He crouched down in the fireplace and looked up. He could see Joe’s wildly plunging feet a short distance above.
“Kick yourself free!” advised Chet helpfully.
“That’s all I can do—kick!” replied the prisoner. “My elbows are wedged in against these rocks and I can’t get loose.”
“Hold steady a second,” Frank said. “I’ll try to drag you out.”
He reached up and seized one of Joe’s feet. He tugged, but Joe was evidently firmly wedged in the chimney.
“Keep on climbing and come out at the top,” called Chet.
“Wait till I get you!” answered Joe. “This isn’t funny.”
“Come on, you chaps,” said Frank, to the others. “Lend a hand. We’ll just have to drag him out by main force.”
Gingerly, Biff and Chet entered the fire place. The three boys were crowded together. They reached up to grab Joe by the feet just as the prisoner made another struggle and sent more soot pouring down on his rescuers. Within a few seconds, the three were liberally covered with the black substance.
“All together, now,” said Frank, when they had grabbed Joe by the ankles. “Pull!”