They pulled the kitten out of the car and took it inside. The kitten was scared, of course, but otherwise fine. She was a beautiful Torbie, and they decided to keep her. Their two small boys wanted to name her Minerva from the Harry Potter tales, and she settled into her new home very well.

When I arrived, I saw Minerva peering her cute face over the edge of her perch about 25 feet high. She was in an interesting tree. The main trunk forked into two large vertical stems, and a limb from one stem grew into the other stem forming a live bridge between them. This happens sometimes over a long period of time, and this tree appeared to have another limb in the process of doing the same thing just above it where Minerva was perched. Eventually this part of the tree will look more like a ladder.

Since Minerva was so relaxed with me and the descent was short and easy, I thought she would do well going down in my lap. Unfortunately, before I went up the tree, I failed to ask Lance how Minerva felt about being picked up or being in a lap. If I had, I would have learned that she does have a problem with that even though she is otherwise very affectionate and trusting with them. So, I was surprised to see her becoming alarmed when I began to pick her up. I did not have the cat bag prepared on my arm, and now it was too late. I had a cat that was slightly panicking in my hands, and if I let her go, she would almost surely climb much higher in the tree. I could not calm her down, and I needed to do something quickly. I held on to her by the scruff, held her out so her legs could not push on my lap and came down as quickly as I could. Once on the ground, I handed her off to Lance who quickly carried her inside the house.
I have never done that before, and I was lucky that the tree lent itself well to such an easy descent. I was also lucky that Minerva did not fight me more vigorously, or I could have lost my grip. However it was done, it worked, and Minerva was fine and now safe in her own home.
Lance was very appreciative and sent this picture of her resting after her rescue. She is doing just fine, and I suspect I may be seeing her again someday. I will just be sure to remember not to pick her up next time.