"Come, give me your hand, hold on."

Bennett: "..."

Although...but...??

This conjunction is really well used.

Bennett felt that there was nothing else to do but give it a try. If he didn't try, how would he know if he couldn't make it up?

As Lola Hussey continued, "I just took a look. Although the pit walls appear slippery, you might be able to climb up like a rock climber if you have weight support. Use your toes to gain a foothold, keep your body weight close to the pit wall, and—oh, do you know how to rock climb?"

The last sentence was the key.

Bennett thought to himself that he was fortunate to be an avid athlete, having tried rock climbing, skydiving, and bungee jumping.

He nodded confidently, "Yes."