“But you’ll blow the roof down and stop the way.”
“No fear of that, sir. If I do, it will only be in pieces that we can get rid of this end, you that. It must be done, there’s no other chance.”
“Is there plenty of room out your way?”
“Sometimes. Here and there it’s a close fit to get through. I’ve been nearly fast more than once. Now, then, I’m going.”
“Must you go?” said Gwyn, mournfully.
“Yes, but I’ll soon be back. Keep a good heart, and we’ll have you out now.”
“Is my father there?”
“Yes, sir, and the Major, and your mother, too.”
Gwyn’s emotion choked his utterance for a time. Then he spoke, but no answer came, and the feeling of loneliness and despair that came over him was horrible.
He backed out and repeated the conversation, Joe giving a faint cheer, and Hardock shaking his head.