As it was, Herb lost his balance and leaped wildly. He landed on his feet and reached out a hand to find Bob.
“Of all the tough luck,” he groaned. “There I had the thing in my hand and now we’ve gone and lost it again.”
“Sorry. But stop your groaning and get busy,” Bob commanded him. “I haven’t moved from this spot, so if you get up on my shoulders again you ought to be able to get hold of the handle easily enough.”
So, hoisted and pushed by Joe and Jimmy, Herb finally regained his perch and felt for the handle. He found it, and this time pulled the door so far open that the boys could see through the opening in the barn floor.
“If somebody can hold that door,” panted Herb, “I think I can get through this hole. Grab hold, boy. It sure is heavy.”
So Joe caught the door as it swung downward and Herb scrambled through the aperture. Bob gave a grunt of relief as the weight was taken from his shoulders.
“You’re next, Joe,” Bob was saying when Jimmy came stumbling up, carrying something that banged against Bob’s legs.
“I’ve got it,” he panted. “Had an idea I might find something like it. Trust your Uncle Jimmy——”
“For the love of butter, what are you raving about?” interrupted Joe, and Jimmy proudly exhibited his prize.
“A soap box,” he said. “And a good big one, too. If we stand on that we can reach the opening easily.”