For a few minutes after that he went mad.

His muscles cracked, he panted as he fought with the rock until his hands were torn and bleeding, and over and over again there ran through his head Blackton's last words--_Four o'clock this afternoon!--Four o'clock this afternoon!_ Then he came to what he knew he would reach very soon, a solid wall! Rock and shale and earth were packed as if by battering rams.

For a few moments he fought to control himself before facing Joanne.

Over him swept the grim realization that his last fight must be for her.

He steadied himself, and wiped the dust and grime from his face with his handkerchief.