"All alive and well?"
"We are all alive. Jim Getwood and Anton Rover are unconscious. This is Clem Swinton talking."
"How is the air?"
"Getting bad, now."
"Keep your courage up! We'll have you out soon!"
The hewers set to work in high spirits, hoping that every blow of the pick would drive through.
Then:
"Stop work, men!" said the Bureau chief suddenly.
The men stared at him, amazed at the order. All stopped, however, except old Otto, who continued to use his pick-axe steadily.
The official grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him round with none too gentle a hand.