s, and though we
could see nothing, lighting the men over their gallant task, while I, as
I gazed in, trying to penetrate the gloom, felt as if I ought to be
there by my uncles' side.

This feeling grew so strong that at last I took a few steps forward, but
only to be seized by a pair of strong arms and brought back.

"Nay, nay, lad," said a voice that I started to hear, for it was
Gentles'; "there's plenty risking their lives theer. Yow stay."

Just then there was a hoarse shriek of terror, a wild yell from the
crowd, for a curious rushing rumble was heard, a dull thud, and another
cloud of dust came rolling out, looking like smoke as it mingled with
the fire.

In the midst of this the men who had been digging in the ruins came
rushing out.

"Part of the roof," cried Uncle Dick, panting, "and the rest's falling.
Are you all here, lads?"

"Ay, all," was answered as they looked from one to the other in the
flickering light.

"Nay, not all," shouted Stevens. "Owd lad Pannell's buried alive. I
see 'un fall."

There was a murmur of horror and a burst of wailing, for now a number of
women had joined the throng.

"Are you hurt?" I cried anxiously.

"Only a few cuts and bruises, Cob," said Uncle Dick. "Now, my lads,
quick. We must have them out."

The men stopped short, and there was a low angry murmur like the
muttering of a coming storm.

"Quick, my lads, quick!"

There was a hoarse cry for help from out of the ruins, and I knew it
must be our poor smith.

"No, sir, stop," cried the gentleman who had before spoken. "I'd dare
anything, but we have sacrificed one life in trying to save others. I
have just been round, and I say that at the least movement of the ruins
the left wall must come down."

There was a loud cry of assent to this, and amongst shouts and a
confused murmur of voices there came out of the gloom that fearful cry
again:

"Help!"

"The wall must fall, men," cried Uncle Dick loudly. "I can't stand and
hear that cry and not go. Once more volunteers."

Half a dozen men started out of the crowd; but the peril was too great.
They shrank back, and I saw my three uncles standing together in the
bright light of the burning building, blackened, bleeding, and in rags.

Then Uncle Dick put out his two hands, and Uncle Jack and Uncle Bob took
them. They stood together for a short minute, and then went towards the
tottering wall.

"Stop!" cried the gentleman. "You must not risk your