The men were shouting, and at first Paul was afraid that the log or the top had landed on someone. Then he realized they were cheering. Shortly after the log fell, one of the top cutters climbed up beside him.

"The Boss told me to show you how to get down. Unless you feel like jumping."

Paul shook his head. The topper wrapped a flat braided rope around the tree and fastened both ends to Paul's belt. He scrambled up past Paul and undid the rope that fastened Paul to the ...