“Then so much the more reason why we should begin without delay. Come on, Nelse, we’ll do all that is possible, and let the others join us or stay here as they choose.”
As he spoke, Gil began to grope around the sides of the shaft in order to select that portion where the earth was packed solidly, for the task of cutting his way upward, and had dug with his knife a hole for one of his feet, when Jenkins approached.
“Now see here, boys, I’m willin’ to do all I can, so there’s no use in startin’ off before you’re ready. Besides, you’ll never get out by working in that way.”
“Go ahead, then; show us how, and we’ll do our share.”
Calling the sailors to him, Jenkins mounted on their shoulders, which brought his hands within a short distance of the surface, and there he stood some moments listening.
No sound betokened the presence of any of the enemy, although there was every reason to suppose one or more might be waiting for just such a move on the part of the white men, and then, digging his hands and feet into the loose earth, the agile mate succeeded in clambering to the top.
“Pass up the rope,” he whispered, and when this was done he directed the boys to tie one end under their arms.
“I’ll pull you two up, an’ the others can look out for themselves. Bring the revolvers, knives, an’ hatchets, for I reckon we shall need everything we’ve got in the way of weapons.”
The sailors helped the boys secure the rope under their arms, and assisted in gathering the articles of defense; but when the two had been drawn to the surface the men made no move toward joining them.
“Why don’t you come up?” Jenkins whispered, impatiently.