yourself with the idea that matters have been straightened
because I'm free," Brace replied, as he rose to his feet when Fred's
task had been finished.

"But what is to prevent our leaving here?"

"Did you catch what Billings said when he left?"

"Yes."

"Then there's no need of sayin' anything more. Some of the murderin'
crowd will be on guard at the entrance to the drift, and, knowing what
we do of their plans, every means will be used to prevent our ever
seeing daylight again."

"Don't you intend to do anything toward trying to escape?"

"Of course. I'm not quite a fool."

"Shall you go back with me, or try to find the shaft?"

"That would be useless. We will go straight through this drift."

"But if Billings' crowd are watching for you?"

"It's simply a case of fighting for life. There ain't much hope of
overpowerin' them; the job will be child's play compared with tryin' to
hold our own agin the flood that's sure to come soon."

Brace groped around for something which would serve as a weapon, but
finding nothing, he said grimly:

"We'll have to go as we are, lad, an' remember that if we don't get
through the drift you'll never see the breaker again."

CHAPTER IV

THE BARRIER

Brace did not so much as ask if Fred was willing to join him in the
struggle which must surely ensue, if they met those who intended to work
such great injury to the mine. He walked straight on without speaking
until five minutes had elapsed, and then said in a whisper:

"It wouldn't be safe for any of that crowd to be found loafin' near the
entrance to the drift, so we may expect to run across them before long.
If they get the best of me, an' you can slip past while they are doin'
it, don't wait, but make the most of your time."

"I wouldn't leave you to fight alone."

"Why not? My life don't count for anything when there are so many to be
saved. Run if you can, and tell what Billings intends to do. The
superintendent is the one who should hear it first, but if the time is
short speak to any of the bosses."

Up to this moment Fred had thought only that he and Brace might insure
their own safety; but now personal welfare seemed insignificant as
compared with what might be done for others.

Following closely behind Brace, that there might be no possibility of an
involuntary separation, he walked on in silence until the leader
suddenly halted with a cry of dismay.

"What's the matter?" Fred whispered.

"The