The
tub is too uncertain and likely to tip over."
"If the tub tips out a pick or two, they might fall on you, sir,
and wind up your life," Hunter objected.
"That's a chance to which no good sport can object," laughed Tom.
"Go ahead and see that my instructions are carried out."
One of the men came down the rope first. He landed safely, but
looked at his hands in the dim light.
"That's a hard road to travel, Mr. Reade," he remarked. "I'll
not be much pleased with the trip back."
"It's easy to any one who has had enough practice," Tom observed,
mildly.
Then two other men came down in turn.
"We've enough men here," shouted Reade. "Now send tools."
Before long the young engineer had his little force busily engaged.
Of course, many of the timbers had been blown out of the walling
of the shaft. There was danger of the dirt caving in on the few
workers below.
"Now, you four can keep going, digging straight down and to the
eastward," said Tom. "I'm going up to get some more men at work,
putting in temporary walling.
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