“Yes. He is at the bottom of a deep opening. I will have to haul him out if I can find anything to do it with.”
“If only we had a rope,” came from Darry.
Each looked around in perplexity.
“Might try some of the vines by twisting them together,” suggested Frank.
“The vines growing around here are not strong enough,” called back the professor.
At that moment came a slight rumble from the railroad and at a distance another handcar hove into sight, containing several laborers with their tools.
“Hi! stop that handcar!” called out Frank to Hockley, who had arisen to watch the car pass.
“What for?” demanded the lank youth.
“The professor wants a rope.”
“Stop the car yourself,” muttered Hockley. Nevertheless, when the car came near, he waved his hand for the men to stop working the handles which kept it in motion.