"It's easy to any one who has had enough practice," Tom observed, mildly.
Then two other men came down in turn.
"We've enough men here," shouted Reade. "Now send tools."
Before long the young engineer had his little force busily engaged.
Of course, many of the timbers had been blown out of the walling of the shaft. There was danger of the dirt caving in on the few workers below.
"Now, you four can keep going, digging straight down and to the eastward," said Tom. "I'm going up to get some more men at work, putting in temporary walling. I don't want any of you men hurt by saving dirt from the sides of the shaft."
All four men stopped work at once.
"What's the matter!" asked Reade.
"Coming down's easy, sir; we're waiting to see you go up that rope."
"Then I'll endeavor not to keep you long away from your tasks," smiled the young engineer athlete.