A horrible death by starvation seemed to be inevitable.
It was much drier and cleaner however in this passage than at the bottom of the pit. So it was decided to remain here.
“We are thirty feet nearer the surface,” said Frank. “Oh, if there was only some way to go the rest of the way.”
“Bejabers, I’m not sure but there is,” cried Barney, as he picked up the rope. “Av yez only remimber there’s beams acrost the shaft at intervals all the way up.”
“Yes, but they are beyond our reach.”
“Shure, mebbe I cud get the rope over thim in some way or other.”
The Celt started for the mouth of the passage imbued with this wild hope.
Frank lighted the way with the pocket lantern.
In a few moments they had reached the mouth of the passage, and Barney measured the distance to the beam above.
It was not more than twenty feet.