At length, the toilsome climb was nearly over. They had reached the rounded projection of which Howard had spoken. It rose from a wide ledge, and looked so dangerous that the Ramblers' respect for the city boy's prowess was greatly increased.
"Nice job ahead of us," grumbled Sam. "My stars!"
"You fellows get up and throw me a rope," said Dave. "I shall recommend this for an air-ship station. My! A fellow needs wings to get around anything like that."
"Guess you understand why I felt stumped," laughed Fenton. "But wait till you see it from the top."
"Don't wonder Silver Valley hasn't many visitors," sighed Bob. "I feel like calling for help."
After a long rest, Howard Fenton started ahead, while the others watched. It was hard, toilsome work, but, at length, they saw him drag himself laboriously over the top, and disappear from view. Then a shout of approval went up.
"Here comes a rope, fellows," announced Fenton, a few minutes later.
It dangled downward over the smooth rock.
"I've fastened it up here, all right."
Howard poked his face over the barrier, and peered down. "Come ahead, Chubby," he called. "Don't depend too much on the rope."