"No, not unless pneumonia sets in. That is the great danger, and he will be lucky if he escapes it. Is there any chance of getting him up to-night?"
"I can't say. I am going on up as soon as I hear something definite from you regarding the boy's condition."
"I shall be able to give that to you very soon, for his circulation has already started."
The color was returning to the lad's lips and cheeks, and his breath was coming more regularly. Half an hour from that time Steve had fully recovered his senses and announced himself as ready to get up and dress.
The surgeon advised him not to do so, finally ordering the patient to remain as he was. Rush accepted the order with poor grace. His clothing was being dried out by the pump engineer, the garments being ready very shortly afterwards.
Jarvis had wholly recovered from the strain that he had been under, except that he was still a little weak in the knees.
"We owe our lives to your friend Jarvis," said Mr. Penton, after Steve had been made as comfortable as possible. "But what I wish to know is how you happened to get into the lower level. Did you fall while sounding with the line?"
Rush hesitated, then glancing up at the superintendent, replied:
"No, sir; I did not fall."
"I don't understand."