"It strikes me that it is pretty well gone already."
"Come on! We've got our work cut out for us," cried Steve, starting along the level at a brisk trot. "You've shown great judgment in getting the men below. Is there much water down there?"
"No, not very much, but enough to keep them from burning to death, I guess."
The chums had gone but a short distance when Rush caught the crackling sound of burning timber. The smoke was becoming suffocating and the boys were obliged to move with more caution.
"We can't get through there, Bob."
"No; this has started since I came through."
"We shall have to go around through the cross-cut. That isn't on fire, is it?"
"I don't know. It was not when I was over there last."
"How many levels are on fire? Do you know?"
"I guess most of them are. You see, the fire works down through the wooden rises, then scattering, sets the woodwork on each level ablaze."