He climbed on, the others following him; and he called to the dog again, but there was still no reply.
“Are you clear of the water?” he cried.
“Yes, sir, four foot above it,” said Hardock, who came last, “but it’s rising fast.”
“I say,” cried Gwyn, wildly, “is there a way out here?”
“Nay, sir, this is only a blind lead. What is it up where you are?”
“Like a flattened-out hole with the rock all covered with tiny crystals. There must be a way up to the surface here; don’t you feel how the wind comes by us?”
“Yes; my light flickers, but it burns dull,” said Joe.
“Ay, and it will come sharper yet,” said Hardock; “the water’s driving it all before it. Don’t you feel how hot it is?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe it’ll suffocate us before the water comes.”