If he could only hold on for five minutes all might be well.
Below lay quite an abyss, and a fall was apt to bruise him very much, even if he were fortunate enough not to have any bones broken. It was, therefore, with considerable gratitude that he discovered he could dig his toes into crevices in the rock, and thus hang on.
Jerry afterward declared that Frank presented all the appearance of a fly plastered against a wall; but it might have been noticed that he was the first one to reach the edge of the platform and breathe encouraging words to his endangered chum.
Mr. Mabie knew what would be needed before he made the first movement.
"Bring your rope, Reddy!" he shouted, and the agile cowboy had obeyed.
This was quickly lowered until the noose dangled below Frank.
"Use one foot to draw it in, my boy. We want you to get both legs inside the loop, and then gradually let us draw it up under your arms. It's all right. We're going to have you out of that, so don't worry!" called the ranchman.
"You can depend on it, Frank isn't frightened. If that bush threatens to go, get a quick grip of
the rope! Do you understand, Frank?" called Jerry.
A quick nod of the head told that the one below realized he was as good as drawn up already. One foot was cautiously withdrawn from its support and the loop caught; then the second also passed inside the circle; after which a tightening of the lariat brought it up to where Mr. Mabie wanted to have it.