"We haven't hit the right spot," she said.
"I believe you're right," agreed Ian. "We've not struck cement even."
"If only we had another pick," sighed Minnie. "We'd get on quicker."
"What are they saying?" Ostap asked the priest.
"They are short of a pick."
Despite protests he disappeared; whilst Ian was still measuring the paces, he came back, not with a pick but a spade. Ian, seeing the girls were exhausted with work and anxiety, asked him to use it.
"Ah--you trust me," said the Cossack. "I'll help with pleasure."
They set to work again; silence holding the little group. Even the talkative Ostap did not speak.
"Cement!" Ian said suddenly.
He had said it so many times only to find stones that the others took no notice. However, he and Ostap plodded on--and at last Ian held up a small object.