Sam had the chain twisted around his right hand and he leaned far over into the well hole, his brother and Songbird holding him by his free arm. The loose end of the chain dangled close to Stanley and he grasped hold. Then came a short, hard pull, and Stanley came sprawling out on the grass. Then Spud crawled up a little higher and he was hauled out the same way.
Both boys were wet to the skin and covered with mud, presenting anything but an enviable appearance. For several seconds they sat on the grass, panting for breath.
"Phew! that was a close shave!" gasped Spud, presently. "I'm mightily glad the old well didn't cave in on us!"
"We went down head first," came from Stanley. "If it hadn't been for the water we would have smashed our skulls!"
"And the water came close to drowning us," added Spud; "And say, it was some cold, believe me," and he shivered.
"You'd better race around in the sun a bit, or you'll take cold," said Sam.
"Take off your coat, Spud, and put on mine," said Songbird, as he commenced to divest himself of his garment.
"Yes, and Stanley can have my coat," came from Tom. He now looked relieved, but his eyes had a strange light in them.
"It's queer how your old cap landed right on the top of the well," remarked Spud. "Why didn't the wind carry it to some safer place?"
At this remark Tom's face grew suddenly red. He tried to speak and gave a gulp.