Chapters 9-10 Summary

The firedamp spreads quickly as Mack evaluates the situation. His first priority is to evacuate the miners. He, Esther and their cousin Annie are the last three and he has to burn off the gas. This was to be his last day and he wishes he had left earlier. Annie and Esther help him prepare for the burn and then depart.

On the surface, Lizzie watches as the miners emerge. She recognizes the woman whose child was christened at the church service and then hears her scream. They think their son is still in the mine.

Mack is terrified as he prepares to burn the gas. The leak is different, with a higher concentration of gas. He vows to leave that night if he survives. He hears the voice of a small child. He grabs the child and runs into Jen...