Lou was about to suggest that the two of them return to a single file, when there was a sound from his right. Cap lurched past him somewhat awkwardly. A glance at the ground showed that he had slipped on a nearly invisible, flat, wet rock. Initially, Lou was surprised and even a bit amused. But then the situation registered. Cap’s arms were extended, waving wildly, sweeping the air for balance. There was a glint of panic in his eyes. Clearly, the man was in trouble. Big trouble.

Trying to stop short, Lou skidded and stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet. Cap, who had incomparable footwork and balance in the ring, was out of control, twisting in what seemed like slow motion, and staring down at the drop beneath him. Lou pivoted and reached out. His fingers caught hold of Cap’s backpack strap. But his grip was poor. Cap’s upper body was already over the edge, and his weight tore the strap free. He twisted and reached back, clawing for Lou’s outstretched hand. At the last possible moment, their palms met and their fingers locked.

Please hold … please! Cap’s eyes pleaded.

His fingers closed on Lou’s, but it was a tease, not a grip. In an instant, gravity snatched his hands away. He pawed at the air like a novice backstroker. Then he slammed against the cliff face, and was gone. Stunned beyond understanding, Lou sank to his knees. For a moment, there was only silence. Then he heard a cry and the snap of branches breaking, followed by more silence. Lou crawled closer to the edge, hardly aware that the muddy ground was falling away from beneath his knees. Shaking viciously, nearly unable to stand, he pushed to his feet. Finally, almost inaudibly at first, then a bit louder, he heard Cap cry out.

Lou’s heart stopped. Then it began hammering.

“Cap, it’s me! I’m here! I’m coming! I’m coming for you! Hang on, brother! Hang on!”

He raced to his right, as close to the crumbling precipice as he dared, peering over for a way down. It took twenty-five feet or so before he saw a slope he felt he could handle. On his belly, clawing to maintain contact with the dirt and stones, grabbing at roots and bushes, he worked his way down, pausing to listen for Cap’s voice, and each time believing he was hearing it.

Five feet … ten …

In the ER, Lou prided himself on staying cool even when faced with the most dire medical emergencies, or the most horrible crunches. Now he felt frantic and utterly out of control.

Five more feet … another five.

His slide loosened rocks, mud, and pebbles that rained down on him, getting in his mouth, and eyes. From his right, he felt certain he could hear Cap’s groans.

“Hang on, buddy! I’m almost there!”