'I think we'd better wait,' he said. 'You fellows can let on as soon's he
arrives.'

Ted's face fell again, and Jacker moved uneasily. He was anxious to be
out of the mine and away from the uncanny possibilities of that dark
chasm, and yet it was absolutely necessary that he should show no sign of
funk, leave no opening for the tongue of derision. Some day, perhaps,
when the full strength of the company was available and candles were
numerous, he would follow Dick's lead in the work of exploration, but for
the present his whole desire was to get to the surface. Now recollection
came, and with it hope. Diving into his breast pocket, he drew and
crumpled envelope, and handed it to Dick.

A letter,' he said, 'from your mother.'

Dick was surprised; as he took the note Jacker discovered an accusation
in his eye.

'The oath don't say nothin' agin' letters,' said McKnight sullenly.

'No,' answered his mate, 'but really miners ain't supposed to have
mothers runnin' after 'em, like if they were kids.'

'Well,' said the other, on the defensive, 'your mother comes to me at
dinner time, an' she says: 'I s'pose 'taint likely you'll see my Dick,
Jacker.' I said,' No, Missus Haddon, 'taint, s'elp me.' Then she says,
'Well, if he should come to see you, will you give him this?' So I took
it, an' there you are.'

Dick read the letter slowly; it was a very artful letter, most pathetic,