Peggy became decidedly nervous on learning that the ore was dynamited down. “There might be some dynamite around here now, and it might explode and blow us into smithereens,” she whispered to Jo Ann.
A few minutes later she bumped into something against the wall that made her leap back in haste. When Mr. Eldridge told her it was a dynamite box, her heart began leaping faster than ever.
“He means an empty dynamite box,” Jo Ann explained hastily as her flashlight’s beam showed her the ghastly pallor of Peggy’s face. “Some miners are using it as an altar,” she added comfortingly. “See, there’s a picture of the Virgin inside.”
“I believe I’m ready to leave this murky gloom and get back up into the good fresh air,” Peggy said, her voice still shaky.
“Well, I believe you’ve seen all the most interesting things.” Mr. Eldridge smiled. “We’ll go on up.”
When they came back to the shaft, to Mr. Eldridge’s amazement, the malacate was not working. “Now what’s the matter!” he exclaimed, annoyed. “I told Manuel to keep the malacate running so we could get back.”
For several minutes they stood waiting in vain for the cable and bag to appear.
Finally, in an exasperated tone Mr. Eldridge remarked, “Never had anything like this happen before. Can’t imagine what’s the matter. Manuel’s always been so dependable. We may have to walk all that long distance to the entrance of the workings. And you’re all so tired already.”
Just then there sounded an excited cry that reverberated uncannily through the shaft.
“Why, that’s José’s voice!” Jo Ann exclaimed. “What’s——”