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 perfectly frightful climb, isn't it. I don't think I tore my dress, though." She was making inspection and looked vastly relieved as no damage showed.

"Better luck going down," said Bob cheerfully, and Polly made a face at him as he sprawled beside Ned. Laurie had not joined them on the grass, but instead was lounging toward the edge of the cliff, his hands in his pockets.

"Laurie, please don't go so close," called Polly from a dozen feet away. "It makes me feel sort of squirmy."

Perhaps Laurie didn't hear her. He was very near the edge now, close by a pine that leaned outward at an angle, its roots clinging to the thin crust of earth that hid the rock beneath. Ned glanced toward him, and an expression of disapproval came to his face.

"He thinks he's smart," he said contemptuously. "He's always liked to walk on roofs and act silly goat that way." He raised his voice. "Laurie!"

Laurie gave a start. "Yes?" he answered. Then—well, then everything happened all at once