at all on Tad Butler.

He motioned for them to let out a little rope.

"More rope!" bellowed Stacy.

"All right, Captain," jeered Ned. "Better port your helm, though, or
the rope will give you a side wipe and take you along over with Tad."

Stacy quickly changed his position, which Tad had intended telling him
to do.

Without another word Tad sat down with his feet dangling over, then
crawled cautiously down the steep wall. For a short distance he was
able to do this without depending on the rope, Stacy in the meanwhile
lying flat on his stomach, peering down and passing on the signals to
those holding the rope.

Now Tad came to a piece of rock that was straight up and down and
perfectly smooth. He motioned for them to lower him slowly, which
they did until the boy's feet once more touched a solid footing.

He carefully settled down until he was in a sitting posture. He was
on a narrow, shelving rock, and there he remained for a few moments to
rest, for the trip thus far had been exceedingly trying.

"The water's fine, Chunky," he called up cheerfully.

"The water's fine," bellowed Chunky, glaring at his companions. Then
a sheepish grin spread over his countenance when he realized what he