Winston, accustomed to gauging men, easily comprehended this mental attitude of his prisoner, his eyes smiling in appreciation of the other's promptness, although his glance never once wavered, his guarding hand never fell.

Burke was safe enough now, yet he was not to be trifled with, not to be trusted for an instant, in the playing out of so desperate a game.

At the angle the two halted, while the engineer cautiously reconnoitred the dimly revealed regions in front.

He could perceive but little evidence of life, excepting the faint radiance of constantly moving lights down Number One tunnel.

Burke stood sullenly silent, venturing upon no movement except under command.
"Anybody down that other entry ?" The foreman shook his head, without glancing around, his jaws moving steadily on the tobacco that swelled his cheek.
"Then lead on down it." Winston stretched forth his unused left hand as they proceeded, his fingers gliding along the wall, his observant eyes wandering slightly from off the broad back of his prisoner toward the sides and roof of the tunnel.