nd
the latter hung down nearly level with the thrower, and swinging to and
fro some eight or ten feet away.

This was an unexpected complication, but Dale saw success in it; and
after pausing for a few minutes to think, he began to climb sidewise
toward it inch by inch over a part that was perilous in the extreme,
till he was within four feet of the swinging loop. Then, glancing
upward to make sure that the rope was well over the projection, he
tightened the part he held, and, rising a little, let himself fall
sidewise toward the loop, catching it easily, and swinging to and fro by
the two ends of the rope as he vainly sought to find a hold for his
feet.

"All right, Saxe," he said, as he rested one foot on a tiny boss; "I
shall do it now." Then, helping himself by the double rope for hold, he
climbed up the few feet between him and the projection, making use of
every little crevice or angle for his feet, till he was able to get one
arm right over the little block and hold on while he drew up the loop,
cast off the piece of rope, and carefully arranged the loop in its
place.

"Hurrah! That will not slip," he said.

"Pray--pray be careful," cried Saxe.

"Trust me: I will," said Dale, seizing the rope now with strong grip and
lowering himself till he was hanging from it with both hands; then
gliding down lower and lower, while Saxe felt puzzled, but dared not
speak for fear of upsetting his companion at some special moment.

Dale lowered himself till he was level with the place he had quitted,
and then began to swing himself to and fro across the face of the rock,
evidently meaning to land upon the projection he had occupied so long.
But after several trials he found that he had not sufficient length of
rope for this, and he had to lower himself a little more, showing the
while the most implicit confidence in the rope as he began to swing
again, describing a larger and a larger arc, till he checked himself
when farthest distant from Saxe, upon a projection which just gave him
room enough to stand on a level with Saxe.

It was ticklish work, but by the help of the rope he maintained his
balance till he could find hand-hold and stand perfectly upright.

"There, Saxe," he said, rather breathlessly, "the game is won."

"I don't see it," said Saxe mournfully.

"Well, I do. I shall throw the rope across to you. Catch it, and take
your ice-axe and descend."

"But you must not be left in that dangerous position