Why had I not thought of that before? I jumped out of the river and made a full speed trip to the camp. The sight was a great shock to Coyote and Piute, and they jumped to one side, snorting and visibly affrighted.
I got the rope and made a flying return trip to the river. I soon made a lasso loop and stood poised on the bank, directly opposite Jim, ready for the throw.
"You stand still now and I bet that I will lasso you," I cried.
This accomplishment the captain had taught us and sometimes it came in handy. So I wheeled the loop around my head several times and sent it whirling out over the river. It struck the rock all right, but would have fallen short if Jim had not caught it.
"Pretty good for a first throw," yelled Jim.
"Now, Robinson Crusoe, fasten it around your chest and under your shoulders," were my shouted instructions.
Jim did this and it left his arms free. Tom and I now took the rope and went up the river a ways to the beach. Tom stood on the bank well braced, while I went out in the river as far as I could and have a good foothold.
"Are you rested enough to try?" I yelled to Jim.
"Sure," he replied. "Are you ready?"
"Ready," I shouted.