Tunnels and Their Making 43 



ground was a man in charge of singular 

 energy and resourcefulness. He at once 

 obtained a small boat, had it conveyed to 

 the shaft, and then let down until it was 

 afloat in the water of the tunnel. There 

 was no lack of volunteers, and they rowed 

 off into the workings, flares lighting up the 

 hitherto sombreness of the tunnel. Alas, 

 they had not proceeded far when progress 

 was barred by a series of timber piles 

 which had been driven in to support the 

 roof. 



They were, of course, near the roof in their 

 boat, and here the piles from either side 

 met and formed an impenetrable barrier. 

 Beyond were the marooned men, and it 

 was uncertain then whether the water was 

 still rising. Back they rowed and obtained 

 a saw with which to cut their way through 

 the piles, risking the collapse of the roof by 

 their removal. 



When work was well in progress ill- 

 luck again baulked the efforts of the 

 rescuers, the saw was dropped over- 

 board, and back they had to go again for 



