The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1886-10-06
CHAPTER XXXV.


CHAPTER XEXv.
THE COMING OF THE SEA.
'"What has happened?' l cried, running
up and facing the terrOr-stricken man.
One of them, Michael Penmaur, stalwart
fellow of five-and-twenty stepped forward
and acted as spokesman.
What you allays said would happen,
Measter Hugh. The main shaft be flooded
wi the sea-"
What this betokened L well knew; if the
sea had entered, that portion of the mine
was destroyed forever
That's bad lookout, my lads. Well, it
was bound to come about; and if there is no
one down below, and no life lost, perhaps
tits all for the best"
As spoke, l saw them look wildly at one
another and whisper, and l guessed that
they had something more to tell.
''What is it, lads?' l cried. ''SpeakP'
Come outside, Measter Hugh" answered
Michael Penmaur; "rll tell zee there"
But my amt, with wild cry, sprung for
ward and grasped him by the arm.
You shall tell it naw!' she cried. II can
see it in your face, and my dreams ha' come
true. Summat's happened to my man!
Hugh, make him speak. | can bear it?''
At that moment Annie entered the room,
descending from the chamber above, and the
moment she appeared my aunt addressed her
wildly:
You ha' come in time, Annie Pendragon.
All the trouble began WI zee! Bid them
speak, then, and tell what's happened to
your father"
"Oh, Hugh. what is t?'' exclaimed poor
Annie, coming to my side
told her that the waters had flooded the
mine.
"And father where is father?' she said,
with sharp presentment of the truth.
Michael Penmaur exchanged another rapid
look with his companions, and then replied:
''YOur father be dawn belaw wi the young
masterr'
My aunt uttered scream, and threw her
hands up into the air.
''Dead~ she cried. my dream againi
You ha' killed him, Annie-you ha' killed
your fatherr'
NO, no. mother! Don't say thatp'
Speak. lads!'' said. Tell me every
thing, for Gods saker'
Then Michael Penmaur, as spokesman,
told me, in a few rapid words, all he knew;
that in the course of the afternoon George
Redruth had descended the mine inicompany
with my uncle for the purpose of inspecting
the outer galleries-my uncle, indeed, hav-
ing fetched him for that very purpose; that
suddenly, while all were busy below, the
alarm had been given. and, throwing down
their tools, the men had rushed up the lad
ders, while simultaneously they heard rush
and roar like the sound of the entering sea;
that as they assembled in wild alarm, the
lower ladder broke beneath the weight of
some of the men, who were precipitated with
it into the darkness; and that, finally, when
they collected at the mouth of the mine, they
missed. besides several of their comrades,
both George Redruth and my uncle.
/ rushed to the door. By this time it was
quite dark, and it was blowing hard from
the southwest, with hail and rain. thought
with horror OF that submarine darkness, and.
of those who were lying even then within it,
alive or dead. My mind was made up in a
moment did not even wait to speak to
Annie or my aunt but, calling on the men
10 follow me, ran right away in the direction
CT the mine.
The men followed me in body. When
we reached the cliffs, we found the wild
news had spread and an excited throng was
gathered at the mine-head, some carrying
torches. which cast lurid CLEANS on the rainy
darkness. A heavy sea was rolling IN on
the strand beneath, and the white billows
were flashing and crashing.
Suddenly a light hand was placed upon
nv arm, and turning, saw Madeline; close
to her like gaunt specter, Mrs. Redruth.
s'Thank God, you are here!' cried my dar-
ling. rs there any hopeg'
looked into her white face, and saw in its
wild anxiety only love for my rival; but at
that supreme moment / felt no jealousy
only supreme pity for her and him. Then l
glanced at his mother, and heard her quick
cry of supplieation:
Save him. Save my son!'
Dazed and horrihed, l turned rouEd and
addressed the men:
rs Mr.. Redruth below?'
"Ay, ay. measterr' they answered in
chorus.
'sWho saw him last?''
Il did," said Michael Penmaur. ''He were
creeping WI John Pendragon out beyand the
bottom shaft
walked 10 the mouth of the mine, and
threw open the wooden lid. Then. kneeling
down, held my ear over the mouth. and
listened. A sound like thunder-a horrible
rushing and roaring-came from below.
| had no doubt now that the worst had hap
pened.
The sea had entered the mine.
| There was only one chance for those be
| low, if by any possibility they survived.
| ton, even at the risk OF his life: and. without
\ a moments hesitation. i determined TO vol
unteer for the task. Strange to say, my
/ head became quite cool and clear directly my
resolve was made
sListen. ladsss said There's hope yet,
| and I'm going down."
| A faint cheer. mingled with terrified
murmur, greeted my announcement
| ssIt be no use, measterT' cried Michael
Penmaur. 1.-THE ladders be clean GAVIN"
II know that answered, -hut If we can
| get safely down to the middle platform,
| can descend from there by rope. Run down
to the Office, some of you. and bring all the
| ropes and candles you can find j"
| They rushed of cheering; and turning tc
| those who remained. explained my plan.
Several OF them, Michael Penmaur among
the number. agreed to descend with me to
the platform. and to lower me thence down
! the bottom SHAFT. In less time than it takes
70 write these lines, the messengers returned
with several coils of rope. and candles:
stuck several Of the latter about my person
and two or three in my wide-awake hat
Then was ready
/ had set my foot on the FIRST rung Of th<
ladder. and was about to descend, wher
Madeline bent over me.
j God bless you,D she cried, .and bring yos
cafe back r.
Ireaehed up. and taking her hand pressed
III he lives, J, I said, .sPII restore him i
ron, and 10 his mother. Don't cry. Mis-
Grahaml There's chance yetT
thought her tears fen for him. and re-
strange 10 ~, she had my sympathy Al n.
4 Wild Jealousy seemed 70 have 1Allen from ~
nks dlscassled x1zmenE Mhef was g, n1