In desperation, Jim decides to investigate the abandoned house they've passed several times. Inside, they find a bedroom full of old furniture, including a bed with a rope hanging from the ceiling. They decide to stay the night, with Steve sleeping in the bed and Jim taking the floor.
During the night, Jim hears a strange noise and wakes up to see Steve hanging from the rope. He tries to call out to him, but Steve is sound asleep and doesn't respond. Jim attempts to cut the rope with his pocketknife but is unsuccessful. He tries various methods to awaken Steve, but none of them work.
Finally, Jim notices a book on the nightstand. He grabs it and begins reading aloud in desperation, hoping that the noise will eventually awaken Steve. He reads from the book for an extended time, but Steve remains stubbornly asleep.
Jim continues to read, becoming more and more exhausted and frustrated. At last, Steve lets out a snore and awakens. He is confused about why Jim is reading to him, and asks if Jim has gone crazy. Jim explains the situation and reveals that the book he was reading was a copy of the Bible.
The story ends with Jim and Steve laughing about the absurdity of the situation and their relief at Steve's safety.