Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-11-16

ed before the Danger arrived; Dll their
efforts were in vain. They had gone but
a few hundred yards when rumbling
ike distant thunder was heard-a rush
of cold air blew over them-and all was
still as the grave.
There could be no doubt as TO the
cause Of this phenomenon the mine had
ca7ed in. Their mule was brought to a
stand, and the Scotchman, accompanied
by the miner who had served as the Jehu
of the party proceeded onward to make
an exploration. In short time they re-
turned and reported that it would take at
least three days to dig a passageway out ;
and that there was great danger of fur
Their falls, the earth being now loosened.
Here was a predicament. Buried be-
meath a mountain, beyond any possible
help for three days, with no water or
food, and the air so close that unaccus-
toned lungs could hardly breathe it
the heart might well quail at the cOntem-
plation of such q condition. But female
.heroism rose superior to the misfortune,
and the ladies of the party stood as
those who champion human fears" One
of them declared that they could kill
the mule and live upon that for three
I days, or until they could be dug out"
/ After a consultation among the miners,
the Scotch guide announced that there
was an air shaft ascending from the end
Of the mine to the summit of the noun
tain, and that it was barely possible that
this might afford a way of egress. The
party therefore returned to the extremity
of the drift, and the miner who had &C.
companied them was sent TO the shaft
to ascertain if it was open to the surface
For nearly two hours the company anx
iously waited the return of their mes
senger. At the end of that time ht
came back and said he had reached The
surface, with great difficulty, and tina
the shaft was open, but in very dan
gerous condition. Time had rottel
away the timbers which kept its side
from falling together, and the stones hum
loose in many places, ready to fall at tn
slightest touch. But still there was
hope of escape; and when humanity i
' reduced to desperation, feats can be &C
complished which, in calmer moments
would be considered impossible.
The air shaft was less than two feet i
diameter, and rose TO a hight of nearl
4 six hundred feet. In some places it wa
perpendicular, and in others it was hor.
rid up at an angle. The dampness {
years had covered the timbers around
Il with slime; and where they had rotte
away, soft mud oozed out of the eartl
Q But notwithstanding all these dificultie
e added to the danger that a falling roc
J. might wedge them in beyond the powe
: of escape, and leave them to die the lii
II gering death Of being buried alive, the
Ut determined to attempt the ascent.
$ The party consisted of the two ladie:
RS the two gentlemen who acted as their e
of cort, the Scotchman, who was their guiC
es and two miners. The ladies prepare
lg themselves by removing all their supe
III fuous clothing, and the ascent was cor
K menced. The guide, with one mine
r went first, the two gentlemen foIlowe
be then came the ladies, and lastly the r
n naming miner. Painfully they toll,
nd upward, now dragging themselves oy
he decayed timbers and projecting rock
TOW forcing themselves through spac
n, where it seemed almost impossible
is them to pass, and now drawing each OF
as er by the hand, from step to step, whe
Id the ascent was perpendicular. Throu,
d. all, the fortitude of the ladies never
NJ a moment deserted them. They We
he cheerful and hopeful when the men wi
he accompanied them were ready to 1
is spond. After two hours of almost supe
en- human exertion the blue sky appear
ID above them, and the fragrant air fill
,ut them with delight. Thank God {. tn
y. were saved.
sw But what an appearance did they pr
he sent? From head to foot they we
ed covered with mud and filth. TIL,
he clothes we're in tatters, and their han
lis, were decorated and bleeding. Night b
er, descended and they were three mi
his from home, in the midst Of wilderns
ac- But the greatest danger was passed, a
with which almost banished their fatigt
he they commenced their homeward lot
IN ney. At length they reached the cir,
OF of their friends, who had suffered an an
an iety almost as painful as their own tt
pal rible experience. 1t was rot until t
n haven Of rest was reached, where tee
lly fuI faces yxeIcornad tbar, II. IL.