"It isn't sure the trouble began where we think," Bill said, quickly, with a warning glance at his companion. "I've known of men who were shut in a drift for a week, an' then brought out none the worse for wear, so don't despair, Mrs. Byram."
"But why isn't something done to aid them?"
"We shall set to work the very minute it is safe to venture into the next level. Go home, an' Joe or I will bring you the first news."
"Do you think I could remain there knowing my boy is dying, or—or—dead?"
The women near by endeavored to console the sorrowing mother with words of encouragement they themselves believed to be false, and Bill whispered to his mate:
"There's a mighty slim show for the poor lads, an' it's through helpin' him as tried to murder 'em that they've been caught."
Mr. Wright was doing his utmost to ascertain how many were yet in the mine, and after a long while succeeded in learning that at least a dozen men had been overpowered while some distance up the slope.
Those who reached the surface told of a number whom they had seen fall, and some were certain one or two did not have time to gain the slope.
"Who will go with me?" the superintendent asked, as a car was made ready. "I don't want the married men to volunteer, for they are needed at home, and none of us may come back alive."
"Then why not stay here yourself?" a woman cried. "Your wife an' children need you as much as ours need their fathers."