The burro was to save Peggy the fatigue and danger of the ascent, and the rope was merely a safeguard in case one of the two young men should slip.
The guide was down by Howard Brent and had his rope coiled like a lasso in an incredibly short time. He had been a ranchman and the art was entirely familiar to him.
A moment later it was safely around Ralph’s body and Peggy was able to let go, while the two men drew Ralph up to safety.
It was curious but it seemed more difficult for Peggy to hold on after her burden had been taken from her, than it had been before. It happens this way in life with other burdens. She was so stiff and so tired that her own volition was gone.
But, something, a something that is oftentimes stronger than one’s will—an inherited instinct—made her continue her clutch on the small tree.
It was only a brief time. For with the rope now about his own waist, Howard Brent soon after crawled down to her. Holding her in one arm he climbed with the other using his feet as well and assisted by the guide from above.
“With the Rope Now About His Own Waist, Howard Brent Crawled Down to Her.”
The two men had simply laid Ralph aside in a crevice of rock above the trail, as soon as his rescue had been effected.
He was still unconscious when Peggy reached safety.