“Must be a knot in it, too big to slip through the hole,” was Pepper’s comment, after both had pulled with all their might.
“I reckon there is enough of it anyway,” answered the young major. “We’ll cut it off and try it.”
“If we do that we may have to pay for a new rope.”
“Oh, the rope can be spliced. Maybe it’s spliced already.”
Jack got out his knife and the rope was soon cut in two. They heard the lower end drop down to a flooring below.
Making certain that the top end of the rope was well secured to the bell, so that it could not break away, and testing the strands to see if they would sustain his weight, Jack, aided by Pepper, lowered the rope out of the front window, first, however, putting several knots in it. It slid down over the edge of the roof and both boys kept lowering it until there was no more to pay out.
“Now for the great climb!” exclaimed the young major of the Putnam Hall cadets. “If I get down safely, Pepper, I’ll be up in a jiffy and open that trap door for you.”
“Be careful, Jack. I rather hate to see you trust yourself on that rope.”
“Oh, I guess it is safe enough—and I’ve gone down on a rope in the gym many a time, as you know.”
With caution Jack climbed out of the belfry window and took hold of the rope. Then down he went, hand under hand, with his legs twisted around the rope at the same time. Pepper watched him with keen interest and almost held his breath as he saw his chum disappear over the edge of the broad-guttered roof.