At last the hardy outlaws stood upon the shelving rock peering down curiously into the dark abyss below them. It was not an inviting outlook, but Frank was determined to learn who or what it was down there in the tree top. After looking over the ground with a critical eye, he told the men to braid their lariats into one single rope. This done he tested its length by letting it down over the edge of the cliff. It reached the tree as nearly as he could make out, then he made an end fast around a projecting arm of rock on the ledge where they were standing. "Well," he demanded, "who is going down? I am not going to ask any of you to take the risk. I would do it myself only I am afraid I shouldn't be much good with my game leg." "Let me take a chance at this game, Captain," urged Comanche Tony. "No, you're too heavy," objected Frank. "I'll try it," said Texas. "Very well, you will do." They bound the rope tightly about his waist. All hands took strong hold of it and Texas sitting down on the edge of the cliff, boldly slipped off into space. The end of the rope had nearly been reached when a short sharp whistle from below and a slacking off of the weight told them that he had gained the goal and found for himself a foothold. "Hey, up there," he called softly after several minutes of aggravating silence. "Yes," answered Frank quickly, lying down on his stomach and peering over the edge. "What is it?" "I've made the lariat fast around his waist. Pull him up then send the rope down for me. He can't help himself--" "Who can't--who is it--do you know him?" "It's Jess," came the answer faintly from the dark pit below. "Pull boys, it is Jesse," exclaimed Frank springing up more excited than they ever had seen him before. "Is--is he dead?" asked Comanche apprehensively. "I don't know. Don't stop to ask questions now, but pull." Their new burden was a dead weight and it was all the outlaws could do to get him up to the edge, where the body awkwardly caught under the shelf of the ledge. "Make it fast around the rock!" commanded Frank, sharply. "Bill, you get your arm around the rock and all join hands. All lie down." Quickly was the human chain forged, and with Harry holding him by the feet, Frank leaned far out over the dizzy height and exerting every ounce of strength that he possessed pulled the body of the great bandit over onto the rock. "He's bound!" hissed Frank. It was but the work of a moment to sever the thongs that held him. The elder brother already had slipped his hand over Jesse's heart and learned that he still lived. "Bill where's that flask?" he demanded. Wild Bill passed it over and a large draught was quickly forced down the throat of the great bandit. The result was gratifying. He began to choke and at a signal from Frank they picked him up and carried him just within the mouth of the cave.