At first, only hoarse sounds came from my throat, but then I gathered strength and screamed even louder, calling for help.

People from nearby shops and houses rushed to me, and soon a small crowd had gathered.

When the grate was finally lifted and illuminated with a flashlight, everyone gasped. There, pressed against the wall, sat a child — pale, exhausted, but alive.

He had hidden on a narrow ledge, away from the water that rushed noisily below. His appearance showed he had been there for more than a day, and his strength was fading.

The men carefully went down, and after a few minutes the boy was lifted out. He was barely conscious, but his eyes opened — full of fear and faint hope. The crowd froze, then joyful cries erupted.

I stood there with trembling hands, not taking my eyes off the dog, who watched the rescued child wagging his tail. It was he who had never given up, calling us to danger and saving a life.