Upon reaching the
opening he directed Billy to tie the other end of the rope to
the plank. This being done, Phil hauled the board up to where
he was sitting perched on the frame of the opening.
"I'd like to know what you're going to do?"
"If you will come up here I will show you."
"Not on your life," replied Billy promptly. "I know when I'm
well off, and if you don't look out, Boss Snowden will get
his wish."
"What wish was that?"
"That you might fall off a barn and break your neck."
The Circus Boy's merry laugh floated down to them as he worked in
an effort to get the plank into position. By tying the rope to
one end of the plank to support it he gradually worked the plank
out through the opening, after a time managing to shove the end
nearest to him under a beam.
"There, I'd like to see you turn a trick like that, Billy
Conley," he shouted.
"_I_ wouldn't," retorted Billy. "What's the next move?"
"In a minute. Watch me!"
The lad made a large loop in the rope in the shape of a
slip knot. All preparations being made he boldly walked out
on the plank which, secured at one end like a springboard,
bent and trembled beneath his weight.
The men down below gasped.
The farmer, having changed his mind, had come out to watch the
operation rather than visit the back farm.
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