Dave was quick to understand, and fairly flew to do as bidden. Then when the chain was fast, he lowered it again, and also the pole, taking care to keep a firm hold on the latter.
The chain now came within reach of the surveyor, but before he trusted himself to it he looked up at the boy. “Are you well braced?” he questioned.
“I am,” answered Dave. “One foot is against the rock and the other against the tree. But I doubt, sir, if I can pull you up.”
“It will not be necessary so long as you can keep the pole and chain from slipping,” answered Washington. “If you feel it getting away from you, give me warning.”
Dave agreed, and the surveyor began to pull himself up with extreme care, keeping one hand on the rocks the majority of the time. But the youth was as good as his word and held fast, although the strain was great, for Washington was large and of good weight.
In a few minutes the surveyor reached the end of the pole. He was now within ten feet of the top of the slippery rocks and the most difficult part of the climb was before him.
“You are sure you can hold the pole?” he asked. “I must now trust my whole weight to it.”
“Yes, sir, I am sure. But you will have to be careful and not bend it, or it may break.”
“I will have a care, David.”
Slowly Washington came up, hand over hand, and lying close on the rocks. He moved only a few inches at a time. Presently he reached the top with his fingers and drew himself to a place of safety. Dave gave a long sigh of relief, and hauled up the pole and chain.