Part 10 (1/2)
The lad let hie of the precipice without hesitation
There really was no great danger, but it was not a pleasant position in which to be placed He secured his rope to the pack lashi+ngs and tossed the free end up to his friends
”How are you going to free the pack from the mule?” asked the Professor
”Cut it”
”But we can't e both you and the pack at the same time,” protested the boys
”You don't have to Can't you folks think of two things at the sa,” returned Stacy ”The whole plant is idle at the present moment”
”Listen! Fasten the pack rope to that rock Do you get that?”
”Yes”
”First take up all the slack or you reat jolt when I cut loose the lashi+ngs Draw it up well Tighter! There, that's better Now, have you got it so that it will hold?”
”It'll hold as long as the ether,” answered Ned
[Illustration: Tad Freed the Pack]
”Then watch your rope Here goes”
Tad slit the cinch girth He was obliged to make several efforts before he freed the pack, which then swung out and away fro back and forth for a moment or so, but safe The boys uttered a cheer
”Now shall we pull you up?” cried Ned
”Now, don't be in a hurry I'm not done yet I want to saveto throw that away, do you? Pass me another rope, please”
This was done, after which Butler secured the third rope about the neck of the mule He tossed the free end up as he had done with the other line
”Make it fast First see if you can't give me a little slack”
”Can't do it,” called Walter
”Yes you can Try again That's the idea A little ood sailors Whoa! Make fast”
Grunting and perspiring, and with aching backs, the boys ht of the deadon the new rope which Butler had fastened about its neck So his lasso loose, which had drawn very tight under the weight of the ood rope,” said Tad
”Well, are you co up? You must like it down there,” cried Rector
”I'et etTad Butler up, a dead weight, was not the easiest thing in the world They drew him up an inch or so at a tie of the trail and curled himself up The boys took up the slack and made fast at his direction