“Stay right where you are,” called Thomas Jefferson.  “Don’t try to do anything for yourself.”

The face disappeared from the border of the cliff and anxiously George waited to discover what means would be used for his rescue.  That he would be left in his predicament he was convinced was not to be thought of.

Nevertheless the anxious boy became troubled when a time that seemed to him inordinately long passed and still no word was heard from above him.  Almost frantic he was about to renew his shouts when he discovered the Navajo crawling over the edge and slowly and cautiously descending the sloping side of the cliff.

Almost fascinated by the sight George watched every movement.  The moccasin-clad feet of the Navajo did not once fail to find a secure hold.  Almost like the rattler which had been killed that morning he crawled and squirmed, steadily making his way toward the place where George was awaiting his coming.

Abruptly a new fear seized upon the Go Ahead Boy.  If Thomas Jefferson should succeed in gaining the place where he was awaiting his coming, would the shelf be sufficiently strong to support the weight of both?  The suggestion was alarming and the perspiration stood out on George’s forehead as he thought of the new danger.

He was aware now that under the shoulders of the Navajo there was a lariat made fast and that this was being paid out from above as he slowly descended.

It was evident now that Thomas Jefferson’s companion was above the gulch and that he was assisting in the descent of his companion.

In the nervous condition in which George now found himself a thousand new fears possessed him.  Perhaps the lariat would not be long enough.  As Thomas Jefferson proceeded, his foot might slip and his entire weight be thrown upon the slender rope or strap.  Even if the Indian should succeed in attaining the shelf where George was standing, would the slender strip of leather be strong enough to support the weight of both?

Meanwhile, as if he were devoid of all fear, the young Navajo slowly and steadily continued his descent.  He was not more than fifteen feet from the boy whom he was seeking to rescue, when, with his foot braced against a small projection and the lariat clasped tightly in his hands, he paused as he said, “Don’t be scared.  Just keep hold of that tree and you’ll be all right.”

As soon as he had spoken, the descent was renewed and in a brief time the Navajo had taken his place beside George.

“Look out!” warned George, his voice trembling as he spoke.  “I’m afraid this tree isn’t strong enough to hold both of us.  I don’t think the shelf is, either.”

The peril was so great and the fear of George so keen that for a moment he trembled violently.  The Navajo, however, quickly passed his arm under that of the trembling boy and said soothingly, “There’s no need to be scared.  This place is plenty strong to hold us both.  Just be careful and do what I say.”