"Look out, when you get up higher. The pole may be rotten," called Billy softly.
"All right. I'm up to the splice."
Here Teddy paused to rest, being now about halfway up the pole. Before going higher the Circus Boy prudently wrapped the small rope that he carried twice around the pole, forming a slip-noose. He made the free end fast around his body in case he should lose his footing.
This done, Teddy felt secure from a fall.
He worked his way slowly upward, creeping higher and higher, inch by inch, cautious but not in the least afraid, for Teddy was used to being high in the air.
Now and then he would pause to call down to the anxious Billy.
"Stand under to be ready to catch me if I fall," directed Tucker.
"Not much. You hit ground if you fall," jeered Conley.
Teddy's laugh floated down to him, carefree and happy.
The Circus Boy was in his element.
Finally he managed to reach the top, or nearly to the top of the pole without mishap. The slender top of the flag pole swayed back and forth, like the mast of a ship in a rolling sea. It seemed to Teddy as if each roll would be his last.