"Is he up to the top Roy?"
"I don't think so Sara."
"What wrong then?"
"He's probably taking a rest. It's dry, dusty and he won't be able to move much."
Roy and Sara stood staring up at the ceiling. After several minutes, they sat down, but Roy held onto the rope. After about twenty minutes, the line suddenly started moving again. Abe had been stuck and could not move. He managed to get the knife free from his belt and pry the blade into the rock that had him trapped. He broke the tip off, but the rock split apart allowing Abe to continue.
"Who were those men Roy, the ones trying to kill us?"
"I suspect the Dixon gang."
"What do they want with us?"
"They robbed a train and I found their loot one day. I gave everything to Sheriff Dinkins, but they probably want their money back?"
"Their money? It wouldn't belong to them if they stole it."
"It's just a hunch Sara, but they must think I have the money. I'll tell you what, though, when we get out of here, I'm going to solve this problem."
"Only if we're able to get out, Roy."
Several more times, the rope stopped moving and Roy waited to see if Abe would pull twice as they discussed, but it never happened. Each time, Sara would begin to worry, but eventually the rope would continue to move. Another two hours slipped past and then it stopped again. Roy and Sara waited, barely breathing. Only ten feet of rope hung down from the opening.
"What happens when we run out of rope?"
Roy looked concerned. "We stick to the plan. We won't be able to send water up, but Abe is smart and he'll get help in town."
The rope jerked twice. Sara and Roy started dancing around and hollering, but Abe could not hear anything when he leaned into the opening. He was covered in dirt, head to toe. Several cuts were on his face and arms, he was exhausted, but he finally made it. Flopping onto his back and smiling Abe panted. The sun was low on the horizon.
"Can you see him Roy? I don't see any sunlight."
"No, I can't see him, but maybe the sun is setting."
"He won't try to go to town in the dark will he?"
"I hope not. Quick, grab a canteen."
Sara retrieved a watering can. Roy took a loose nail he found and scrawled on the side of the canteen 'wait 4 sunrise.' Roy then quickly tied it to the end of the rope and tugged twice.