But Leith had more cunning than we credited him with. After a futile
pull at the rope he thrust the pine torch through the hole, and as it
dropped into the cavern it illuminated the figure of Holman, who was
then about fifteen feet from the floor. "Cut the rope!" roared the
ruffian. "Quick, Soma! Cut the rope and break the ---- fool's neck!"
Holman, realizing that it was impossible to reach the top, saved himself
a nasty fall by sliding down the rope while the native slashed at it,
but he had not touched the floor when the ninety feet of strong manilla
came whirling down through the darkness. And the rope was not the only
gift we received. Angry at discovering that we had escaped death in our
plunge into the place, Leith poured forth a stream of blasphemy that
outdid the effort he had made when kicking Holman and me on the
afternoon the youngster had wounded him. He cursed us till the shocked
Professor dragged his two daughters away out of hearing, and there we
found the three when we had gathered up the rope and the food.
"We might as well make a try to explore the place," said Holman.
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