Oliver’s surprise can therefore be imagined when he saw this same individual’s name cut in the stick his friend had picked up to be used as a firebrand.
“James Barr!” he cried. “It must be the same. How wonderful!”
“What are you talking about?” asked Gus.
Oliver told him.
“And he is reported to have lost his life in a flooding of the mine,” he concluded.
“It is strange,” said Gus; “but still it counts for nothing. Barr might have cut his name on that stick in a moment of idleness.”
“Of course; but it shows that he was here. And if that is so it is pretty good proof that this is the Aurora mine.”
“That is so. I did not think of that. I thought that was all settled before.”
“There is nothing like being doubly sure. But come, let us see if we cannot find some means of escape while the stick lasts. When that is gone we will be in darkness, for I see no more wood about.”