“Don’t study that; only get it fast. Ready?” continued the captain after another pause.
“Not quite yet. It is hard to get the loop over. I have to bend down to reach with one hand, and hold on with the other.”
“Go on,” said the captain.
A strange rustling sound came up, and then it seemed as if the rope was being flapped against the rock.
“Can’t you do it?” shouted the captain.
“Not yet. I’m obliged to rest a minute.”
“Oh dear! oh dear me!” panted Captain Roby in a tone of voice that seemed to suggest other words which indicated his idea that the young subaltern was very awkward.
“Got it at last!” came up. “I think so. Yes, I have him tight—right past his arms; he can’t slip. Now, haul!”
“Haul!” echoed Captain Roby. “Quick!”
But Sergeant James knew better than that. The rope had to pass through his cautious hands, and he raised it gently.