He wound the rope up and down for awhile, thinking that Pomp might have reached the bottom of the pit and had neglected to give the signal.
But no answer came.
It was evident that the darky had fallen from the rope in some peculiar fashion. Just how it was not easy to tell.
Frank began to pull on the rope.
In course of time the end came to the surface. Frank picked it up and quickly examined it.
The strands had parted just as if they had given way under a mighty strain. This seemed to settle all doubt.
There was no longer reason to doubt but that Pomp had fallen to the bottom of the pit and possibly death.
It was an awful thought.
Frank instantly began to wind the rope around his own waist.
“Phwere are yez goin’, Misther Frank?” asked Barney, in amazement.