When he related the manner in which he had clung to the Turk while both
ascended into the air, the elder of the two sailors listened with rapt
attention, and then, after some thought, asked: Why couldn't you carry one
or both of us to America? Rob took time seriously to consider this idea,
while the sailors eyed him with eager interest Finally he said: I'm afraid I
couldn't support your weight long enough to reach any other land.
It's a long journey, and you'd pull my arms out of joint before we'd been
up an hour.
Their faces fell at this, but one of them said: Why couldn't we swing
ourselves over your shoulders with a rope? Our two bodies would balance each
other and we are so thin and emaciated that we do not weigh very much While
considering this suggestion Rob remembered how at one time five pirates had
clung to his left leg and been carried some distance through the air, Have
you a rope? he asked.
No, was the answer; but there are plenty of long, tough vines growing on
the island that are just as strong and pliable as ropes.
Then, if you are willing to run the chances, decided the boy, I will make
the attempt to save you.
But I must warn you that in case I find I can not support the weight of
your bodies I shall drop one or both of you into the sea, They looked grave
at this prospect, but the biggest one said: We would soon meet death from
starvation if you left us here on the island; so, as there is at least a
chance of our being able to escape in your company I, for one, am willing to
risk being drowned.
It is easier and quicker than being starved.
And, as I'm the heavier, I suppose you'll drop me first Certainly, declared
Rob, promptly.
This announcement seemed to be an encouragement to the little sailor, but
he said, nervously: I hope you'll keep near the water, for I haven't a good
head for heights--they always make me dizzy, Oh, if you don't want to go,
began Rob, I can easily-- But I do! I do! I do! cried the little man,
interrupting him.
I shall die if you leave me behind! Well, then, get your ropes, and we'll
do the best we can, said the boy.
They ran to the trees, around the trunks of which were clinging many
tendrils of greenish-brown vine which possessed remarkable strength.
With their knives they cut a long section of this vine, the ends of which
were then tied into loops large enough to permit the sailors to sit in them
comfortably, The connecting piece Rob padded with seaweed gathered from the
shore, to prevent its cutting into his shoulders Now, then, he said, when
all was ready, take your places.
The sailors squatted in the loops, and Rob swung the vine over his
shoulders and turned the indicator of the traveling machine to up, As they
slowly mounted into the sky the little sailor gave a squeal of terror and
clung to the boy's arm; but the other, although seemingly anxious, sat
quietly in his place and made no trouble.
D--d--don't g--g--go so high! stammered the little one, tremblingly;
suppose we should f--f--fall! Well, s'pose we should? answered Rob,
gruffly.
You couldn't drown until you struck the water, so the higher we are the
longer you'll live in case of accident.
This phase of the question seemed to comfort the frightened fellow
somewhat; but, as he said, he had not a good head for heights, and so
continued to tremble in spite of his resolve to be brave, The weight on
Rob's shoulders was not so great as he had feared, the traveling machine
seeming to give a certain lightness and buoyancy to everything that came
into contact with its wearer As soon as he had reached a sufficient
elevation to admit of good speed he turned the indicator once more to the
east and began moving rapidly through the air, the shipwrecked sailors
dangling at either side.
Received on Tue Oct 31 2006 - 19:02:32 EST