Skipper had passed that way, he knew, and he knew for two reasons.

It was the only way he could have passed, and Jerry's nose told him that he had passed.

His first attempt to climb the steps began well.

Not until a third of the way up, as the _Arangi_ rolled in a sea and recovered with a jerk, did he slip and fall.

Two or three boys awoke and watched him while they prepared and chewed betel nut and lime wrapped in green leaves.
Twice, barely started, Jerry slipped back, and more boys, awakened by their fellows, sat up and enjoyed his plight.