k fashion, Grip settling down
quietly enough and straining his muzzle over as far as he could reach.

Hardock said nothing, but tramped on again, taking the lead with one
lanthorn, Joe bringing up the rear with the others, having one in each
hand, while the light was reflected brightly from the surface of the
water.

At first the mining captain seemed to be working with a purpose in view;
but, after being compelled to turn back times out of number through
finding the water deepening in the different passages he followed, he
grew bewildered, and at last came to a standstill knee-deep in a part
that was wider than ordinary.

"I think this part will do," he said, looking helplessly from one to the
other.

"Not for long, Sam."

"Yes, sir," said the captain, feebly; "the water isn't rising here."

"It must be pouring into the mine like a cataract. Look how it's
rushing along here, and I can feel it creeping slowly up my legs."

"Yes, sir, I'm afraid you are right. I've been thinking for some time
that we couldn't do any more."

"Whereabouts are we now?"

"I'm not quite sure, sir; but if we go on a bit farther you'll find one
of my arrows on the wall."

"Come on, then," cried Gwyn, "you lead again with the light. No, Grip,
old chap, I can carry you,"--for the dog had made a bit of a struggle to
get down. He subsided, though, directly, nestling his muzzle close to
his master's cheek, and they went on, splash, splash, through the water
till they reached one of the turnings.

"Don't seem to be any arrow here, sir," said Hardock, holding up his
light. "Can't have been washed out, because the water hasn't been high
enough."

"But you said you had put an arrow at every turn," cried Gwyn.

"Every turning I come to, sir; but I'm sure now; I was in a bit of a
doubt before--I haven't been along here. It's all fresh."

"Turn back then," said Gwyn.

"But the water's running this way, sir, and it must be shallower farther
on."

"How do we know that?" cried Gwyn; "this stream may be rushing on to
fill deeper places." And as if to prove the truth of his theory, the
water ran gurgling, swirling, and eddying about their legs, but
evidently rising.

"Yes, sir, how do we know that?" said the man, who was rapidly growing
more dazed and helpless. "I don't kinder feel to know what's best to be
done with the water coming on like that. No pumping would ever get the
better of this, and--and--"

He said no more, but l