We kept tapping with the heels of our boots at equal intervals against this wall." "The miner's signal," explained the landlord, with a wave of his pipe.
"We felt that if we were once heard, and if hard work could do it, that our mates would save us yet; and we encouraged one another as well as we could.

But presently the oil in our lamps gave out, and we were left in darkness; and then our hope grew faint indeed.

We had knocked for four-and-twenty hours unintermittingly without any reply.

We did not cease, however, to discuss the possibilities of escape.

We knew that all was being done for us above-ground that could be done; that the surveys of the mine were well executed; and that it was known exactly where we were, if we were alive at all.