“Then be careful. You are held up by that broken wood. Now try and draw yourself out.”
“Can’t,” said Fred, after one effort. “I’m held tight; wedged in by this wood.”
“Try again; but be careful, whatever you do.”
“Wait a moment. Oh, my head, my head! I hit the back of it on something.”
“Ah, mind!” cried Scarlett, in agony. “Don’t think about what is beneath you, but try to climb up.”
“Of course: only my head hurts so. I gave it such a knock.”
“Yes, yes,” cried Scarlett, impatiently; “but do mind.”
“Well, I am minding; only don’t be in such a fuss. I must get this piece of broken bough away.”
“No,” cried Scarlett, in agony; “don’t leave go your hold.”
“But can’t you see,” cried Fred, impatiently, “that this is just like a wire trap? I’ve gone through it, and the points are all round me, holding me from coming back.”