"
"Well, you try it yourself, Hawkins."
The inventor arose and started for the door with a very convincing and
elaborate display of indomitable energy. He planted his left foot
firmly on the side of the coal pile--and found that his left leg had
disappeared in the coal in a highly astonishing and undignified
fashion.
"Humph!" he remarked disgustedly, struggling free and shaking
something like a pound of coal dust from his person. "Perhaps--perhaps
it's more solid on the other side."
"Try it."
"Well, it is better to try it and fail than to stand there like a
cigar-store Indian and offer fool suggestions!" snapped the inventor,
making a vicious attack at the opposite side of the pile.
It really did seem more substantial. Hawkins, by the aid of both
hands, both feet, his elbows, his knees, and possibly his teeth as
well, managed to scramble upward for a dozen feet or so.
But just as he was about to turn and gloat over his success, the
treacherous coal gave way once more. Hawkins went flat upon his face
and slid back to me, feet first.
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