"Hello! Aleck, are you here?"
Immediately they heard an exclamation of delight, and then came a reply:
"Yes, yes, and right underneath you too, I think. Have you got a rope along with you?"
"Just what we have; and I hope it's going to be long enough," replied Thad.
"Then quick, tie a stone to the end, and lower away. When you have got it down opposite to me, give a swing in and out. I can take hold easy enough, if you do that," came from below, in the eager tones of one in whose heart new hope had taken lodgment.
Thad lost no time in fastening on a piece of stone, after which he started to lower away, all the while listening, hoping to hear a cry that the stone had gone down far enough. As he was getting perilously near the end of the rope, his heart had begun to misgive him, when suddenly came a hail:
"Hold on! that is far enough! Now, keep a tight grip up there!"
"Get hold with me, the rest of you," said Thad, allowing the guide to be first; for he wished to take as much advantage of Toby's great strength as possible, when it came time for the hard pulling.
Thad started to swing the rope inward and outward, as he had been directed. A minute later, and the one below called again:
"There, I've got it, all right; and I find you were smart enough to make a loop for my foot. Tell me when you're ready, and I'll let loose down here. It'll be a heavy load; and I hope you won't let the rope slip through."