Coming around the `` Hole in the Wall '' headland , on top of the cliffs , I saw a boy and a dog . I sent a wild halloo ringing shoreward . The boy started , stopped and looked out towards Island Rock . The next moment he hailed me . It was Ernest 's voice , and it was Laddie who was barking beside him . `` Ernest , '' I shouted wildly , `` run for help -- quick ! quick ! The tide will be over the rock in half an hour ! 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 XXXXX the apex of the rock .
By around at beside down in of over that to