"Perhaps, but not in the way you think."
"How do you mean?"
"Wait until we investigate. There may be more to this than either of us think. I wonder if we can weight that tree down so the roots will stay up in the air?"
"I saw some rocks there near the top. Perhaps we can make them stay on so the top will be held down."
"You get up on the tree again and I'll pass the rocks up to you. Place them so they won't slide off. I don't want to get crushed by them falling on me."
"Neither do I want to get thrown off again. I'm black and blue all over, right this minute."
"I think I must be by the feel of my skin. Hurry!"
Stacy ran back to the roots, once more clambering to the trunk, along which he ran clear to the outer end. Tad was ready with a heavy, flat rock which he carefully raised by main strength.
"Now, don't you dare let that drop on me or I'll be mashed flat,
Stacy Brown."
"I—-I won't let it d-d-rop un—-unless I—-I fall off."