Hardock

Jollivet dashed at the low wall and began to climb over it, dislodging one of the stones, which fell inward, and then plunged down into the pit just as Hardock seized the boy by the waist to drag him back.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

Then together they extended their hands to Hardock and he was dragged in.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

So short a distance for Hardock to continue -- his tramp less than two hundred feet -- and yet it seemed so great, for every nerve was on the strain, and no one spoke a word.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

He turned and ran up toward the wall of rock once more, followed more deliberately by Hardock, who hung the coil of rope on his shoulder.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

He too looked down, and there was the platform, with the water splashing and glittering in the sunshine as it struck upon the rock; and he knew that no help could come from that direction, for Hardock was at the pump in the shaft.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

"Nay, you go on; I'll take care o 'that," said Hardock.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

In due time the other skep came to the surface, and Hardock, with a lump of bread in his hand and a fresh supply of candles and matches, stepped in, to be followed by five more, ready to dare anything in the search for the two lads; but once more poor Grip was left behind howling dismally, while Tom Dinass nursed his leg and glared at him with an evil eye.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

"Forsils," said Hardock, glancing at a couple Vores had picked up.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

"And that's where he has got to," continued Hardock.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870

For answer the two boys took off their boots and socks, and stood them in a niche in the rock, while Hardock passed in through the mouth of the adit; and directly after he had disappeared in the darkness, he re-appeared in the midst of a glow of light produced by a lanthorn he had placed behind a piece of rock.

Sappers and Miners The Flood beneath the Sea George Manville Fenn 1870