The plank bent until it seemed as if it must snap under
his weight. Then it shot upward, carrying the boy with
it, he kicking his feet together as he was lifted and
laughing out of pure bravado.

Phil knew he was safe now. The drop had tested the plank, so
that there was now slight danger of its breaking.

On the second rebound he swung himself to the upper side of it
and stood up.

"Hurrah!" he shouted.

Billy was pale and trembling.

"If you do that again I'll have an attack of heart disease,
Phil!" he called. "Now, what are you going to do? The rope is
hanging seven or eight feet away from you."

"Hello, that's so. I hadn't observed that before. I should
not have let go of it. Never mind, I'll get it unless
something breaks. See here, Billy, you get from under there."

"Is the plank likely to fall?" asked Billy innocently.

"The plank? No. I am likely to take a tumble," answered
Phil, with a short laugh. All at once he grew serious
and still. "I think I can make it," he decided.