Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1897-07-08
DOWN IN A COAL MINE.
BY n. T. MINTURN.


were inseparable friends, having been
sohoolmates together for some years,
and when, few months before nv
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. Manfully 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 be likely
to forget, though they live to be cente-
narians.
A new shaft, some 70 feet in depth,
had been sunk during the preceding
summer, and 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 blast of
more than ordinary proportions had
been prepared, only a few yards from
tho bottom of the shaft.
To the barrels of powder was at
tached IA fuse, by means of which it
would be fired when the proper time
arrived,
The miners in the groups were drawn
up to the sunlight above, until only
few remained in the dusky, half-illu-
mined recesses underground.
John Barton had been the first TO vol.
unteer, and, therefore, was appointed
as the person whose duty IL 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 that very good
reason why | should not let you take my
place"
"rhen let me stay with you" Hiram
urged, an expression of anxiety on his
countennnce, us 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-
cause the bucket will go up more slow
ly with two than with one. Now, no
more arguments. You know how OBJ
| am, and Hello! That's
the signal, Good-by, old fellow! III |
be with you up above in a few mo-
Remember, John; be careful" were
llirnm's last words, as he and the few
miners assembled in the |
bucket, leaving John Barton far below,
every instant growing more indistinct,
until only the light in his hat could be
distinguished glimmcring family in the
darkness.
Soon even that disappeared. and HI
ram Adams, looking very anxious and
disconnected, found himself in the
glarlng sunshine, and stepped ont of
the bucket on terra tirma.
He was bewildered by the sudden
transition from gloom to light. Then
his eyes rested ON the pale, ogitated
face OF pretty Annie Barton, who had
brought her brothers midday lunch, as
Usual.
He went over to her and spoke reas-
and tried TO con, ince her
nat there was no cause for alarm.
"They have lowered the bucket" he
aid, presently. Watch, and you will
ee the rope jerk twice, the signal from
ohm that it is ready to be drawn up"
The girl endeayored to be calm, but
ne trembled violently.
An indefinite fear, II strange feel
ne of apprehension, weighed on Hi-
ans heart.
The group OF swarthy-visaged
miners, who were chatting with wives
nd sWeclhcarts around the opening Of
he shaft, suddenly grew silent
1t was moment Of suspense, for the
oy in the gloomy Governs, 10 feet under
round, was then engaged in lighting
he slow match.
The men who were to warn the crank !
rasped the handles firmly, and no I
ne spoke. 7
"Ah,'
It was with siph of relief that An {
lie Barton, Hiram Adams and every
nrson IN the crowd saw the rope icrked
vice.
The match had been applied, John
ould be with them in few moments.
nd all would hear the mullled, rum.
ling sound Of the great explosion in
II depths Of the earth.
A flush Of color rose to Annie Bar
MS cheelt and Hiram Adams felt his
'aN beating rapidly and his breath
'mirg in short casps.
Tie -Nr AZ 'lc crenk worked with q !
III, when they heard u duli, mulilcd
'uAd, The rope slaekened, and
"0h, heayens."
Annie Barton started forward, her
ce blanched and look Of horror glaz-
& her wide-open eyes,
Hiram Adams staggered as Though
ot Then man spoke:
"lbe bucket has capsized-struck the
rtition. The boy has fallen oulw {