CHAPTER XLI.

DESCENDING IN THE SAFETY-CAGE.

Our Conductor—Downward—Unpleasant Possibilities—Safety—A Blessed Inventor—The Price of Stock—Vasquez and His Friends—The Carman. 301

BELOW THE SURFACE.

Tumbling down a Chute—Timbering a Mine—Taking Samples—What the “Giraffe” can Carry—Gnomes of the Mine—Troglodytes—What is “Sumpf?” 310

CURIOSITIES OF VENTILATION.

Draughts and Drifts—Machinery of the Lower-Levels—Southward Currents—Use of Compressed Air—Industrious little Engines. 317

UNDERGROUND BUSINESS ARRANGEMENTS.

Changing Shifts—A Shift-Boss’s Report—Useful Items—Modern Troglodytes—Shirtless but Hot—Fights and Factions. 322

GHOST-HAUNTED SHAFTS.

Rats—Unwelcome Visitors—Chasing the Ghost—Cornered. 329