The rope by which I had descended, relieved of my weight, swayed like
a serpent endowed with life, and for this reason, perhaps, it was being
fiercely attacked, about midway from the top, by a flock of white
eagles which tore at the hemp with beak and claws. I ran to the cradle;
but I had barely come to it when the rope parted, a hundred feet or
more of it falling down to where I stood scarcely able, as yet, to
realize the extent of the disaster which had overtaken me. A return to
the ship for a fresh rope would occupy, I knew, six hours at the least,
provided my companions were not molested on their way by hostile
savages, and I shuddered to think what my sufferings must be during
such a period of enforced solitude in this dreadful place. I shouted to
my comrades on top of the cliff, who answered me, but it was impossible
to understand what was said. I noticed, however, that some had already
set off on a return to the ship, as I conjectured, for a fresh rope;
while others continued to watch me. Thus I did not feel so deserted as
I would otherwise have done, though I dreaded the weary hours before
me, particularly when it should become dark, as would happen sooner
here than above.
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