, and the risk was that the weapon might be
darted into the looker-on. Gedge stood then as near as he dared go,
watching the progress made by the miner, and seeing the hole rapidly
increase in size as the surface crumbled in.

Then all at once Gedge's heart seemed to leap towards his mouth, for
there was a sudden eddy of the loose snow, as if some one were
struggling, the bayonet, followed by the rifle, was thrust out into
daylight, held by a pair of hands which sought to force it crosswise
over the mouth of the hole, and the next instant the watcher saw why.
For the caked snow from the opening to the edge of the gulf, and for
many yards on either side, was slowly sinking; while, starting from the
hole in two opposite directions, and keeping parallel with the edge; of
the cornice, a couple of cracks appeared, looking like dark jagged
lines.

It was a matter of but a few moments. Gedge had had his lessons
regarding the curving-over snow, and knew the danger, which gave him the
apt promptitude necessary for action in the terrible peril.

Dropping his own rifle on the ice, he sprang forward, stooped, and,
quick as a flash, caught hold of the barrel of the rifle lying on the
surface just below the hilt of the bayonet. Then throwing himself back
with all the force he could command, he literally jerked Bracy out from
where he lay buried in the loose snow and drew him several yards rapidly
over the smooth surface. The long lines were opening out and gaping the
while, and he had hardly drawn his officer clear before there was a
soft, dull report, and a rush, tons of the cornice having been
undermined where it hung to the edge of the icefield, and now went
downward with a hissing sound, which was followed by a dull roar.

"Ah-h-h!" groaned Gedge, and he dropped down upon his knees beside the
prostrate snowy figure, jerked his hands towards his face, and then fell
over sidewise, to lie motionless with his eyes fast closed.

When he opened them again it was to see Bracy kneeling by his side and
bending over him, the young officer's countenance looking blue and
swollen, while his voice when he spoke sounded husky and faint.

"Are you better now?" he said.

"Better!" replied Gedge hoarsely as he stared confusedly at the speaker.
"Ain't been ill agen, have I! Here, what yer been doing to make my
head ache like this here? I--I--I d' know. Something's buzzing, and my
head's going round. Some one's been giving me--Oh, Mr