This arrested the downward process and Barney was safe for the time.
But he was quite unable to extricate himself.
The question was, how to get him out of the clinging sands. But Frank Reade, Jr., knew how to do it.
He threw the noose of the lariat over Barney’s shoulders. Then he said:
“Now hang on. We’ll try and pull you out.”
Frank and Pomp laid hold on the rope and exerted their full strength.
But they could hardly move the Celt. The sands were so mighty and clinging that their resistance could not be overcome with that amount of force.
“Golly, Marse Frank!” puffed Pomp, “I don’ fink we’re gwine fo’ to git dat chile out ob dat place.”
“Keep cool!” said Frank, quietly. “We will find a way.”
Frank went back and brought the Steam Horse up.