“That will take too long.”
Ned racked his wits desperately for some way out of the dilemma. It was clear that Herc could not long hang suspended over the gaseous volcano without choking and losing his hold. And yet what was he to do?
In his quandary he glanced about him seeking some way out of the difficulty. Suddenly his eyes fell on Blue Lightning. The animal was nosing about among the rocks vainly seeking a blade of grass. From his neck trailed the long rope that Herc had purchased that morning.
“The very thing!” cried Ned, as his eyes fell on the rope. “What a bit of luck that Herc bought it!”
He ran to the edge of the cliff. Herc was still clinging on to the ledge.
“Hurry up on deck, there,” he hailed, “I’m getting sea-sick.”
“Can you hold on a few minutes longer?”
“I guess so; but this climate doesn’t agree with me very well.”
“Well, keep up your courage. I’m going to get you out.”
“How?”