six o’clock in the evening
inquired the hunter . `` Nothing whatever , '' replied the carpenter , `` but let us work on , the roof has bent of course , but the floor of the loft can not have given way . Another ten feet and we shall come to that floor , or else '' -- -- Mac-Nab did not finish his sentence , and the two resumed their work with the strength of despair . At six o'clock in the evening , another ten or twelve feet had been dug out . Mac-Nab sounded again , nothing yet , his pick still sunk in the shifting earth , and flinging it from him , he buried his face in his hands and muttered -- `` Poor things , poor things ! '' He then climbed to the opening of the shaft by means of the wood-work . The Lieutenant and the Sergeant were together in greater anxiety than ever , and taking them aside , the carpenter told them of his dreadful disappointment .