And, later:
"Now, Mr. Danley," said Captain Brand, "you are at the end of your tether, so to speak."
The three men were in a space boat, several hundred miles from Pallas. Or, rather, two of them were in the boat, standing at the open door. Peter Danley was far out from it, at the end of his safety line.
"How far are you from us, Mr. Danley?" Brand asked.
"Three hundred meters, Captain Brand," Danley said promptly.
"Very good. How do you know?"
"I am at the end of my safety line, which is three hundred meters long when fully extended."
"Your memory is excellent, Mr. Danley. Now, how will you get back to the boat?"
"Pull myself hand over hand along the line."
"Think, Mr. Danley! Think!"