Miss Strange had the shock of hearing about her father's sudden death, and it would not be kind to harrow her again." "Certainly not," said Thirlwell, who felt annoyed because his comrade had guessed his thoughts.
A week later, Thirlwell was walking down the tunnel when he saw one or two of the men and Driscoll shoring up the roof.

Drummond was helping, but a stone fell on him and he sat down.

There was no light except the flicker of the lamps in the men's hats and they did not see Thirlwell.
"Are you hurt, kid ?" one asked Drummond.
"He's scared," Driscoll growled.

"Let him get out; this is a man's job." Drummond sprang to his feet, although Thirlwell noted an ugly bruise on his forehead.
"Talk about being scared!" he cried.

"Why you're 'most scared to death of the rapid! What d'you reckon lives there that's going to get you in the dark ?" Driscoll stepped forward.