fter an earnest thanksgiving by Mr. Brook for their success thus far, the whole party partook of what was a heartier meal than usual, consisting of the whole of the remaining food. Then choosing the largest of the drills, a hole was driven in the coal two feet in depth, and in this an unusually heavy charge was placed.
"We're done for after all," Bill Haden suddenly exclaimed. "Look at the lamp."
Every one present felt his heart sink at what he saw. A light flame seemed to fill the whole interior of the lamp. To strike a match to light the fuse would be to cause an instant explosion of the gas. The place where they were working being the highest part of the mine, the fiery gas, which made its way out of the coal at all points above the closed doors, had, being lighter than air, mounted there.
"Put the lamps out," Jack said quickly, "the gauze is nearly red hot." In a moment they were in darkness.
"What is to be done now?" Mr. Brook asked after a pause.
There was silence for a while—the case seemed desperate.
"Mr. Brook," Jack said after a time, "it is agreed, is it not, that all here will obey my orders?"
"Yes, certainly, Jack," Mr. Brook answered.
"Whatever they are?"