The other colliers had thrown themselves down on the ground; some sobbed
as they thought of their loved ones above, some lay in silence.
Jack answered by rising to his feet.
"Yes, sir, I think we may do something."
The men raised themselves in surprise.
"In the first place, sir, I should send men in each direction to see how
near the choke-damp has got. There are four roads by which it could
come up. I would shut the doors on this side of the places it has got
to, roll blocks of coal and rubbish to keep them tight, and stop up the
chinks with wet mud. That will keep the gas from coming up, and there is
air enough in the stalls and headings to last us a long time."
"But that would only prolong our lives for a few days, Jack, and I don't
know that would be any advantage. Better to be choked by the gas than
to die of starvation," Mr. Brook said; and a murmur from the men showed
that they agreed with him.
"I vote for lighting our pipes," one of the miners said. "If there is
fiery gas here, it would be better to finish with it at once."
There was a general expression of approval.
"Wait!" Jack said; "wait till I have done. You know, Mr. Brook, we are
close to our north boundary here, in some places within a very few
yards. Now the 'Logan,' which lies next to us, has been worked out
years ago. Of course it is full of water, and it was from fear of
tapping that water that the works were stopped here.
"A good deal comes in through the coal in No. 15 stall, which I expect
is nearest to it. Now if we could work into the 'Logan,' the water
would rush down into our workings, and, as our pit is a good deal bigger
than the 'Logan' ever was, it will fill the lower workings and put out
the fire, but won't reach us here.
"Then we can get up through the 'Logan,' where the air is sure to be all
right, as the water will bring good air down with it. We may not do it
in time, but it is a chance. What do you say, sir?"
"It is worth trying, at any rate," Mr. Brook said. "Bravo, my lad! your
clear head may save us yet.
"Now, lads," Mr. Brook continued, "Jack Simpson is master now, and we
will all work under his orders. But before we begin, boys, let us say a
prayer. We are in God's hands; let us ask His protection."
Every head was bared, and the men stood reverently while, in a few
words, Mr. Brook prayed for strength and protection, and rescue from
their danger.
"Now, Jack," he said when he had finished, "give your orders."
Jack at once sent off two men along each of the roads to find how near
the choke-damp had approached, and to block up and seal the doors. It
was necessary to strike a light to relight some of the lamps, but this
was a danger that could not be helped.
The rest of the men were sent round to all the places where work had
been going on, to bring in the tools and dinners to No. 15 stall, to
which Jack himself, Bill Haden, and Mr. Brook proceeded at once.
No work had been done there for years. The floor was covered with a
black mud, and a close examination of the face showed tiny streamlets of
water trickling down in several places. It was therefore determined to
begin work in No. 15.
"You don't mean to use powder, Jack?" Bill Haden asked.
"No, dad; without any ventilation we should be choked with the smoke,
and there would be the danger from the gas. When we think we are
getting near the water we will put in a big shot, so as to blow in the
face."