“I see it now,� cried Raynor enthusiastically, “but you can’t haul yourself up on this string.�
“I don’t mean to. I know where there is plenty of stout rope. Now we’ll go back to the cove and get the bunch, and before long we’ll know if the stone chest is a myth or a reality. I didn’t want to let them come along till I was sure my little device would work.�
“Jack, you are a wonder!� exclaimed Raynor.
Half an hour later an expectant group stood at the foot of the cliff under the bare old cedar on the summit. Even Uncle Toby was there, gazing with his lack-luster eyes at the proceedings. Jack tied one end of the strong, pliant whale rope to one of the pendant ends of string. Then he began pulling on the unattached end. Steadily the rope mounted as he reeled in the string hand over hand. Before very long a loop of stout harpoon rope, instead of string, was round the cedar trunk.
“I knew Jack would do it!� exclaimed Raynor.
“He’s de clear quill all right, all right!� ejaculated the Bowery boy with no less delight.
“Now then, boys,� said Jack, making a big loop in one end of the rope and seating himself in it, “I’m going to get you to haul me up there.�
“Great alligators, spos’in de tree pulls out,� gasped Noddy, his face white under its freckles.
“I’m going to take a chance on that,â€� said Jack. “Lay hold everybody. Now then—pull—easy now!â€�
Brawny arms laid hold of the rope and began to walk away with it.