d Norman handled the knives, and in a few minutes
the rock was covered with strips of buckskin about two inches wide, by a
yard or so in length. These were next joined and plaited together in
such a manner that a rope was formed nearly forty feet long. An eye was
made at one end, and through this the other end was reeved--so that a
running noose was obtained, in the same manner as the Mexicans and
Indians make their lassoes. The rope was now ready for use, and Basil
was the very hand to use it; for Basil knew how to fling a lasso as well
as either Mexican or Indian. He had practised it often, and had lassoed
many a long-horned bull upon the prairies of Opelousas and the
Attakapas. To Basil, therefore, the rope was given. He placed himself
on the highest part of the rock, having first coiled the new-made lasso,
and hung the coil lightly over his left arm. He then took the noose-end
in his right hand, and commenced winding it around his head. His
companions had laid themselves flat, so as not to be in the way of the
noose as it circled about. After a few turns the rope was launched
forth, and a loud "hurrah!" from Francois announced that the throw was
successful. It was so in fact, as the noose was seen settling smoothly
over the jutting-stone, taking full hold upon it. A pull from Basil
fixed it; and in a few minutes it was made quite fast, without the
slightest danger of its slipping off. The other end was then carried
round a projecting point of the rock on which they stood, and knotted
firmly, so that the rope was quite taut, and stretched in a nearly
horizontal direction, about a foot above the surface of the water.

The voyageurs now prepared to cross over. Their guns, pouches, and
flasks were carefully secured, so that the water could not damage them.
Then each took a piece of the buckskin thong, and fastened it round his
waist, leaving enough to form a running loop. This loop was intended to
embrace the rope, and run along it, as they drew themselves forward by
their hands.

Basil passed over first. He was the oldest, and, as he asserted, it was
but right he should run the risk in testing the new-fashioned bridge, of
which he was the architect. It worked admirably, and sustained the
weight of his body, with the whole force of the current acting upon it.
Of course he was swept far down, and the rope was stretched to its full
tension, but he succeeded in handing himself along, until he was able to
t