I tested every yard of it, and found it would bear six hundred weight." "Well, that is ample; but how is one to hold on to a cord like that ?" "That is just what we want you to tell us, Father.

There must be some way of managing it, if one could but hit upon it." "Yes, that is so, lad," the sailor said thoughtfully.

"I will think it over.

Anyhow, I think I could lower you both down, and by knotting it I might get hold enough to come down after you; but even the knots would be precious small." "One might get over that, Father, by fastening a short stick across, every five or six feet; or every two or three feet, if you like." "Good, Dick.

That would prevent one's coming down with a run, certainly, and by keeping it between one's legs, one could always get a rest.