ckwards, saw that Frank was making for a
tree that had been blown down at some previous time. It chanced to be
close at hand, and in a dozen seconds the running boy had gained the
spot.

Then Bluff gave a cry of mingled delight and admiration.

"It certainly takes Frank to hatch up a clever scheme on the spur of
the moment! He's dragging that old wild grave-vine out from the wreck
of the tree!" was what Bluff exclaimed in an ecstasy of satisfaction.
"Oh! why didn't he tell me to go along with him? What if he can't
manage it alone?"

Bluff was in the act of clambering to his feet when Jerry halted him.

"It's all right, Bluff, for he's got it loose now, and is whooping it
up this way like everything. If only that fellow can hold on a little
longer we'll pull him up O. K. Hey, down there, take a fresh grip and
stick fast! We've got a vine rope coming on the jump! Steady now, old
chap; we're standing by you!"

"Hurry!" they heard the other gasp. Undoubtedly after all his
exertions he must have been short of breath, though the face he turned
up toward them did not appear to be stamped with any great degree of
fright.

Just then Frank arrived on the spot, and instantly started to lower
the section of wild grape-vine he had secured from the fallen tree. It
was at least a dozen or fifteen feet in length, and any one acquainted
with the amazing strength of such a parasite did not need to be
assured that it would easily bear the weight of several persons the
weight of one who was in such peril on the rock below.

"Can you change your hold to the vine?" called Frank, when presently
he could see that the lower end of his substitute rope dangled close
alongside the other.

It required more or less agility and reserve strength to carry such a
proceeding through successfully. The stranger, however, appeared to
possess these necessary qualifications, Frank was pleased to see.

Will felt as though his heart was up in his throat as he watched the
other hang on to the spur of rock with one hand, and seize the
dangling object with the other. Frank had lowered the larger end of
the vine. He had also sent it below the jutting rock, so that the one
they meant to rescue could clasp his legs about it, and thus secure a
much better grip.

When they saw he had really accomplished the difficult feat of
transferring his weight to the vine the boys, whose heads projected
beyond the ledge above, uttered encouraging shouts.

"Well done