THE MINE.
Night drew on, and the lamp in the sitting-room already began to burn dim for want of oxygen.
At eight o'clock the final arrangements were completed, and all that remained to do was to make an opening in the roof.
They had been working away at this for some minutes, and Bell was showing himself quite an adept in the business, when Johnson, who had been keeping watch in the sleeping room, came hurriedly in to his companions, pulling such a long face, that the captain asked immediately what was the matter?
"Nothing exactly," said the old sailor, "and yet-"
"Come, out with it!" exclaimed Altamont.
"Hush! don't you hear a peculiar noise?"
"Where?"
"Here, on this side, on the wall of the room."
Bell stopped working, and listened attentively like the rest. Johnson was right; a noise there certainly was on the side wall, as if some one were cutting the ice.