The stone flew up in the air, carrying the length of thin string with it. It missed the window and fell down again. Jack picked it up. Once more he aimed - and this time the stone went right through the open window, just missing Paul, and landed on the floor.
Paul picked up the stone. He pulled at the string and it came up to the window pulling the strong twine behind it. Then Paul pulled at the twine, and the rope-ladder began to unravel itself from Jack’s hands and slip silently up the wall of the tower.
“There goes the ladder!” whispered Jack in excitement. “Paul’s got it! He’s only got to fix it firmly to something and escape down it!”
Mike pulled on it gently. It felt tight to his hand. “Paul’s fixed it!” he whispered. “It feels quite firm. I hope he gets a move on and comes down at once!”
But Paul didn’t come! The boys waited and waited, but nobody came down the rope-ladder. Whatever could have happened?
Mike is Caught
“Why doesn’t Paul come?” wondered Jack impatiently. “What a time he is! Surely the ladder is safe now.”
Mike peered up. The moon shone brightly on the tower of the Old House, and the rope-ladder hung against the wall, quite straight and firm.
“It’s funny,” said Mike. “Do you suppose he doesn’t dare to risk himself down our ladder?”
“Can’t imagine what he’s doing,” said Jack. “We can’t stand here all night. I do wish he’d hurry.”