“Now, look here,” he said. “You are going down to fetch those caps quietly, or we shall tie this rope round you and drop you down, whether you like it or not.”
“I tell you I sha’n’t go,” replied Alfred, “and if you don’t leave me alone, I’ll kick you.”
“Then clear off, little sneak,” exclaimed King angrily, and shaking him violently. “Come, Harry, and get my cap, and leave his there until called for.”
Cox would have liked to refuse, as Alfred had done, only he feared the jeers of his chum. So he allowed himself to be bound with the cord, while the other end was secured to a post. King intended to lower him gradually. Alfred remained where he was, simply looking on.
“Harry,” said King, “you must steady yourself against the side as you go down, and when you climb up again, dig your feet well into the loose earth.”
“Is this tied tightly?” asked Cox, who was very nervous.
“Yes, that’s all right. Come, are you ready?” cried King.
Cox approached the mouth, and Alfred then came nearer and watched them. They seemed to have forgotten his presence for the time. Slowly Cox began to descend; King, being a strong boy, let the rope slide gradually. Alfred went to the very edge of the pit and saw Cox going slowly lower and lower.
Suddenly King’s feet slipped and he loosened his hold of the rope. Cox fell some feet with a jerk, when the cord snapped, and a loud splash was heard.
Pale with fear, both King and Alfred gazed down and saw that Cox had disappeared beneath the water. In a few seconds—which seemed hours—his head appeared above the surface.