The tree proved to be a most difficult one to climb.

Jones made several ineffectual attempts before he reached the first limb, which broke, giving him a hard fall.

This calmed me enough to make me take notice of Jones's condition.

He was wet with sweat and covered with the black pitch from the pines; his shirt was slit down the arm, and there was blood on his temple and his hand.

The next attempt began by placing a good-sized log against the tree, and proved to be the necessary help.