The muscles so held irritated a few nerves, and now a vague scene floated in on the drowsy mind.

She fancied she and Carrie were somewhere beside an old coal-mine.

She could see the tall runway and the heap of earth and coal cast out.

There was a deep pit, into which they were looking; they could see the curious wet stones far down where the wall disappeared in vague shadows.

An old basket, used for descending, was hanging there, fastened by a worn rope.
"Let's get in," said Carrie.
"Oh, no," said Minnie.
"Yes, come on," said Carrie.
She began to pull the basket over, and now, in spite of all protest, she had swung over and was going down.
"Carrie," she called, "Carrie, come back;" but Carrie was far down now and the shadow had swallowed her completely.
She moved her arm.
Now the mystic scenery merged queerly and the place was by waters she had never seen.