Steve's body had hit the rocks with a resounding bump, but the boy did not feel the shock.
"Let the sling down at once. Two of you get at Rush and rub him. Don't be afraid of rubbing too hard. Start his circulation."
The sling was dropped over the side again, while two of the miners set to work on Steve.
"Get in," commanded Mr. Penton, as the sling came down to them.
"You first, sir," said Bob.
"Get in, I said!" The superintendent's voice had a note of authority that was not to be disputed.
Jarvis reluctantly took his place in the sling.
"Haul away," he called, and Bob was quickly drawn to the platform, where he dropped on his knees by Steve's side, pushing one of the men away, and began slapping the unconscious boy's feet, from which the boots and stockings had been removed. Steve was scarcely breathing.
The sling had been lowered quickly after bringing Jarvis up, and the superintendent took his place in it. The men began hauling him up, but with great difficulty, for Mr. Penton was a heavily built man.