Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1897-09-08
DOWN In A COAL MINE.
BY h. r.

John Barton and Hiram Adams lived
in the small village of Kingston. They
were inseparable friends, having been
schoolmates together for some years,
and when, a few months before my
story opens, they were both made
orphans on the same day by a terrible
accident in the mines, each found a
family depending ON him for support.
Neither shirked this burden of re-
sponsibility. M~anfully and well, dur
ing the long summer months, they
worked side by side in the gloomy cav
erns of the earth.
One bright day IN the latter part of
April, an incident occurred which
neither of the two friends will belikely
to forget, though they live to be cente-
narians.
A new shaft, some 20 feet in depth,
had been sunk during the preceding
summer, n a great many miners
John Barton and Hiram Adams among
the number-were still employed in
making excavations.
Blasting by powder is by no means un-
usual in mines; or, in fact, in any work
requiring the speedy removal of masses
of earth and rock.
On this particular occasion o blast Of
more than ordinary proportions had
been prepared, only a few yards from
the bottom of the shaft.
To the barrels of powder was at
tached a fuse, by means of which il
would be fired when the proper time
arrived.
The miners in the groups were draw
up to he sunlight above, until only q
few remained in h dusky, half-illu-
mined recesses underground.
John Barton had been b first to vol
u%nteer, and. therefore, was appointed
as the person whose duty it would be
to ignite the slow match.
Let me take your place." Hiram
pleaded. Think of your mother and
sister, if any accident should happen
John, you know it is dangerous"
"Yes; and / think hat a very good
reason why | should not let you take my
place"
Then let me stay with you," Hiram
urged, an expression of anxiety on his
countenance, as he thought of his
friends peril.
"A very sensible ideal" John ex.
claimed, laughingly. IF you stay with
me, the danger will be increased, be
aus the bucket will go up more slow.
ly with two than with one. Now, nc
more arguments. You know how OBJ
stinate 1 am. and Hello! That's
the signal! Good-by, old fellowi III
be with you up above in a few mo-
ments."
Remember, John; be careful" were
Hiram's last words, as he and the few
remaining miners assembled in the
bucket, leaving John Barton far below,
every instant growing indistinct,
until only the light in his hat could be
distinguished glimmering family in the
darkness.
Soon even that disappeared, and Hi.
ram Adams, looking very anxious and
discontinued, found himself in the
| gfaring sunshine. and stepped out OF
the bucket on terra firma.
He was bewildered by the sudden
transition from gloom to light. Then
his eyes rested on the pale, agitated
face of pretty Annie Barton, who had
brought her brothers midday lunch, as
usual.
He went over to her and spoke reas.
suringly, and tried to convince her
that there was no cause for alarm.
They have lowered the bucket" he
said, presently. Watch, and you will
see the rope jerk twice, the signal from
John that it is ready to be drawn up"
The girl endeavored to be calm, but
she trembled violently.
An indefinite fear, q strange feel.
ing of apprehension, weighed on Hi
\ rams heart.
The group Of swarthy-visagcd