By the way, we will tie some knots on that rope before I let myself down.

I used to be able to climb a rope without them, but I doubt whether I could do so now." "Well, God bless you, lad, and bring you back safely! You may make as light of it as you will, but it is a dangerous expedition.

However, I am glad you have undertaken it, come what may, for it has given you the opportunity of showing you are not afraid of danger when it takes any other form than that of firearms.

There are plenty of men who would stand up bravely enough in a fight, who would not like to undertake this task of going out alone in the dark into the middle of these bloodthirsty scoundrels.

How long do you think you will be ?" "A couple of hours at the outside." "Well, at the end of an hour I shall be back here again.