“That’s what comes from having a good rope,” said Tad.
79“Well, are you coming up? You must like it down there,” cried Rector.
“I’m almost ready. There, now see if you can get me up. Take up all your advantage and hold it until I can get my hands on the ledge and help you a little.”
Hauling Tad Butler up, a dead weight, was not the easiest thing in the world. They drew him up an inch or so at a time, until at last he fastened his hands on the edge of the trail and curled himself up. The boys took up the slack and made fast at his direction.
“You needn’t pull any more, but stand by the rope. If I slip it will give me a hard jolt.”
“I should say it would,” muttered Ned. “How are you going to get up the rest of the way if we don’t haul you?”
“This way.”
Tad crawled up the rope hand over hand until he was able to swing one foot over on the trail. The rest was easy, and a moment later he was standing on the trail, his face red, his hair and shirt wet with perspiration.
“Hooray!” bellowed Chunky.
“Wait until we get the pack up. Don’t waste your breath,” grinned Tad. “We are only half finished.”