Steve saw that Bob really was in distress.
"Jump out, if it's too hot."
"I can't. I'm stuck fast."
Watski was doubled up with laughter. He howled with delight, sitting down on the cinders with arms about his knees rocking back and forth with shouts of merriment.
In the meantime Steve threw his shovel into the pit, and crawling into the pit, used the shovel for a support while he pulled his companion out.
Bob's trousers were burned to the knees; his underclothing was burned and the skin of his shins was blistered from contact with the hot cinders and slag.
Steve was so angry that he could scarcely control himself, but he was determined to avoid a fight if possible.
"Did he do that on purpose?" demanded Jarvis.
"He was in a hurry for us to get to work, and——"