responded the Ork. "But if we intend to escape we can't
stay on this shelf forever. So, as I notice you poor creatures cannot fly, it is my
duty to explore the place for you."
Cap'n Bill handed the Ork the candle, which had now burned to about half its
length. The Ork took it in one claw rather cautiously and then tipped its body
forward and slipped over the edge. They heard a queer buzzing sound, as the
tail revolved, and a brisk flapping of the peculiar wings, but they were more
interested just then in following with their eyes the tiny speck of light which
marked the location of the candle. This light first made a great circle, then
dropped slowly downward and suddenly was extinguished, leaving everything
before them black as ink.
"
"
"
Hi, there! How did that happen?" cried the Ork.
It blew out, I guess," shouted Cap'n Bill. "Fetch it here."
I can't see where you are," said the Ork.
So Cap'n Bill got out another candle and lighted it, and its flame enabled the
Ork to fly back to them. It alighted on the edge and held out the bit of candle.
"
"
"
"
What made it stop burning?" asked the creature.
The wind," said Trot. "You must be more careful, this time."
What's the place like?" inquired Cap'n Bill.
I don't know, yet; but there must be a bottom to it, so I'll try to find it."
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