"Yes! yes! In the end of a short slope."
"How many are there?"
"Three."
"All well?"
"Two are pretty near gone. Hurry as fast as possible."
"Don't fret, lad, we're workin' the best we know how, an' have been these four days, though not allers on the right track."
Then from time to time the laborers shouted in order that they might not deviate from the right course, and Sam answered each call at the full strength of his lungs, which at the best was faint.
Nearer and nearer came the sound of shovels and picks until the trembling of the wall told that life, liberty, and food were near at hand.
Sam remained leaning close against the barrier that he might hear every hail, until he saw the face of a man appear from amid a shower of falling earth, and then, knowing the rescue was accomplished he lost consciousness.
Around the mouth of the shaft stood a great crowd when the inanimate boys were brought out. During the nights as well as days this throng remained waiting to see those known to be in the half-ruined mine. These anxious watchers, sympathizing with the three grief-stricken mothers, had left their posts only so long as was absolutely necessary, and had seen each lifeless body as it was sent to the surface, the last coming from the slope being the mangled remains of Cale Billings.