CHAPTER XIV 

OUT OF AN UNPLEASANT SITUATION 

Not one of the party was just then in a position to give poor Hans any assistance. All were stuck in the ooze, and one horse after another was slowly but surely sinking. 

"We must turn back," cried Songbird, "and do it in a hurry, too." 

"Easier said than done," grunted Fred. "My, this is worse than glue!" 

"I think the ground on our left is a bit firmer than here," said Sam. "I am going to try it, anyway." 

Not without considerable difficulty, he turned his steed, and after a struggle the spot he had indicated was gained. Dick followed, and so did Tom. 

The Rovers were safe, but not so their chums. Hans was the worst off, but Fred and Songbird were likewise in positions of serious peril. Wags was flying around, barking dismally, as though he understood that all was not right. 

"Turn this way!" called out Sam. "It's your one hope!" 

"Let me have that rope you are carrying, Tom," said Dick, and having received the article, he threw one end to Hans, who was still floundering around. "Catch hold, Hans, and I'll haul you over!" 

As the rope fell across the German youth's body, he caught it tightly in both hands, and, as Dick, Tom and Sam pulled with might and main, he fairly slid on his breast to where they were standing. 

"Mine gracious, dot vos somedings awful!" he exclaimed. "It vos so sticky like molasses alretty!" 

"Now, we must help the others," said Dick. 
Who was the worst off?
Who could help him?
What were they stuck in?
What was it worse than?
According to who?
What did Songbird want to do?
How quickly?
Was there any firm ground?
Where?
Did anyone go that way?
Who?
Was it easy?
Did anyone else go that way?
Who?
Anyone else?
What did Dick ask Tom for?
What did Dick do with it?
What did Hans catch it with?
Who pulled Hans?
Were they successful?
Hans
Hans
The Rovers
The Rovers
in the ooze,
in the ooze,
glue
glue
Fred
Fred
turn back
turn back
in a hurry
 in a hurry
yes
on our left is a bit firmer
on their left
on our left
yes
I am going to try it, anyway.
Sam
Sam
no
Not without considerable difficulty,
yes
Dick followed, and so did Tom. 
Dick
Dick
Tom
Tom
rope
rope
he threw one end to Hans
 he threw one end to Hans
both hands
 both hands
Dick, Tom and Sam
Dick, Tom and Sam
yes
he fairly slid on his breast to where they were standing. 