I knew there to be none--but there was my rope, which would still be hanging where I had left it.

He would come to where it was before I could.
Perhaps he would miss it--perhaps he would find it; and if he drew it up after him, he would get a good start of me.

I put forth all my remaining strength and pressed on.

At last I began to gain on him; for he, occupied with his search, unconsciously slackened his pace.
Ah, he had found it! A low shout of triumph came from him.

He laid hold of it and began to haul himself up.