“I don’t see it,” said Saxe mournfully.
“Well, I do. I shall throw the rope across to you. Catch it, and take your ice-axe and descend.”
“But you must not be left in that dangerous position.”
“Not long, I hope,” said Dale quietly. “You can swing the rope to me as soon as you are down, and by its help I can swing myself to your ledge and examine your discovery. Now then: look out! Ready!”
“Yes.”
“Then off!”
The rope was thrown and caught dexterously by Saxe, who swung loose in the act and slipped a little way down.
“Never mind the ice-axe,” cried Dale, as he saw the lad begin to climb up again. “I’ll bring that down with me.”
Saxe ceased his efforts to regain his former level, and let himself glide down to the bottom of the gully, where he could climb forward till he was beyond where Dale was clinging and draw the rope right into his reach.
“Let go!” cried Dale, seizing the welcome rope; and as Saxe obeyed he swung himself to and fro again, till this time he was able to land himself on the ledge the boy had just quitted, and maintained his position by thrusting his arm into the opening and grasping the handle of the axe.