They were deep down in the shaft, and one at a time was all that the man at the windlass above could haul up; and they had put in their shot, and given them the signal.

One was to go up first, of course, and then the second to light the match, and follow him with all speed.

Now, while they were still both at the bottom, it struck Coe that the match was too long, and he took a couple of stones, a flat and a sharp one, to cut it shorter.

He did cut it shorter, but at the same time kindled the match.

Both shouted their loudest, and sprang at the basket, but the man at the windlass could not lift the double weight.