It had about three feet of the staff on it.

If it were not for that, there would be small chance of finding it.

I know it is somewhere close here." In a few minutes he returned to them.
"I have found it," he said.

"Keep close behind me." After walking for fifty yards, he stopped.
"Here it is, lads.
"Now give me those spears, Dick." He thrust them firmly into the ground, a few inches apart.
"Throw your weight on them, too," he said.

"That is right.