There is a chance of safety for us yet.

The only place they are not likely to look for us is the cave, and as we have climbed down from above with the rope, there will be no difficulty in ascending." Nessus gave an exclamation, which expressed at once admiration of his leader's idea and gratification at the thought of escape.

They began without delay to retrace their steps, and after some trouble again found the rope.
Nessus mounted first; his bare feet enabled him to grip any inequality of the surface of the rock.

Whenever he came to a ledge which afforded him standing room he shook the rope, and waited until Malchus joined him.
At last they stood together at the foot of the perpendicular rock at the top.

The lightly armed Arab found no difficulty whatever in climbing the rope; but it was harder work for Malchus, encumbered with the weight of his armour.