half-dead and fuller of water than was his custom.

Nance looked up quickly at the sound of Gard's feet, and the paled-brown
of her face flushed red at sight of him, and then a grateful gleam
lighted it as he dropped her things into her hand and bent over John
Thomas, who was showing signs of life in a dazed and water-logged
fashion.

"You did splendidly, you two," he said to Bernel. "It's a grand thing to
save a man's life, even if it's only John Thomas," for John Thomas had
found this land of free spirits too much for him, and had become a
soaker and an indifferent workman.

"He'll be all right after a bit," he added. "I told them to send down
some brandy," at which John Thomas groaned heavily to show his
extremity. "As soon as it comes, Bernel, you help Nance up the ladders.
Then run home both of you. Your things are at the top, Bernel. And here
comes the brandy. Now, up you go! Do you think you can manage the
ladders?" he asked Nance.

"I'll manage them," and they crept away into the darkness of the adit,
and Nance thought she had never been in such a hideous place in her
life.




CHAPTER XIII

HOW GARD REFUSED AN OFFER AND MADE AN ENEMY