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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.<br>
And, as I'm the heavier, I suppose you'll drop me first.<br>
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.<br>
I shall die if you leave me behind! Well, then, get your ropes, and we'll
do the best we can, said the boy.<br>
They ran to the trees, around the trunks of which were clinging many
tendrils of greenish-brown vine which possessed remarkable strength.<br>
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.<br>
Now, then, he said, when all was ready, take your places.<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
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.<br>
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, This is
aw--aw--awful! gasped the little one Say, you shut up! commanded the boy,
angrily.<br>
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