The command was promptly obeyed, and all watched the score of men who were approaching. Instead of nearing the sentinels they turned off to the left before arriving within hailing distance, and one of the party said in a tone of satisfaction:
"That's all right; they're only lookin' around to see if our eyes are open."
"They are going in the direction of the shaft into which Skip's crowd threw me," Fred whispered to Sam.
"Yes."
"And in that way it would be possible to get into this portion of the mine."
"I s'pose so; but they ain't likely to make such a long trip as that."
"Why not, if by so doing the lower level could be flooded without any risk to themselves?"
"Now don't get frightened, Fred, there isn't one chance in a hundred that any of the crowd know about the old gallery."
"But if they do all of us might easily be driven out by the water."
"Since it troubles you so much, speak to Donovan. He's the boss, and will know if anything should be done."