It was practically impossible to determine where the extreme end of the spar terminated in air, yet as nearly as possible I made selection for my point of aim, and, with three noiseless circles about my head to give it impetus, shot the rope forth into the dense gloom.

I heard the opening noose strike something which rattled sharply in the intense silence.

Then the line slipped, hung limp, and finally fell dangling down over the edge of the roof.

It had failed to catch, and I crouched low, making no effort to draw the loose end back.

With the first sound of the blow against the spar the steady tramping across the deck ceased.