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"
That was the toughest journey I ever had the misfortune to undertake, and
I'm glad it's over. Yet, unless I can manage to fly to the top of this pit, we are
entombed here forever."
"
Do you think there is room enough for you to fly in?" asked the little girl
anxiously; and Cap'n Bill added:
"
"
It's a straight-up shaft, so I don't see how you'll ever manage it."
Were I an ordinary bird--one of those horrid feathered things--I wouldn't even
make the attempt to fly out," said the Ork. "But my mechanical propeller tail
can accomplish wonders, and whenever you're ready I'll show you a trick that
is worth while."
"
"
"
Oh!" exclaimed Trot; "do you intend to take us up, too?"
Why not?"
I thought," said Cap'n Bill, "as you'd go first, an' then send somebody to help
us by lettin' down a rope."
"
Ropes are dangerous," replied the Ork, "and I might not be able to find one to
reach all this distance. Besides, it stands to reason that if I can get out myself
I can also carry you two with me."
"
"
"
Well, I'm not afraid," said Trot, who longed to be on the earth's surface again.
S'pose we fall?" suggested Cap'n Bill, doubtfully.
Why, in that case we would all fall together," returned the Ork. "Get aboard,
little girl; sit across my shoulders and put both your arms around my neck."
Trot obeyed and when she was seated on the Ork, Cap'n Bill inquired:
"
"
How 'bout me, Mr. Ork?"
Why, I think you'd best grab hold of my rear legs and let me carry you up in
that manner," was the reply.
Cap'n Bill looked way up at the top of the well, and then he looked at the
Ork's slender, skinny legs and heaved a deep sigh.
"
It's goin' to be some dangle, I guess; but if you don't waste too much time on
the way up, I may be able to hang on," said he.
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