“Tell ’em to make the rope quite taut.”
“Haul and hold fast,” cried Gwyn.
“Right!” came promptly from above, and a heavy strain was felt.
“I—tied it—so tight,” muttered Gwyn, as he sawed away.
“Ay, and his weight. Steady, my lad, steady!”
“Hah! that’s through,” cried Gwyn. “Be ready to haul.”
“Right!” came from above.
“Shall I get lower?” said Hardock.
“Yes!—No! The other knot holds him,” panted Gwyn; and he had to begin cutting again; but this time he found that by laying the blade of the knife flat against the spell, he could force the point beneath the handkerchief. “Now, steady, Sam,” he said, “I’m going to have one big cut, and then hold on.”
“All right, my lad. I’ll support you all I can, but you must hold tight.”