sation
by calling as he came up the slope:

"Oh, it's you, eh? Well, get in here quick. I thought Mr. Wright had
sent some one to help us."

"So he has," and Sam handed the breaker boss the superintendent's
letter. "We're to go on duty here till help arrives in the shape of
soldiers."

"I s'pose you two will count for one man; but we need a good many more
by the looks of things. Go into the first level an' stay there till
you're wanted."

Obeying these instructions the boys found a dozen men lounging about the
chamber, some lying on the empty trucks, and others moving to and fro
restlessly; but all well armed.

Each one was most eager to know what was being done in the village, and
the story had but just been told when the first alarm came.

"Get up to the mouth of the slope," Donovan shouted from above. "There's
a small crowd comin' this way, an' it's best to be prepared for 'em."

The command was promptly obeyed, and all watched the score of men who
were approaching. Instead of nearing the sentinels they turned off to
the left before arriving within hailing distance, and one of the party
said in a tone of satisfaction:

"That's all right; they're only lookin' around to see if our eyes are
open."

"They are going in the direction of the shaft into which Skip's crowd
threw me," Fred whispered to Sam.

"Yes."

"And in that way it would be possible to get into this portion of the
mine."

"I s'pose so; but they ain't likely to make such a long trip as that."

"Why not, if by so doing the lower level could be flooded without any
risk to themselves?"

"Now don't get frightened, Fred, there isn't one chance in a hundred
that any of the crowd know about the old gallery."

"But if they do all of us might easily be driven out by the water."

"Since it troubles you so much, speak to Donovan. He's the boss, and
will know if anything should be done."

"You tell him."

"Not much; I'm not going to be laughed at."

Fred hesitated only a moment; he believed that it was of the utmost
importance this possible means of entering the mine should be guarded,
and calling Donovan aside told him of his escape from the shaft; but
refrained from mentioning Joe Brace's name.

"I reckon you're more frightened than hurt, lad; but at the same time I
don't want to run any risks. Since Sam Thorpe knows the way through,
take him an' start. One of you could keep a hundred from comin' in at
such a small hole as you tell about."