He longed to go home , but waited week after week to get the prison taint off him and the haggard look out of his face . Meanwhile he made friends of masters and men ; and as no one knew his story , he took his place again in the world gratefully and gladly -- with little pride now , and no plans but to do some good somewhere , and efface the past . Mrs Jo was having a grand clearing-out of her desk one October day , while the rain poured outside , and peace reigned in her mansion . Coming across the postals , she pondered over them , and then put them carefully away in the drawer labelled ` Boys ' Letters ' , saying to herself , as she bundled eleven requests for autographs into the waste-paper basket : ` It is quite time for another card , unless he is coming to tell his plans . I 'm really curious to know what he has been about all this year , and how he 's getting on now . ' That last wish was granted within an hour ; for Ted came rushing in , with a newspaper in one hand , a collapsed umbrella in the other , and a face full of excitement , announcing , all in one breathless jumble : ` Mine caved in -- twenty men shut up -- no way out -- wives crying -- water rising -- Dan knew the old shaft -- risked his life -- got 'em out -- most killed -- papers full of it -- I knew he 'd be a hero -- hurray for old Dan ! ' ` What ? Where ? When ? Who ? Stop roaring , and let me read ! ' commanded his mother , entirely bewildered . Relinquishing the paper , Ted allowed her to read for herself , with frequent interruptions from him -- and Rob , who soon followed , eager for the tale . It was nothing new ; but courage and devotion always stir generous hearts , and win admiration ; so the account was both graphic and enthusiastic ; and the name of Daniel Kean , the brave man who saved the lives of others at the risk of his own , was on many lips that day . Very proud were the faces of these friends as they read how their Dan was the only one who , in the first panic of the accident , remembered the old shaft that led into the mine -- walled up , but the only hope of escape , if the men could be got out before the rising water drowned them ; how he was lowered down alone , telling the others to keep back till he saw if it was safe ; how he heard the poor fellows picking desperately for their lives on the other side , and by knocks and calls guided them to the right spot ; then headed the rescue party , and working like a hero , got the men out in time . On being drawn up last of all , the worn rope broke , and he had a terrible fall , being much hurt , but was still alive . How the grateful women kissed his blackened face and bloody hands , as the men bore him away in triumph , and the owners of the mine promised a handsome reward , if he lived to receive it ! ` He must live ; he shall , and come home to be nursed as soon as he can stir , if I go and bring him myself ! I always knew he 'd do something fine and brave , if he did n't get shot or hung for some wild prank instead , ' cried Mrs Jo , much excited . ` Do go , and take me with you , Mum .
I ought to be the one , XXXXX 's so fond of me and I of him , ' began Ted , feeling that this would be an expedition after his own heart .
Dan Kean Rob Ted autographs day drowned escape first week