“See here, Tad. I am not going to permit you to take unnecessary risks. Before you go farther in this matter I want to know what you propose to do,” insisted the Professor.
“I am going to secure one of these ropes 75to me. The boys will lower me over the edge and I will fasten a second rope to the pack. I will tell you what to do after that.”
“I can’t permit it!” answered the Professor decisively.
“Listen to me, please. There can be no possible danger. It is perfectly simple. Before I go over I’ll secure the rope to that rock, and in case the boys let go, which they’d better not, I can’t fall; the rope will hold me.”
After a moment’s reflection Professor Zepplin concluded that the task would not be attended with a very great risk after all. Besides, it was all-important that they get the pack and its contents, if this could be done without endangering any lives.
“How about it, sir?” asked Tad. “Time is precious.”
“You may try it, but I shall see to the fastening of the rope myself. Make your arrangements.”
Tad lost no time in trying out his plan. He first secured one end of their strongest rope to the rock that already had played such an important part in their operations at that point. He next fashioned a non-slip loop about his body under the arms, then taking the second rope in his hands announced himself as ready.
“Take a turn about the rock so you will 76have a leverage. Take up all the slack. That’s it. Now I’m all ready.”
The lad let himself over the edge of the precipice without hesitation. There really was no great danger, but it was not a pleasant position in which to be placed. He secured his rope to the pack lashings and tossed the free end up to his friends.