Then he paused for a moment or two.
“Now I want to get rope enough in for you to take hold.”
“Will the ice edge cut?”
“No: the rope will cut down a smooth channel in the ice. Ready?—Together.”
There was a brief interval of hauling, and several feet were drawn over, so that Saxe was able to get hold of the rope too; and they rested again, for in that position everything depended on their arms.
“Now I have him,” cried Dale. “Hold on with one hand while you reach your axe, and anchor it in the hole you made.”
“Done,” cried Saxe.
“Haul again.”
They hauled, and another foot or so was gained.
“Now hitch the rope well round the axe handle,” cried Dale, “and get it tight.”