The means adopted was to tie one end round a projection of the rocky side, run the line out to its full length, and then drag and jerk it together with all their might.
Satisfied with the effects of this test, the rope was untied, the other end made fast, and the dragging and snatching repeated without the tough fibres of the hemp yielding in the least.
“Looks very old,” said the middy, “but wear has only made it soft. If it stands all that tugging with the weight of both of us on the end it will bear one of us being dragged through the water, where one isn’t so heavy. Now, then, are we going to try this way?”
“Certainly,” said Aleck.
“Very well; who’s to go first?”
“I will,” said Aleck.
“I don’t know about that,” replied the middy. “You’re only a shore-going fellow, while I’m a sailor. I think I ought to go first.”
“It doesn’t much matter who goes first, but I spoke first and I’ll go.”
“Look here,” cried the middy; “if I give way and let you have first try, will you play fair?”
“Of course. But what do you mean?”