Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1873-08-05

/ left. You will have good laugh owe
some of their steps"
But Fannie was not destined TO laugl
that day. Even while Gardiner spoke
there fell upon their ears the horrible re
port that tells experienced miners a tai
OF hideOus catastrophe. Another. ant
two white faces looked into each other
full Of unutterable horror.
The mine has fallen in I" Gardine
whispered. III only all the men wer,
at the picnic!" Turning his horses head
he drove rapidly towards the mines hear
ing like n rush of wind the lramplin!
feet of the miners. Us they rushed from
their festival towards the scene OF dis
aster.
Some were before them; several mem
bers of the company. several of the
families of tho Englishmen. buried alive
by the fall OF some portion OF the walls
and hastily from all sides the workmer
rushed forward. 1t WASH good half milc
from the grove 10 the mines. but in al
incl edibly short time every man, woman
and child who could walk was around
the mouth OF the mine.
Then followed moment Of horrible
suspense. IL was impossible. where
they were all congregated. to tell where
or how TO work to rescue those who were
within thoir living tomb. il they were
yet alive. Some one must venture down
and see whore the digging mus, com.
monce. Some one Who?
Every man in that vast crowd knew
that il was facing probable il not certain
death to enter the yawning black chasm
in the hillside. Death ruight come by
uoxious gas escaping in the falling of the
walls of tho inner mine, or it sht come
by still further falling away Of these
walls. Sudden and unexpected as was
the first catastrophe. it was impossible TO
guess how FAR ii had extended or might
still extend. The silence that fell upon
that mass Of humanity WAS so awful. so
deep. it could almost be felt.
Upon this hush voice arose. clear.
strong. and courageous.
Bring me 4 rope am going into
the minc." cried Gardiner Forsythe. and
bending low over Fannie. he whispered: /:
Darling. pray Tor me. If never re-
turn. good.by! :"
Then, As she fell back white and sense.
less, he put her in her fathers arms,
knotted the rope about his waist. put the
hat with lighted taper over his thick
curls. and entered the yawning black
cavern in the hillside.
Strong hands slowly slackencd the rope
rs the strain upon it proved the cour-
ageous man. they had dared 10 launt, was
steadily advancing upon his perilous
errand. Forward, forward while the
suspense OF the watchers became agoniz.
ing. Women tainted. strong men grew
white. and sobs were heard on all sides
The rope slacksned quickly. Back 4.
back with rapid feet, till he stood, white
and resolute, before them once more.
The walls have fallen beyond the
third chamber. d" he said. land they are all
there. The gas has prostrated them !
and the entrance is partly filled up. AS
far as | have gone there is no danger. |
want dozen strong men. with a car.
aud brandy. water. and light. Who will
accompany me?"
What would you do. Gardiner?n Mr..
Germaine asked.
II will 60 into the chamber and drag
the men to the entrance. They may be
only stunned or ,tupeied. not dead"
"But il you breathe The GASP"
Il can die but once. Come, those who
are ready"
The volunteers were beside him in y
moment, a hundred where he had asked
dozen. Selecting what he needed,
coolly as if it were an every day affair.
Gardiner Forsythe again entered the
mine. 1t was so far in his favor. that the
accident had occurred in one of the pas.
saees that did not run under the level OF
the ground. the third chamber being in
the hill. side.
BY the light OF the torches they carried
his companions could see that the en-
trance left by the fall was barely wide
enough Tor one man to enter, and already
the gas was escaping in dangerous
quantity.
With no word beyond the directions
needed, Gardiner Forsythe stopped 10
the entrance. that might prove his grave.
to save the man who was his only enemy
upon earth. Every man outside caught
his breath in a quick gasp. as the candle
in GARDENERS cap flickered and went out,
leaving deep black hole the only object
upon which to fasten their gaze. A
quick Jerk OF the rope, The signal to draw
it back, strained every mans arm, and
every heart sank as the dead weight they
dragged. In the mouth of the chamber
the rope was tightened. proving some
object blocked The narrow entrance.
Three men advanced. aud slowly drew
out the burly figure of Herman Clark,
apparently dead. Following him. stag.
gering and ghaslly, Gardiner Forsythe
crawled out.
Take him outside" he said. ''Give
mo YOUR flask Dyer Now the rome