“I presume you two lads are pretty well fagged out,” said Mr. Whyland a few minutes later. “You had better turn in and try to get a good sleep.”
“Fagged out don’t express it,” yawned Gus. “I am half asleep all over, as the saying goes.”
“You’ll be stiff enough in the morning, I’ll warrant,” laughed the gentleman. “You are not accustomed to such climbing as you had to do in the mine.”
“No.” Gus shuddered. “My, but it was awful! I didn’t dare to think of not getting out for fear my hair would turn white!”
“I can realize now the horror of a cave-in in a coal-mine,” put in Oliver. “It’s one of the most dreadful things that can happen to any one.”
“You are right, my lad,” said Mr. Whyland. “But come, there is no use to dwell upon what you have gone through. Try to forget it, and give your mind and body a chance to recuperate.”
“Well, I’m going to try it, anyway,” grumbled Gus, as he prepared to retire. “If I get a nightmare, just poke me in the ribs somebody.”
“We will!” laughed Oliver.
“You see, I don’t want to go through it again, even in my sleep.”