"Father must think it so long. He must want to get out. I don't know how to wait. Couldn't we do something? If I were to go close, and call out,—he might know my voice." "No harm trying," assented Cragg. "Not close, but a little nearer; it isn't safe close. The earth might fall in any moment. If he's stunned, he won't hear your voice no more than mine; but we'll try." He was desirous to keep Pattie's mind occupied until the men should arrive. "This way; not any nearer. Now, call." Pattie obeyed, raising her thin tones once, twice, thrice, with a manifest effort. "Father!" she cried first; and then, "Daddy! Daddy! Don't you hear me? Oh!" She broke away from Cragg, taking him by surprise, and ran several paces before he could catch her. "I heard father's voice. Let me go! Don't keep me!" she implored. "He cried out. Listen!" A faint sound could be detected, seeming to come from underground. "Pat—tie! Pat—tie!" it said. "Father, we're here. We'll get you out. Don't be afraid," called the girl; and then wildly to Cragg, "Let me go! What can we do? Let me go!" "Will you promise to do as I tell you, and not to stir unless I give you leave? I'll hold you till you do promise." "But I want—O how can I?" gasped Pattie. "What good will it do him if you kill yourself? Be sensible. Think what your father would wish you to do." Pattie became suddenly quiet. "Yes, I will," she said. "I'll be good. I'll stay here till you say I may move. Do ask him if he is hurt." "I know you'll keep your word." Cragg left her, and went nearer, calling in strong tones, "Pattie is safe. Are you hurt?" "Yes," came faintly, after a pause. "Keep—her—back." "Where are you? Is it a mine?" "I don't—know. I'm lying on—something—all dark—" "We'll have you out in a jiffy!" shouted Cragg. He saw the men hurrying across a space of rough ground, which lay between this part and their cottages. Afterwards it came out that they had heard the noise of the falling house, and had, like Cragg, mistaken it for thunder. Since the wind blew from them to the house, the noise was lessened.