Part 6 (2/2)
”What do you mean?” demanded Chunky, pus.h.i.+ng his way forward.
”He means,” Walter informed him, ”that if he wins it will be because he takes a tumble to the bottom of the canyon. Understand?”
”Oh,” muttered Chunky, thrusting his hands into his trousers pockets.
He stepped to the edge of the cliff, where he stood peering over curiously.
”I hope Tad doesn't win, too,” he decided sagely, whereat the others laughed loudly.
”Now, Professor, will you please take charge of the operations?”
”Certainly. But, you understand, I permit this thing under strong protest. I am doing wrong. I should use my authority to prevent it were we not already in such a serious predicament.”
”Don't worry. What I want is to have you take a few turns around that small tree there with the rope, and pay it out carefully, so that I can lower myself safely. Don't give me too much rope at one time, you know.”
”No,” chuckled Ned. ”You know what they say happens to people who have too much rope.”
”You mean?”
”That they usually hang themselves.”
Tad laughed softly.
”Please call that lazy Indian over here and set him to work. Little does he care what trouble we're in. See, he's asleep against a tree now.”
”Yes, his head would fall off if it were not nailed fast to him,”
added Ned, striding to the Shawnee and giving him a violent shake.
”Wake up, you sleepy head!” shouted Ned in a voice that brought the Indian quickly to his feet.
”Come over here, Eagle-eye. You're wanted,” called Walter.
”Put the Indian on the end of the rope; and, Professor, you please take a hold nearest to the tree. You'll be my salvation. The rest of you, except Chunky, can stand between the Professor and Eagle-eye.”
They took their places as directed, while Tad straightened out the rope until it extended to the edge of the cliff.
”What do you want me to do? Have I got to stand here and look on?”
demanded Stacy.
”No, Chunky. You may run the signal tower,” laughed Tad.
”What's that? I don't see any such thing around here?”
”You are it.”
<script>