“Cowards!” exclaimed Lyle, stepping forth among them with blazing eyes, “he risked his life to save yours, and you will not even try to save him. Morton,” she added, turning toward her lover, “I know every step of the tunnels, and I will go with you.”
The men slunk back like whipped curs, but made no response. The miners employed by the company throughout this group of mines were of the lowest class, and they were none too friendly to Houston, while the better class of men employed in the other mines were not familiar with these workings.
Morton Rutherford advanced to meet Lyle; “My darling,” he said, in low tones, “I cannot allow you to subject yourself to danger.”
“I would rather share the danger with you,” she replied proudly, “besides we must save them.”
“I will go, too,” said Ned eagerly, “I surely can help.”
Lyle was about to suggest that he remain with Miss Gladden, but Leslie herself interposed.
“No, no, I do not need him,” she said earnestly, “I would suffer no more waiting alone, and he may do much good.”
At that instant, two young men from another group of mines stepped forward; “If you please, sir,” said one of them, “we don’t want no money, and we can’t act as guides, not being acquainted with the lay of things around here, but we’d like to help you, for we like Mr. Houston, and we’re his friends.”
Their offer was gladly accepted, and preparations were hastily and silently made by the little party. Wet cloths and sponges were fastened across the lower portion of their faces, to prevent their inhaling the smoke and gases, while ropes were securely tied about their waists, the ends of which were to be held by persons on the outside. A frequent jerking of the rope would assure those outside that all was right in the tunnel, but a suspension of the jerking would indicate that that person had been overcome by the gases, and he would be immediately drawn out to the fresh air, by those at the outer end of the line.
Pausing only for a bright smile of encouragement to Leslie, Lyle led the way into the tunnel, followed by Morton and Ned, the two miners bringing up the rear, and all disappeared in the subterranean darkness.