Now I will loosen a bit farther at the top, and then you will be able to get your hands in at the bottom to steady it, and prevent its falling when the nails are quite drawn." Another effort, and the plank was free, and, being drawn in, was laid down.

The delight of those who were standing in the dark, and could only judge how matters were going on from Francis's low spoken orders, was extreme.
"Can we get through ?" "No," Francis replied.

"It will be necessary to remove another plank first, but perhaps one of the slighter among you might manage to squeeze through, and hold the plank at the back.

We shall be able to work with more freedom, if we know that there is no danger of its falling." In a few minutes, the second plank was laid beside the first.
"What is to be done next ?" Matteo asked.
"We must establish a communication with the sailors.

I will take a working party of four.