Robert claimed the honor of the first descent, but it was finally conceded to Tayoga, who was a trifle lighter.
The Onondaga fastened securely upon his back his rifle and his pack containing food, and then, grasping the cable firmly with both hands, he began to go down, while his friends watched with great anxiety.

He was not obliged to swing clear his whole weight, but was able to brace his feet against the cliff.

Thus he steadied the vines, but Robert and Willet nevertheless breathed great sighs of relief, when he reached the bushes below, and detached himself from the cable.
"It is safe," he called back.
Robert went next and Willet followed.

When the three were in the bushes, clinging to their tough and wiry strength, they found that the difficulties, as they invariably do, had decreased.

Below them the slope was not so steep by any means, and, by holding to the rocky outcrops and scant bushes, they could make the full descent of the mountain.