first, and the old miners, accustomed to judge by
sound, were of opinion that the wall in front sounded less solid, and
that they were approaching the old workings of the Logan pit. In the
three days and nights they had driven the heading nearly fifteen yards
from the point where they had begun. Upon the fourth day they worked
cautiously, driving a borer three feet ahead of them into the coal, as
in case of the water bursting through suddenly they would be all
drowned.

At the end of ninety hours from the time of striking the first blow the
drill which, Jack holding it, Bill Haden was just driving in deeper with
a sledge, suddenly went forward, and as suddenly flew out as if shot
from a gun, followed by a jet of water driven with tremendous force. A
plug, which had been prepared in readiness, was with difficulty driven
into the hole; two men who had been knocked down by the force of the
water were picked up, much bruised and hurt; and with thankful hearts
that the end of their labour was at hand all prepared for the last and
most critical portion of their task.

CHAPTER XXVI.

A CRITICAL MOMENT.

After an earnest thanksgiving by Mr. Brook for their success thus far,
the whole party partook of what was a heartier meal than usual,
consisting of the whole of the remaining food. Then choosing the largest
of the drills, a hole was driven in the coal two feet in depth, and in
this an unusually heavy charge was placed.

"We're done for after all," Bill Haden suddenly exclaimed. "Look at the
lamp."

Every one present felt his heart sink at what he saw. A light flame
seemed to fill the whole interior of the lamp. To strike a match to
light the fuse would be to cause an instant explosion of the gas. The
place where they were working being the highest part of the mine, the
fiery gas, which made its way out of the coal at all points above the
closed doors, had, being lighter than air, mounted there.

"Put the lamps out," Jack said quickly, "the gauze is nearly red hot."
In a moment they were in darkness.

"What is to be done now?" Mr. Brook asked after a pause.

There was silence for a while--the case seemed desperate.

"Mr. Brook," Jack said after a time, "it is agreed, is it not, that all
here will obey my orders?"

"Yes, certainly, Jack," Mr. Brook answered.

"Whatever they are?"

"Yes, whatever they are."

"Very well," Jack said, "you will all take your coats off and soak them
in water, then all set