i saw in his eyes that there was no hope of delay , and so i was myself fitted into the sling , and i gripped the stout staff in my hands , which were slippery with sweat ; and my whole body likewise was slippery with sweat ; and i shivered in the wind as i went over the side of the cliff , and for the last time saw the five northmen straining at the rope , and then they were lost from view .