54 Sporting Sketches 



stand why I presently cursed and sat down upon 

 cool, moist mud ; but the legs were full measure and 

 the material stout. The seam never would stand 

 the strain; but the good old belt, made fast to the 

 upper part of one leg, carried across the seat and 

 again made fast, would take the direct pull. In a 

 few moments the tackle was ready, and I reached 

 for his gun. He hated to let go of it, and I didn't 

 blame him. 



" Here's your life-line, remember they cost a ten- 

 spot," I ventured, as I tossed him one leg of the 

 trousers. The way his hand clutched the cloth was 

 a marvel to see, and I at once realized that he had 

 to be got out, or I'd have to paddle home without 

 any panties. " Steady now ; wiggle your legs a 

 bit," I grunted as I cautiously put on the strain. 

 There was one moment of agonizing doubt ; then 

 Thomas began to come, and finally, with a sort of 

 regretful sucking sigh, the awful trap let go and he 

 came slithering out of that. 



Mud! I mined into a pocket till I found pay- 

 dirt otherwise his flask, cleaned it with grass and 

 we halved the contents. Then we looked at each 

 other and laughed in a semi-hysterical sort of way, 

 for each knew, and well, too, how serious a thing 

 had passed. 



