"Nothing at all, sir; but I'll feel a heap easier when I know you're safe at the bottom."
"All right, then," called Reade. "Watch me!"
He swung off into space with the skill and sureness of the practiced athlete. A little later Tom touched bottom, calling up:
"Now, get busy, Hunter. I'm all right."
"Are you at the bottom of the shaft, sir?"
"I'm on solid ground, but I'm not sure about being at the bottom of the shaft. I'm afraid the opening to the tunnel has been blocked. Send down two or three men, and then some tools. The tools can come down in the tub, but forbid any men to try that way. The tub is too uncertain and likely to tip over."
"If the tub tips out a pick or two, they might fall on you, sir, and wind up your life," Hunter objected.
"That's a chance to which no good sport can object," laughed Tom.
"Go ahead and see that my instructions are carried out."
One of the men came down the rope first. He landed safely, but looked at his hands in the dim light.
"That's a hard road to travel, Mr. Reade," he remarked. "I'll not be much pleased with the trip back."