"Where? Where?" cried the Professor, running up. "Where is he, I say?"
"Right down there, not more than ten feet below us. He has lodged between two rocks—no, I see now, he's caught on one."
Now that they looked closer, they observed that he was hanging head down, doubled over like a sack of meal, a sharp rock having caught in his left trousers pocket, thus stopping his downward flight.
It was not a very secure position at best.
"Are you hurt, Chunky?" called Walter.
"I—I don't know. I think I'm killed."
"Can you see Tad? Do you know what happened to him?" asked Ned, in an excited tone.
"No, I can't. I've got troubles of my own. Get me out of here quick.
I can't hold on much longer."
"If the trousers only hold out, we'll save you," cried Walter. "Get a rope, Eagle-eye."
"Move! Move, idiot!" snorted the Professor. "What are you standing there for?"