added:

"It's a straight-up shaft, so I don't see how you'll
ever manage it."

"Were I an ordinary bird -- one of those horrid
feathered things -- I wouldn't even make the attempt to
fly out," said the Ork. "But my mechanical propeller
tail can accomplish wonders, and whenever you're ready
I'll show you a trick that is worth while."

"Oh!" exclaimed Trot; "do you intend to take us up,
too?"

"Why not?"

"I thought," said Cap'n Bill, "as you'd go first, an'
then send somebody to help us by lettin' down a rope."

"Ropes are dangerous," replied the Ork, "and I might
not be able to find one to reach all this distance.
Besides, it stands to reason that if I can get out
myself I can also carry you two with me."

"Well, I'm not afraid," said Trot, who longed to be
on the earth's surface again.

"S'pose we fall?" suggested Cap'n Bill, doubtfully.

"Why, in that case we would all fall together,"