“Not long enough,” cried Joe, sadly.
“Good two hundred foot, my lad; nigh upon five-and-thirty fathom; p’raps he’ll climb to it. Can you see the end?”
“No—no,” said Joe; “it hangs over beyond that block that sticks out?”
“And it’s below that he’s a-lying, aren’t it?”
“I don’t know—I think so. It’s of no use. I must slide down to him. Ah, stop a minute, let’s give it a swing to and fro. Perhaps he can’t see it. Hurrah! I’ve got a bite.”
“Nay!” cried Hardock, excitedly.
“Yes, it’s all right. Feel.”
But there was no need, for at that moment there was a most unmistakable tug.