Besides, Nick was an unusually strong boy, which fact in itself had been one reason for his having been able to play the part of town bully as long as he did.
The sounds changed their nature.

Evidently, Nick had managed to pull himself over the window-sill.

He was now inside the hutch, perhaps kneeling on the floor, and directly under the tilted tub that stood on the shelf above! Hugh gripped his cord still more firmly.

It was almost time for something to happen.

Perhaps before another minute had passed the avalanche would descend, and give two startled fellows the surprise of their lives.
Now Nick was lending his companion a helping hand.