"Oh, that ith too bad, Mr. Januth," she said with a voice full of sympathy. "You thouldn't have let go. I might have broken my prethiouth neck."
"Let go?" roared the guide. "Consarn it, I didn't let go! The rope pulled me over."
"Ithn't that too bad? Did you hurt yourself?"
"No."
Jane was sitting on the rocks, rocking her body back and forth, laughing, trying to keep her voice within reasonable limits.
"Are you all right, Tommy?" called Miss Elting anxiously.
"No, I'm all pulled to pietheth. Tho ith Januth, I'm afraid."
"Oh, girls, what am I going to do with you? Please hurry. It is getting dark, and we must reach the shelf," implored Miss Elting.
The guide scrambled to his feet and began clambering up to Miss Elting and Margery. This time Tommy was directed to sit down, as had Margery. She did so, chuckling to herself, and was quickly hauled to the top. Hazel followed, sitting. Harriet and Jane ran up with the support of the rope, and in a few moments the entire party was together.
"You must follow me in single file," directed the guide. "It's a narrow trail to the shelf, so no nonsense. Here, pass the rope along and keep a tight hold on it, every one of you."