beastly holes!" observed Bluff uneasily.

"Let's go back, fellows, and make sure," remarked Frank instantly.

They retraced their steps, Reddy leading the way, and every one on the
lookout for any signs of an unusual happening.

"There's where it fell, and it looks like quite a lot of stuff had gone
down the slope," said their guide presently.

"Hello, Will! Will!" shouted Frank.

"Well, I'm waiting for you," said a quiet voice close at hand.

"Where in the world are you, pard?" burst out Jerry.

"Oh, here," came the reply.

"Ginger! I believe he's down the bank!" cried Bluff.

"Just what he is! Come here, fellows! Did you ever see anything to beat
that? Talk to me about your lucky dogs! Here's one that takes the cake
every time!" sang out Jerry, as he thrust his head out beyond the edge
of the platform where the slope began.

"Oh, I don't know. There have been cases where people have been saved
from all sorts of disasters by the fortunate presence of a rope. Chuck
us a loop, Reddy, will you, please?" said Will, and Jerry became as dumb
as an oyster.