"I must have three trusty men to help me. Who will go?"
For an instant no one responded; then Charles Gray, Fred's chosen companion, stepped to his side.
"I will go, Fred," he said quietly.
Two more men quickly followed the example of their brave leader, and, armed with spades, bars, ropes, and a bottle of brandy, they were lowered into the shaft.
Then followed a time of anxious suspense to the waiting crowd, who could only pray for the safety and success of the rescuing party.
The first act of the workers was to place extra beams, a few of which were lowered down the shaft for the purpose, as near as they could to the fallen roof, to help bear any strain that might be resting on those already there. In a few minutes they realized their wisdom, for a cracking sound was heard which caused them to retreat toward the shaft; but it was not repeated, and they returned to their work. At the end of three hours of cautious digging they came to the car which Fred and his companion had stayed behind to fill, and they stopped for a few moments' rest.
"He cannot be far from here, for we had barely reached the shaft when the roof fell. Hark! What was that?"
Fred stopped suddenly to listen.
"It was a groan! He is alive! Let us get to work, for he must be quite near," said Charlie Gray excitedly.
With new zeal they worked on, and in half an hour they had reached an opening caused by two large rocks, which had fallen together in such a manner as to leave a space between them. In that space lay Carl, with one arm doubled under him, and one foot pinioned by a large stone. The poor fellow was terribly bruised and cut, but conscious. Very gently he was lifted by the men and borne to the foot of the shaft. The signal was given, and they were carefully drawn to the top, and when they laid Carl on the ground a shout went up from the miners that echoed loudly over the hills.