Penrose made no answer on hearing this, but an expression of deep gravity seemed to settle on the blackened features.
“We must get him up as soon as possible,” said the doctor, turning to Captain Dan, who stood at his elbow.
“We’re all ready, sir,” replied the captain, who had quietly procured ropes and a blanket, while the doctor was examining the wounds.
With great labour and difficulty the injured man was half hauled, half carried, and pushed up the shaft, and laid on the grass.
“Is the sun shining?” he asked in a low voice.
“Iss, it do shine right in thee face, Jim,” said one of the miners, brushing away a tear with the back of his hand.
Again the gravity of Penrose’s countenance appeared to deepen, but he uttered no other word; so they brought an old door and laid him on it. Six strong men raised it gently on their shoulders, and, with slow steps and downcast faces, they carried the wounded miner home.