CHAPTER XIV 

OUT OF AN UNPLEASANT SITUATION 

Not one of the party was just then in a position to give poor Hans any assistance. All were stuck in the ooze, and one horse after another was slowly but surely sinking. 

"We must turn back," cried Songbird, "and do it in a hurry, too." 

"Easier said than done," grunted Fred. "My, this is worse than glue!" 

"I think the ground on our left is a bit firmer than here," said Sam. "I am going to try it, anyway." 

Not without considerable difficulty, he turned his steed, and after a struggle the spot he had indicated was gained. Dick followed, and so did Tom. 

The Rovers were safe, but not so their chums. Hans was the worst off, but Fred and Songbird were likewise in positions of serious peril. Wags was flying around, barking dismally, as though he understood that all was not right. 

"Turn this way!" called out Sam. "It's your one hope!" 

"Let me have that rope you are carrying, Tom," said Dick, and having received the article, he threw one end to Hans, who was still floundering around. "Catch hold, Hans, and I'll haul you over!" 

As the rope fell across the German youth's body, he caught it tightly in both hands, and, as Dick, Tom and Sam pulled with might and main, he fairly slid on his breast to where they were standing. 

"Mine gracious, dot vos somedings awful!" he exclaimed. "It vos so sticky like molasses alretty!" 

"Now, we must help the others," said Dick. 
What did Songbird want to do?
turn back