THE NEW MATE OF THE COTTON SCHOONER Christy had given himself credit for more physical strength, or Flint for less weight, than the circumstances warranted, and found that he could not draw up his companion as he intended.

He made several efforts to accomplish his purpose, but he failed every time.

The fear of making a noise cramped his efforts to some extent.
"Let go, Mr.Passford," whispered Flint, when he realized that his avoirdupois was too much for the young officer.

"I will get that box, and then I can manage it myself." "All right; but don't make a particle of noise," added Christy.
It required some time for the mate to find the box in the darkness, but he had it in position at last, standing upon one end.

Mounting it, he found that his head was on a level with the roof, and he could easily draw himself up; but he did not do so at once.
"What are you waiting for, Flint ?" asked Christy, rather impatiently.
"If I leave the box where it is, the guard will see where we have gone when they inspect the prison at ten o'clock," replied Flint.
"That's so; I did not have the box in my plan, and that would tell the guard where to look for us," replied Christy.