"Look out!" warned George, his voice trembling as he spoke. "I'm afraid this tree isn't strong enough to hold both of us. I don't think the shelf is, either."
The peril was so great and the fear of George so keen that for a moment he trembled violently. The Navajo, however, quickly passed his arm under that of the trembling boy and said soothingly, "There's no need to be scared. This place is plenty strong to hold us both. Just be careful and do what I say."
As he spoke Thomas Jefferson removed the noose from beneath his arms and placed it under the arms of the frightened boy.
"You get hold," he explained.
"I'm afraid I can't help very much," said George. "I've hurt my leg."
The Indian made a hasty examination and then shaking his head said, "Not much hurt. You can climb all right."
"When shall we start?" demanded George.
"As soon as you're ready."
"I'm more ready now than I shall be later, I suspect," said George ruefully. "It's the only thing to be done, and, if it is, why, the sooner I begin it the better."
Carefully George turned and lying against the ground looked up at the border of the cliff. "Is the rope strong enough to hold us both?" he asked, turning again to the Indian.