d Claude
Jardine, the last fellow in the wide world whom he would have
expected to see in such a fix.

"H-h-how in the wide world did you get down there, Hugh?" gasped the
boy who leaned over the brink.

"I came down after Claude here, who'd fallen over, and was hanging to
a bush that was giving way," explained Hugh. "And now it's up to you
to get us both out of this scrape, Just."

"Oh, if only I had a rope!" cried the other, apparently nonplussed.

"Well, wishes won't make one," said the practical Hugh; "and so we'll
have to do without. But if you look around sharply I think you'll
find a long pole there, for I remember noticing something of the
kind."

The boy above vanished for a brief period, which seemed ages to the
anxious Claude; and even Hugh counted the seconds, for the strain was
something serious. Then again that friendly head appeared in view.

"You were right, Hugh!" called the Smith boy; "there was such a pole
handy, and I've got the same right here now. It's plenty long enough
to reach down to you; but I'm wondering however I'll be able to draw
two of you up."

"I don't expect you to, all by yourself, Just," Huge told him. "Poke
the end of it down here, and keep a good stiff grip on the butt.
Then we'll hold on, and find places to set our feet. Inch by inch,
and foot by foot, we'll manage to climb up. You can help a little by
keeping the stick coming, you know."

"I get you, Hugh!" snapped the other eagerly; "and it's sure a right
good scheme. But be mighty careful you don't slip, either of you.
That fall'd break bones, even if it didn't kill you outright."

"Don't worry about us, Just Smith; pay attention to your part of the
contract, and things are bound to work out first-class. Lower away,
and don't poke us off our perch, please. We've only got a risky hold
below here."

So saying, Hugh encouraged the other two to do their part manfully.
Even Claude was shivering less than before, as though a breath of
renewed confidence might have been installed in his heart by this
close contact with such a stalwart chap as Hugh Morgan. It was going
to be the turning point in Claude's career, of that Hugh felt
positive. After this thrilling experience he was bound to awaken to
the fact that he was not like other boys of his age; and demand of
his mother that she permit him to participate in the life-giving
outdoor sports that are a part and parcel of boy nature.

They began to climb. It w