Proof of this came directly, a touch sending pieces bounding and rushing down in a way that must have been fatal to anyone below.
The mate uttered a low ejaculation, and Panton drew in his breath with a peculiar hiss, as they heard the fragments go on bounding and rebounding below in the awful darkness, while the peculiar odour which the mate had noticed came up more strongly now.
“See him?” cried Mr Rimmer.
“No, sir. Lower away.”
“Lower away, my lads. Here, you Tomlin, run back and get a couple more lengths. Quick.”
The man darted off, and his comrades lowered away, while Panton and Drew stood with their heads bent and eyes strained to catch a glimpse of their friend in the dim light cast by the lantern now far below.
“It’s all one slope, sir, right away down,” cried Smith.
“Yes, can you make out the bottom?”
“No, sir. Don’t seem to be none. Lower away.”
“Ahoy. Help!”