ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1934, Page 22 (Supplement)

ADVENTURES OF THE CHUMS

Just for a change one day the chums went for a ramble along the cliffs Of murse they took a ball with them. It was the one Richard and Tea kicked about in the sea, so you can imagine the consternation with which they saw it disappear over the cliff : when Gwen gave it an extra hard kick. “It’s overl” cried Gwen. A remark that was entirely unnecessary !

The chums were not content to watch the ball disappear over the cliff without trying to see what had happened to it. Richard, very gingerly, peered over the edge. ‘lthinkI U ran U sX e it,”Sid Richard. “It has lodged on a ledge.” “Anyway, it’s gone for good,” said Gwen. But Richard was not of that opinion.

Richard had no intention of parting with the ball without a straggle. He decided to go over the cliff and get it, although both Gwen and Ted tried to persuade him not to do so. Back thev went ahd got a rope and a truck stick. . “The idea is,” he said, "to. tie the rope to this stake. Then there is no chance of it slipping with my weight.” , “That’s comforting,” said Gwen.

So Richard went over the edge of the cliff. It looked dangerous, but Gwen and Ted were able to hold his weight, and the rope was firmly fixed to the stake, while Richard’s feet were lodged in a slip-knot. , “Now let me down gently,” he said; “when I reach the ledge I’ll give a shout, and when I want to be pulled up I’ll give a strong jerk on the rope.” “Right you are,” answered Gwen.

When Richard reached the ledge he called out merrily that he had found the ball, but was going to have a look round before returning. There was plenty of rope, and Gwen held it so that she would feel the jerk that Richard was going to give when ready to be pulled back. “It’s not a bit dangerous, is it ?” Gwen asked Ted, grasping the rope.

Perhaps if Gwen had not been so intent on her conversation with Ted, she would have been prepared for the jerk that Richard gave as a signal for them to pull him back. As it happened she was quite unprepared, and, as she was clutching the rope tightly, she was pulled off her balance, and over she went. Ted just caught a glimpse of her as she disappeared. He, of course, was terror-stricken, but, somehow, I feel sure Gwen will not come to any great harm.