This amiable dispute would have lasted some time, but Kati, having hauled up Prabu’s rope, without one word of notice, passed it round my chest, and under my arm, saying:
“S’pose sahib’s hand come sore, so him can’t hold tight, he no tumble now, for rope catchee.”
But however kindly intended, and much as I liked caution in a general way, I felt annoyed at being taken by our mahogany-colored companion for a milksop, who was obliged to make the descent in a kind of cradle, while the others used their hands only, and said, angrily:
“Remove the rope, Kati; I will do as the others have done. My hands are strong enough to hold it.”
But the latter, having once received his orders, you might as easily have moved a mountain as have induced him to swerve from them, even in a degree; thus, as he very coolly continued to adjust the rope, so that it should cause me the least possible inconvenience, he replied:
“Umpossible; the cap’en say, young sahibs go like dis, so go they mus, cos dere hands not buffalo horn, like dark man’s, but all soft like cat’s paw—rope cut ’em in bits.”
But more vexatious still was my brother, who seconded Kati’s affront:
“Come, Claud, old fellow,” said he; “the strap is on, it is no use kicking. Go on, Kati must obey orders; besides, it is the safer plan after all.”
This speech surprised me, for most assuredly, had he been seized in that rude fashion, he would have been obstreperous enough. The truth, however, was, that delighted at my risk being lessened, he swallowed his own pride, and resolved to submit himself to the same undignified if not (the natives being bystanders) somewhat humiliating ordeal.
Well, over I went, keeping my eyes upwards, and feeling the cliff with my feet, and so, hand after hand, let myself down; but about half-way, I struck my head so violently against a projecting piece of rock, that I believe I should have let go the rope but for a cheer from Martin above, and another from Prabu beneath; so at length I felt myself suddenly clutched by the legs and dragged into the cave—of course, by Prabu, who had been standing upon a small, narrow ledge for the purpose. After a similar manner, but with greater speed, descended Martin, who, as he landed, cried: