that we'll be through in a couple of hours more, an' want him
to start the pumps, for we're workin' in four feet of water."

After stationing one of their number as guard the miners resumed their
labor, and Fred started toward the slope, bent on inducing Donovan to
take some steps for the relief of Sam.

Wearied by the previous exertions he made but slow progress, and when he
reached the breaker at least half an hour had elapsed.

Those who had been left to guard the mine were on duty in positions
where their bodies would be sheltered in case of an attack with
fire-arms, and in a group outside were forty or fifty of the rioters.

"Bill Thomas wants to know if you will start the pumps? They are working
in four feet of water," Fred said, as he approached Donovan.

"It can't be done now if the whole level is flooded. These fellows have
made two rushes, and are gettin' ready for another."

"Don't you suppose this is to prevent you from discovering that a
portion of the rioters are getting in through the old shaft?" and Fred
told of what had occurred in the drift.

"That's jest the size of it; but what can be done? We can't spare a man
from here."

"There are surely more at the store who would help us."

"Very likely; but they won't come while this crowd is here."

"If Mr. Wright knew what was going on he could send a party to the
shaft."

"Yes, if he knew it."

"Why not send him word?"

"How?"

This was a question. Fred did not answer, and Donovan continued:

"There's no chance by which any one could get from here to the store,
while that gang of murderers keep watch over all our movements."

"It is nearly night. In an hour it will be too dark for them to see what
is going on."

"Who will take the risk of trying to slip past them?"

"I will."

"You'll be in a worse box than Sam is, if they catch you."

"Something must be done, and since you can't spare anybody to go to the
poor fellow's assistance I'm ready to take my chances while trying to
help him."

Donovan did not reply until after looking carefully around as if
calculating the probabilities of success, and then he said:

"I've a mind to let you attempt it. If the soldiers don't arrive before
morning, and Billings' crowd are coming through the old shaft as you
say, we must have help soon, or give up the fight. There is a chance you
will get past all right, and I'm certain we can expect no one to come
unless we say it is impossible to hold ou