" Harry tried to speak jovially,
but his tone was almost sepulchral.
"Yes, I'll come up, then," Tom Reade answered. "It's high time
for us to see to building a shelter that will keep out of the
shaft the big snows that are coming."
"The big snows are likely to be here, now, within a week," remarked
one of the miners who had paused to rest from digging for a moment.
"Men!" bawled Tom, stepping from the long into the short tunnel.
"All hands knock off and go up to the surface."
There was a tub hand-hoist for carrying up ore, but the men always
used the series of ladders that had been built in on the side
of the shaft. Two minutes later these ladders swarmed with men
going above.
As they stepped out into the world the first soft flakes of winter
floated into their faces.
"Reade, we'll have to start building the cover to the shaft," spoke
Jim Ferrers, who stood beside Hamilton.
"I know it," Tom nodded. "However, first of all, I want a few words
with you and Harry."
The three partners stepped aside, waiting in silence while a whispered
consultation went on around Tom.
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