"
"Go ahead up," ordered Tom. "I'm tying a lantern to my coat."
This he was even then doing, in fact, making the knot with a
handkerchief passed through one of the button-holes of the garment.
"Why don't you go up, with my message, Hunter?" Tom demanded.
"I'm afraid I can't stir, sir, until I know that you're safe at
the bottom."
"Nonsense! What could you do to save me if I lost my hold and fell?"
Tom questioned.
"Nothing at all, sir; but I'll feel a heap easier when I know you're
safe at the bottom."
"All right, then," called Reade. "Watch me!"
He swung off into space with the skill and sureness of the practiced
athlete. A little later Tom touched bottom, calling up:
"Now, get busy, Hunter. I'm all right."
"Are you at the bottom of the shaft, sir?"
"I'm on solid ground, but I'm not sure about being at the bottom
of the shaft. I'm afraid the opening to the tunnel has been blocked.
Send down two or three men, and then some tools. The tools can
come down in the tub, but forbid any men to try that way.
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