Driscoll's bemused mind could not grasp the thought of duty that demanded self-sacrifice, but he had animal courage and stubbornness.

He would carry out what he had undertaken.

Moreover, he might have animal cunning without having cultivated intelligence, and his strength and resolution made him dangerous.

Thirlwell did not like Driscoll better than before, but it looked as if the fellow had saved his life, and although he might not have meant to do so, this counted for something.

Going back to the shaft presently, he climbed up and sat down in the sun.
A warm wind blew across the pine woods, the sun was getting hot, and the wet grounds about the shaft-head was drying fast.