And now their thoughts dropped back into the pit, And through the league-long gallery went flitting With speed no fall could hold: They wondered how their mates had fared: If they’d been struck stone-dead, Or if they shared Like fate with them, or reached the shaft, Unhurt, and only scared, Before disaster overtook them: And then, although their courage ne’er forsook them, They wondered once again if they must sit Awaiting death ... but knowing well That even for a while to dwell On such like thoughts will drive a strong man daft: They shook themselves until their thoughts ran free Along the drift, and clambered in the cage; And in a trice were shooting up the shaft: But when their thoughts had come to the pithead, And found the fearful people gathered there, Beneath the noonday sun, Bright-eyed with terror, blinded by despair, Dick rose, and with his chalk wrote on the wall, This message for their folk: "We can’t get any further, 12, noonday"-- And signed both names; and, when he’d done, Though neither of them spoke, They both seemed easier in a way, Now that they’d left a word, Though nothing but a scrawl. And silent still they sat, And never stirred: And Dick’s thoughts dwelt on this and that: How, far above their heads, upon the sea The sun was shining merrily, And in its golden glancing The windy waves were dancing: And how he’d slipt that morning on his way: And how on Friday, when he drew his pay, He’d buy a blanket for his whippet, Nell; He felt dead certain she would win the race, On Saturday ... though you could never tell, There were such odds against her ... but his face Lit up as though, even now, he saw her run, A little slip of lightning, in the sun: While Robert’s thoughts were ever on the match His team was booked to play on Saturday; He placed the field, and settled who should play The centre-forward; for he had a doubt Will Burn was scarcely up to form, although... Just then, the lamp went slowly out. Still, neither stirred, Nor spoke a word; Though either’s breath came quickly, with a catch. And now again one thought Set both their hearts afire In one fierce flame Of quick desire: Though neither breathed her name. Then Dick stretched out his hand; and caught His brother’s arm; and whispered in his ear: "Bob, lad, there’s naught to fear ... And, when we’re out, lad, you and she shall wed."