A man shot up from the ladder-way. Another. And another. The ladder-hole spouted them out like a volcano.
They ran toward the cage panic-stricken, sweeping Mr. Wade into it before them. With an instant comprehension of the disaster that placed them all in a common peril, Richards turned swiftly to the others.
“Get in!” he shouted. “They’ve struck water!”
He caught Hastings by the arm, and rammed his way through the press like a great machine.
“You —— fools! There’s plenty of time!” he railed at his men.
Trevanion, guarding young Carrington with his right arm, thrust his mighty bulk through the struggling mass just behind Richards.
They were almost at the cage door when a terrorized Finn fought his way past them, striking out blindly at everything in reach.
One elbow thrust sent young Carrington spinning from Trevanion’s protecting arm to the ground, and the next instant the Finn dropped his full weight between Richards and Hastings, and leaped past them into the cage.
He shouted triumphantly to his fellows. It was jargon to Mr. Wade. But Richards knew, and raged, and the other miners knew, and rejoiced, that he had given the signal to hoist. Trevanion was lifting young Carrington in his arms.
Richards stepped into the cage, with an oath.