'Indeed I don't. I've always hated being shut in anywhere, you see.'
'Well, then, let's go up top,' I suggested. 'I won't try and escape if that's what you're scared of. Where the hell would I go? I'm wanted by the police the same as you.
'That's true enough.' He went over the entrance and shot back the bolt. 'We'll wait in the gallery.'
'Why not up top?' I suggested.
'The Captain may return.'
With that I had to be content. At least I could watch for the gig to come up. We dragged a couple of boxes out into the gallery and sat there. Dave was taking no chances and stationed himself well behind me. For a time he talked incessantly. But gradually he grew silent. I felt tired and sleepy. The time dragged by. I think I must have dozed for I started awake and heard the rattle of the gig coming up. Dave turned out his lamp. A faint glow showed at the end of the gallery. It grew bright and the sound of the gig grew louder. Then for a brief instant I had a glimpse of miners' lamps and the bearded skull of the elder Manack standing between Friar and his son.
A match flared in the darkness and Dave relit his lamp.
'I'm going up top,' I said.
'Stay where you are.' Dave's voice was nervous again.
'I want to see the old man safely clear of the mine,' I said. 'For God's sake, man, what's the matter with you; I shan't run with Captain Manack within call.'