‘It’ll last all we want.’
Having someone to steady made it easier for me. But we increased our pace, both knowing we would be in a bad spot if the torch failed us before we could find a way out of the mine.
We kept going down, and the farther we went the more stifling the air became. Then to add to our troubles the roof of the tunnel became lower with every step we took.
Suddenly Paula stopped.
‘This isn’t the way!’ Her voice was high-pitched. ‘I know it isn’t! Let’s go back.’
‘It must be the way. Dedrick turned left at the end of the tunnel. I watched him. Come on, let’s look a little further. 1
‘Vic; I’m scared.’
She backed away from me. I could hear her rapid breathing, and I flashed the light on her face. She was white and her eyes were wild looking.
‘I—I can’t stand any more of this! I’m going back! I can’t breathe!’
I was having trouble with my breathing too. There was a tight feeling around my chest and every lungful of air I took in had to be fought for.