Artificial pillars were made of stone from neighboring quarries,
and now they supported the ground, that is to say, the double layer of
tertiary and quaternary soil, which formerly rested on the seam itself.
Darkness now filled the galleries, formerly lighted either by the miner's
lamp or by the electric light, the use of which had been introduced
in the mines.
"Will you not rest a while, Mr. Starr?" asked the young man.
"No, my lad," replied the engineer, "for I am anxious to be at
your father's cottage."
"Follow me then, Mr. Starr. I will guide you, and yet I daresay you
could find your way perfectly well through this dark labyrinth."
"Yes, indeed! I have the whole plan of the old pit still in my head."
Harry, followed by the engineer, and holding his lamp high
the better to light their way, walked along a high gallery,
like the nave of a cathedral. Their feet still struck against
the wooden sleepers which used to support the rails.
They had not gone more than fifty paces, when a huge stone
fell at the feet of James Starr. "Take care, Mr. Starr!"
cried Harry, seizing the engineer by the arm.
"A stone, Harry! Ah! these old vaultings are no longer quite secure,
of course, and--"
"Mr. Starr," said Harry Ford, "it seems to me that stone was thrown,
thrown as by the hand of man!"
"Thrown!" exclaimed James Starr. "What do you mean, lad?"
"Nothing, nothing, Mr.
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