The first time John brought the Sky-Bird by he was too high; Torrey could not reach the ladder.  The second time a sudden gust of wind blew the ropes too far to one side at the critical moment.  The third time the machine itself was a trifle too far to one side.  But on the fourth attempt success met their patient efforts; Torrey's hands seized the bottom rung of the ladder, and a few minutes later he had climbed up into the cabin and sunk weakly upon the floor.  Paul then brought in the ladder, laughing nervously, and released Grandpa, who had not relished his part of the proceedings in the least, to judge from his excited chattering, most of which was bestowed upon the rescued man.