Can't you fix that windlass ?" roared Hugh.
"No!" came the answer sepulchrally down the well.

"She's cooked." "Well, hold on," said Hugh.

"I believe I can get up." He braced his feet against one side of the well, and his shoulders against the other, and so, working them alternately, he raised himself inch by inch.

It is a feat that requires a good man to perform, and the strain was very great.
Grimly he kept at it, and drew nearer and nearer to the top.

Then, at last, a hand seized him; half-sick with over-exertion, he struggled out and fell gasping to the ground.