One stood above to guide the huge piece of plank-work, while all the rest exerted their strength upon the ropes below.

Even little Jan pulled with all his might--though a single pound avoirdupois weight would have been about the measure of _his_ strength.
The piece was hoisted up, until it rested beautifully upon the supporting limbs; and then a cheer rose from below, and was answered by Swartboy among the branches.
The heaviest part of the work was over.

The boxing of the wagon was passed up, piece by piece, and set in its place just as before.

Some branches were lopped off to make room for the cap-tent, and then it was also hauled up, and mounted.
By the time the sun set, everything was in its place; and the aerial house was ready for sleeping in.

In fact, that very night they slept in it, or, as Hans jocularly termed it, they all went to "roost." But they did not consider their new habitation quite complete as yet.
Next day they continued to labour upon it.