Hank wrote:

If you prime the carb before checking
the plug, you should see gas on it plug.

The fuel from the primer bulb goes in the intake side of the
crankcase. Fuel has to go thru crankcase first, before it reaches the
plug on 2 strokes ( which I assume it is). He would have to push the
primer bulb and the pull the starter rope for fuel to show up on the
plug.

You are correct. I've assumed if he had been pushing
the primer bulb, that he had been pulling the rope to start it.