He could easily understand how "Just" Smith's eyes must have almost started from their sockets when discovering the dreadful position of the pair below; and especially after he recognized Claude Jardin the last fellow in the wide world whom he would have expected to see in such a fix.
"H-h-how in the wide world did you get down there, Hugh ?" gasped the boy who leaned over the brink.
"I came down after Claude here, who'd fallen over, and was hanging to a bush that was giving way," explained Hugh.

"And now it's up to you to get us both out of this scrape, Just." "Oh, if only I had a rope!" cried the other, apparently nonplussed.
"Well, wishes won't make one," said the practical Hugh; "and so we'll have to do without.

But if you look around sharply I think you'll find a long pole there, for I remember noticing something of the kind." The boy above vanished for a brief period, which seemed ages to the anxious Claude; and even Hugh counted the seconds, for the strain was something serious.

Then again that friendly head appeared in view.
"You were right, Hugh!" called the Smith boy; "there was such a pole handy, and I've got the same right here now.

It's plenty long enough to reach down to you; but I'm wondering however I'll be able to draw two of you up." "I don't expect you to, all by yourself, Just," Huge told him.