e child as well as he could； but the ferocious bird seemed to aim all its blows at him alone。 Afraid of cutting the cord； he could not strike it as he wished； and the struggle was prolonged； while Harry shouted with all his might in hopes of making his rades hear。
He soon knew they did； for they pulled the rope up faster； a distance of about eighty feet remained to be got over。 The bird ceased its direct attack； but increased the horror and danger of his situation by rushing at the cord； clinging to it just out of his reach； and endeavoring； by pecking furiously； to cut it。
Harry felt overe with terrible dread。 One strand of the rope gave way； and it made them sink a little。
A shriek of despair escaped his lips。
A second strand was divided； and the double burden now hung suspended by only half the cord。
Harry dropped his knife； and by a superhuman effort succeeded； at the moment the rope was giving way； in catching hold of it with his right hand above the cut made by the beak of the bird。 But； powerfully as he held it in his iron grasp； he could feel it gradually slipping through his fingers。
He might have caught it； and held on with both hands by sacrificing the life of the child he supported in his left arm。 The idea crossed him； but was banished in an instant； although he believed himself quite unable to hold out until
drawn to the surface。 For a second he closed his eyes； believing they were about to plunge back into