rtly afterwards was offered a situation as under-viewer in the same
pit. It was worked on the old plan, but improvements were being carried
out.

Old Simon with four other men were coming along the main gallery, being
the last of the miners who were leaving the pit for the night. The rest
had already gained the foot of the shaft, when a rushing, roaring sound
was heard followed by a tremendous blast of wind, which, almost took
them off their feet. The cage was at the bottom of the shaft. They
sprang into it, more than double the number it usually contained
clinging on. Before they could give the signal to be drawn up, they saw
a torrent of water surging on several feet in depth, rapidly filling the
whole lower part of the mine. They were soon out of danger, but what
had become of old Simon and his companions? Mark had come to the pit's
mouth intending to descend and make his usual survey of the mine to see
that all was right. He soon heard on inquiry of the supposed fate of
old Simon and the rest. No one doubted that he had been overwhelmed by
the raging waters, but that such was the case Mark was not thoroughly
satisfied.

"They may have escaped in one of the side workings, and if so they are
still alive, although it may be a difficult matter to get them out," he
remarked.

He at once ordered the cage to be lowered, and with two men who
volunteered to accompany him, descended in it. On getting near the
bottom he discovered that although the water had filled the main tunnel
to the roof, there was still a passage running away to the left on a
higher level which was perfectly dry. They proceeded along it although
his companions considered that a search in that direction was useless.

"If the poor fellows were last seen in the main gallery, it seems
impossible that they should have got up here," they remarked. They,
however, went on and on, but no signs of human beings could be
discovered. They were returning, and were once more approaching the
shaft, when a dull sound was heard, as if some one was striking on a
wall in the far distance.

Mark placed his ear against the side from which the sound seemed to
come, and he distinctly heard several blows given. The others did the
same.

"You are right, Gilbart, that comes from the side working nearest to us.
The men must be there," exclaimed one of his companions.

"We will reply to them," said Mark, and taking a pick he struck several
heavy blows against