“Take hold of the rope with both hands and pull. That will relieve the strain,” advised Tom. “We will have you up here in a few moments.”
It was a bruised and battered Overland Rider that Tom and Hippy dragged up a few minutes later, Stacy Brown gasping and moaning.
“Stop it!” commanded Tom sternly. “You should be thankful that you are alive.”
“I’m not alive. I’m dead from the neck down,” protested Stacy.
After the boy had been permitted to rest for a short time, the two started up the mountain-side with him. They made him walk, but assisted him most of the way.
Chunky met an enthusiastic welcome when he reached the girls. They made him comfortable on blankets while the party consulted as to what should be done, for night was rapidly approaching.
“Shall we go on to the top?” asked Elfreda who had been examining Stacy. “Our patient is perfectly able to travel.”
“No!” replied Tom Gray with emphasis. “Personally, I have had enough.”
Grace expressed some disappointment, but said she would defer to the decision of the others.
“I am for going down instead of up,” spoke up Emma. “Of course I am not afraid, but I fear Chunky will surely get himself and us into more difficulties. The poor child has had enough for one day.”