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Rh and pressed on. At last I began to gain on him; for he, occupied with his search, unconsciously slackened his pace.

Ah, he had found it! A low shout of triumph came from him. He laid hold of it and began to haul himself up. I was near enough to hear him mutter: "How the devil comes this here?" I was at the rope, and he, hanging in midair, saw me; but I could not reach him.

"Hullo! who's here?" he cried in startled tones.

For a moment I believe he took me for the king—I dare say I was pale enough to lend color to the thought; but an instant later he cried:

"Why, it's the play-actor! How came you here, man?"

And so saying he gained the bank.

I laid hold of the rope, but I paused. He stood on the bank, sword in hand, and he could cut my head open or spit me through the heart as I came up. I let go the rope.

"Never mind," said I; "but as I'm here I think I'll stay."

He smiled down on me.