"It's my place to go; do as I tell you. While I am down there rig a sling to pull us up on. Jim, you take charge of the operations at this end and see that there is no slip anywhere."
"I will, sir," answered the mine captain.
Superintendent Penton grasped the rope that had been made fast to a shore post on the sub-level and let himself down. He was a strong man, used to emergencies and well able to take care of himself anywhere in the mine. Shortly afterwards he was standing on the platform or raft below, steadying himself by holding to the rope and the side wall.
"Are you all right, Bob?" he shouted.
"Yes."
"If he happens to get into a drift, they're both lost. Pass down some candles from above, Jim."
Several were let down on a rope and these Mr. Penton stuck into the wall, lighting up the scene fairly well.
"They're calling you, sir," cried Jim.
"What is it?" roared the superintendent.
"I've got him." It was Jarvis' voice, and Mr. Penton breathed a sigh of relief.