wyn came back to meet them.

"Come along quickly," he cried; "the dog has gone into that short
gallery which rises up. Did you hear him barking?"

"Yes."

"Just as if he had found a rabbit. He leaped up on the dry part at
once, and if we follow there is plenty of room for us as well."

"Beyond the water?" panted Joe.

"Yes. At the far end."

Trembling with eagerness, they splashed through the now familiar way,
conscious of the fact that a current of air was setting in the same
direction--a foul hot wind, evidently caused by the water filling up the
lower portions of the mine, and driving out the air; but no one
mentioned it then.

The entrance of the place they sought was reached, and they were
waist-deep, the water sweeping and swirling by with such force that, as
Gwyn entered, lanthorn in hand, and Joe was about to follow, a little
wave like an imitation of the bore which rushes up some rivers, came
sweeping along and nearly took him off his feet, while Hardock, with a
cry to his companions to look out, clung to the corner.

Gwyn turned in time to see Joe tottering, and caught at his arm, giving
him a sharp snatch which dragged him in through the low archway where
the water, though deep, was eddying round like a whirlpool. Then
together they extended their hands to Hardock and he was dragged in.

"Runs along there now like a mill-race," panted the man. "How did you
manage, Mr Gwyn?"

"It was only going steadily when I followed Grip, and he swam in easy
enough."

"Must be coming in faster," groaned Hardock. "Oh, my lads, my lads, say
your prayers now, and put in a word for me; for I haven't been the man I
ought to have been, and I know it now we're shut up in this gashly
place."

"Don't, don't talk like that," cried Gwyn, wildly.

"I must, my lad, for the water's rising faster, and in a few minutes we
shall be drowned."

"Then come on with the stream and let's find a higher place," cried Joe.

"Nay, we aren't got strength enough to go on. Better stay where we
are."

"Hi! Grip! Grip! Grip!" cried Gwyn, holding up the lanthorn and
wading farther in, but there was no answering bark.

"Come along, Sam," said Joe, hoarsely, as he opened his lanthorn door to
let the water he had got in, drain out. "Here, look, it's shallower
where he is."

"Ay, it do rise, you see," groaned Hardock, who was now completely
unmanned.

"Come on!" shouted Gwyn; "it isn't up to my knees here."

They followed