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 , Dan 's so fond of me and I of him , ' began Ted , feeling that this would be an expedition after his own heart . Before his mother could reply , Mr Laurie came in , with almost as much noise and flurry as Teddy the second , exclaiming as he waved the evening paper : ` Seen the news , Jo ? What do you think ? Shall I go off at once , and see after that brave boy ? ' ' I wish you would . But the thing may not be all true -- rumour lies so . Perhaps a few hours will bring an entirely new version of the story . ' ` I 've telephoned to Demi for all he can find out ; and if it 's true , I 'll go at once . Should like the trip . If he 's able , I 'll bring him home ; if not , I 'll stay and see to him . He 'll pull through . Dan will never die of a fall on his head . He 's got nine lives , and not lost half of them yet . ' ` If you go , uncle , may n't I go with you ?
I 'm just spoiling for a journey ; and it would be such larks to go out there with you , and see the mines and XXXXX , and hear all about it , and help .
Dan Laurie accident drowned escape evening first hours rumour second