Fortunately the knight gave no orders to his men to remove our daggers when we were thrust in here, and these will speedily dig out the lead; but I must come down first, for the strap prevents my working at the foot of the bar.

We must tear off a strip of our clothing and make a shift to fasten the strap half-way up the bar so as not to slip down with our weight." In order to accomplish this Walter had to stand upon Ralph's head to gain additional height.

He presently, after several attempts, succeeded in fixing the strap firmly against the bar half-way up, and then placing one knee in the loop and putting an arm through the bar to steady himself, he set to work at the lead.

The sharp point of the dagger quickly cut out that near the surface, but farther down the hole narrowed and the task was much more difficult.

Several times Ralph relieved him at the work, but at last it was accomplished, and the bar was found to move slightly when they shook it.