d the upper ladders and returned to the light of day。 Without losing a moment he reached the Callander station； just caught the express to Edinburgh； and by three o'clock was before the Lord Provost。
There his declaration was received。 His account was given so clearly that it could not be doubted。 Sir William Elphiston； President of the Royal Institution； and not only colleague； but a personal friend of Starr's； was also informed； and asked to direct the search which was to be made without delay in the mine。 Several men were placed at his disposal； supplied with lamps； picks； long rope ladders； not forgetting provisions and cordials。 Then guided by Jack Ryan； the party set out for the Aberfoyle mines。
The same evening the expedition arrived at the opening of the Yarrow shaft； and descended to the twenty…seventh landing； at which Jack Ryan had been stopped a few hours previously。 The lamps； fastened to long ropes； were lowered down the shaft； and it was thus ascertained that the four last ladders were wanting。
As soon as the lamps had been brought up； the men fixed to the landing a rope ladder； which unrolled itself down the shaft； and all descended one after the other。 Jack Ryan's descent was the most difficult； for he went first down the swinging ladders； and fastened them for the others。
The space at the bottom of the shaft was pletely deserted； but Sir William was much surprised at hearing Jack Ryan exclaim； 〃Here are bits of the ladders； and some of them half burnt！〃
〃Burnt？〃 repeated Sir William。 〃Indeed； here sure enough are cinders which have evidently been cold a long time！〃
〃Do you think； sir；〃 asked Ryan； 〃that Mr。 Starr could have had any reason for burning the ladders； and thus breaking of munication with the wor