As the two men started toward Bob the mine captain stumbled over the sounding rope that lay on the platform. He stooped to pick it up, and as he did so he, too, uttered an exclamation.
"This line is wet, Mr. Penton," he said excitedly.
"Then Steve has been casting it. He has been sounding the level, probably to pass away the time while he was waiting for me."
Once more the superintendent raised his voice, calling out the name of Steve Rush. As before there was no response.
"Boys, I see—I understand. Steve has fallen into the level and drowned. No doubt he fell in while casting the lead, for part of the line is dangling over the edge there now. Too bad, too bad. But——"
"He may not be drowned. Let's do something," begged Bob.
"What would you suggest?"
"Why, look for him, of course. I'll go over myself and look for him."
"Lad, it would be suicide. You would drown, even if you were not too chilled to swim after you got into the water. You——"
"I'd like to see any water that could drown me," answered Bob.