I have got it over the cushion.

Now hold it firmly until I am on my feet.

That is right.

Now pay it out gradually." It seemed an endless time, to Dick, before his father exclaimed: "The strain is off! Thank God, he has got down all right!" A minute later there was a slight pull on the rope, and the captain paid it out until he heard a call from below.
"Have you got to the lowest stick ?" he asked, leaning over.
"Yes; it is just touching the ground." "Not such a bad guess," the captain said, as he turned to Dick.

"There are about twenty feet left." He now fastened the rope round the spears in the ground.
"I will lower you down, if you like, Dick.