"I think we shall be able to manage that," Francis replied. "The beams are put in in the rough, and if we hunt carefully, I think we shall find a plank where we can get the irons in far enough, between it and the beam, to give us a hold."
After a careful examination, they fixed upon a plank to operate upon, and, leaving one of the irons there, so that they could find it in the dark, they lay down to sleep, or sat talking until it was dark. Before this, a glance, through the peephole, showed them that the hatch had been placed over the hatchway of the next hold, so that there was little fear of anyone coming down, unless something special was required.
"Now I think we can begin," Francis said, at last. "Do you, Paolo Parucchi, take one of the irons, I will take another, Matteo a third. We cannot possibly work more than three at the foot of a plank, though perhaps, when we have fixed them and put on the strain, two or three more hands may get at the irons; but first we will try with three, and, unless the nails have got a wonderfully firm hold, we shall certainly be able to draw them."
It took some time to fix the irons, to the best advantage, between the planks and the beam.
"Are you both ready?" Francis asked at last. "Then pull."
As Francis had anticipated, the levers did their work, and the nails yielded a little.
"It has sprung half an inch," Francis said, feeling. "Now you keep your irons as they are, while I thrust mine down farther. I have got a fresh hold. Do you shift yours."
Again the effort was made, and this time the nails drew fully two inches. Another effort, and the plank was completely free at the lower end.
"Now do you push against it as hard as you can," Francis said, "while I get my iron in between it and the beam above."
The upper nails yielded even more easily than those below.