“It’s a pretty serious position we’re in, then,” mused Bumper.
“I have it!” Spotted Tail exclaimed suddenly. “See that bush fallen in the hole. The wind must have blown it in here. Now, I’ll climb on it, and then you climb on my back. I think by standing on my shoulders then you’ll be able to reach the top and scramble out.”
“But you? How’ll you get out?”
“Oh, I’ll manage it some way.”
This seemed like good advice, and Spotted Tail made his way cautiously to the highest part of the bush. Then Bumper followed him. Then he climbed up on Spotted Tail’s back, and stood on his shoulders.
“Now get ready when I raise myself up on my hind legs!” cautioned Spotted Tail. “You must jump and scramble up before the bush gives way.”
It was quite an acrobatic feat, but they balanced themselves skilfully until both stood upright on their haunches. “I can’t reach it!” exclaimed Bumper. “It’s a foot above my head!”
“Jump, then!” exclaimed Spotted Tail. “The bush is sagging down! Quick, Bumper, jump!”
And Bumper jumped, and scrambled up out of the pit. It was hard work with his sprained leg, but he reached the top. But Spotted Tail had fallen back to the bottom, and the bush after him. There was no way he could get out.
“I’ll run back to the burrow and get help!” Bumper said finally. “We’ll get you out somehow.”