Glistening dark rock crowded in on Sue and Steve from all sides. Steve hoped the walls were strong enough so they would not come crashing down on their heads! There were lights along the way to help brighten the gloom.
After clicking along like a trolley for awhile, the car came to the end of the line. It was a large room with more machines and workmen. The men were digging magna ore out of the wall with drills.
As Dr. Harding explained about the work, Bud began flitting about as though sight-seeing on his own. He was shy of the workers at first, but then made friends with them. He spoke to them with his favorite two words and the men laughed in great fun to hear him.
Then a few minutes later, Bud began acting queerly. He flew back to Steve’s finger and started wobbling as though dizzy.
“What’s the matter with him?” Steve asked.
“He’s sick or something!” Sue cried out. She took the budgy from Steve and cuddled him in her own gloves. But the little blue bird seemed to be no better.
Dr. Harding walked over to look at the bird. Then he ordered, “Everybody into the ore car! We have to get out of here fast! Sue, hold the bird up close to your suit!”
The workers dropped their tools as if they were red hot and climbed into the car. Mr. Shannon helped Sue and Steve on, then jumped on himself.
Dr. Harding pressed the electric button that was the signal to the operator in the main cavern to move the car. The car began to roll down the track. It picked up speed as Dr. Harding kept pressing the button.
“Leaking gas, Dr. Harding?” Mr. Shannon asked worriedly.