It looked as if he would have to give up the chance that had come to him. In thoughtful mood he walked slowly back. All at once an idea struck him. In the room where the trunks and boxes were stored he had seen a long, stout rope. Could he do anything with it?
Looking up at the aperture, he noticed a jagged projection on one side.
"If I could attach the rope to that," he reflected, "I could draw myself up hand over hand till I reached the top, and then it would go hard if I didn't get out."
With new hope in his heart, he retraced his steps rapidly till he reached the store-room.
He knew just where to look for the rope. He examined it carefully, and found it very stout and strong.
He took it back with him. Then making a loop at one end, he stood under the opening and threw it up as he would a lasso. He had to try a dozen times before he contrived to circle the projection with the loop.
Then pulling it taut, he began to climb hand over hand, as he had many a time done in sport. Now his deliverance depended upon it.
Slowly, foot by foot, he approached the opening, not knowing whether, even if he reached it, he would be able to draw himself through the hole.