But at times the sound changed in character.

The muffled thud of the pick upon earth became a clang as it struck upon stone.
"Do you listen!" said Luffe, giving way to Dewes, and Dewes in his turn leaned his ear against the loophole.
"What do you think ?" asked Luffe.
Dewes stood up straight again.
"I'll tell you what I am thinking.

I am thinking it sounds like the beating of a clock in a room where a man lies dying," he said.
Luffe nodded his head.

But images and romantic sayings struck no response from him.

He turned to the young Sapper.
"Can we countermine ?" The young Engineer took the place of Major Dewes.
"We can try, but we are late," said he.
"It must be a sortie then," said Luffe.
"Yes," exclaimed Lynes eagerly.