Now we knew that his head and chest were in, for his voice came in a half-smothered tone.

“Deal hotter in here, messmate. Just take hold o’ my hind legs, as if they was part of a wheelbarrow, and give ’em a lift and a shove at the same time.”

“That right?”

“Yes; that’s good. Steady!”

“Steady it is.”

“Now another. With a will, my lad.”

“Right. How far are yer in?”

“Up to the middle, lad; and if yer give another shove I can get a bit of a pull here. That’s yer sort.”

“I can’t get you up no farder, messmate,” said Bob. “Yes, I can, if you clap your foots together. I’ll plant my hands again ’em, and ram yer along that way. Ready?”

“Ay, ready,” came in smothered tones.