Just then the rope was shaken vigorously, and became still once more.
“It is quite safe now, herr!” cried the guide; “and I am holding it down too.”
“Right!” shouted back Dale. “I’ll go first this time, Saxe.”
“No, sir! please let me go: I would rather.”
“Do you feel cool enough?”
“That will make me cooler.”
“Then go on. Stop! you had better have the rope midway fastened to your waist, and I can hold the other end; then you cannot fall.”
“No, no!” cried Saxe, rather hoarsely. “Let me climb without.”
Dale gave way rather unwillingly, and the boy seized the rope, gave it a tremendous tug, and then swung himself out sidewise and began to climb; while Dale leaned out and watched him, uttering a low sigh of satisfaction as he saw him reach the top, and then following without making use of the rope.
“Now,” he said, as he reached the others, “how was it that rope slipped?”