villains have taken good care we sha'n't escape. The drift has been
filled up this side of the doors."

"Can't we dig our way through? They haven't had time to bring much stuff
in here."

"More than likely two or three loads of coal have been dumped, and then
the doors were fastened. The drift has been worked out, and none of the
bosses would come here in time to suspect mischief."

"What can we do?"

"Wait a bit till I make sure what's before us."

Brace clambered upon the barrier, assured himself there was too much to
be removed in the limited time at their disposal, and then came back to
where Fred was waiting in painful suspense.

"It must be the old shaft or nothing. Walk fast now for the minutes are
going mighty quick."

Alone, Fred would have had difficulty in retracing his steps, but Brace
pushed forward as if it was possible to see every foot of the way, and
when the chamber was reached immediately began forcing his body through
the aperture which had seemed hardly large enough for Fred.

Neither gave any heed to possible injuries, and the man's clothes were
in tatters when they emerged on the opposite side of the wall to make
their way with all speed along the tunnel.

For a while the inclination of the path told Fred the proper direction
was being pursued, and then it seemed as if they traveled an unusually
long time over a road which appeared to be perfectly level.

"Are you sure we are right?" he asked at length, seizing Brace by the
arm to force him to halt.

"I don't know anything about it. This part of the mine was closed before
I ever heard of such a place as Farley's."

"We should have continued going down hill until the shaft was gained."

"Then we are off the track sure; but it can't be helped now, and there
is little chance of finding our way back. The air isn't bad, and we'll
keep on; it may be there is another slope beside the one about which I
have heard."

"We must be on the lower level."

"I reckon we are."

"And it can't be long before Billings will do as he threatened."

"You're right."

"Then we are certain to be drowned unless we can find a higher drift."

"Yes, an' it'll be a clear case of luck if we strike one. Don't stop to
talk now. We must go at full speed while the air is good."

Seizing Fred by the hand, Brace started once more, and for the time
being both forgot fatigue in this struggle for life. On with feverish
energy they pressed, yet no glimmer of light