Read Online Black Noon by Andrew J. Fenady - Free Book Online

replied. “The way in is the only way out . . .”
    â€œSo says the book,” Joseph added. “‘This is the way . . . walk ye into it’ . . . Isaiah thirty, twenty-one.”
    Two of the other miners who had previously entered came out, their faces dirty and sweating.
    â€œHe’s stopped calling for help . . . At least we can’t hear him anymore. There’s timber and rocks . . . maybe he’s . . . he’s . . .”
    â€œDead!” Pricilla Bryant cried out.
    â€œAnd maybe he’s not,” Keyes said.
    â€œWith all that timber and rubble that fell,” one of the miners shrugged.
    â€œWe’re not doing any good out here,” Keyes’s voice was calm but strong. “Get shovels, pick axes, anything that can dig and hack through timbers . . . we’re going in there.”
    â€œMore’s liable to come down anytime,” a miner warned.
    â€œAll the more reason to get a move on,” Keyes said, leading the way into the entrance. Sam Hawkins went in with the others.
    For over half an hour they worked inside the shaft, clearing debris—stone, shale, planks, and crossbeams that had collapsed, edging inch-by-inch, foot-by-foot, inward. Bryant was desperately calling out his son’s name.
    â€œEthan! Ethan!! Ethan!!! It’s your dad . . . please son . . . can you hear me?!”
    Finally there came an answer, faint and shallow.
    â€œDad . . . dad . . . back here . . . I’m hurt . . . I’m scared . . . I’m . . .”
    â€œEthan . . . It’s Reverend Keyes. We’re all here to help you. I’ve helped you before, didn’t I?”
    â€œYes, sir. But I’m going to die. I’m going to die here . . . I know it.”
    â€œYou’re going to live, Ethan. Your father’s right beside me, and your mother’s just outside waiting for you . . . have faith . . .”
    â€œBut I hurt . . . there’s a big post on top of me . . . I can’t move . . . and I hurt . . .”
    â€œFaith, Ethan . . . we’re getting closer—can you hear what I’m saying?”
    â€œYes . . . sir,” his voice faltered.
    â€œEthan, remember the words that helped you before . . . ‘There is hope in the midst of despair’ . . . ‘Your young men shall see visions’ . . . ‘draw upon the spirit within’ . . . remember?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œWe’re almost there.”
    The men renewed their labor, as if a new set of reflexes and mounting strength had empowered them, lifting rocks that were too heavy, timbers too weighty.
    â€œEthan, ‘There is a candle in the darkness’ . . . we can see you—‘for darkness shall be lifted’ . . . and so will that timber.”
    Keyes motioned to the other men and to the timber now in sight.
    â€œReach out to me, Ethan . . . as you did before . . .”
    â€œI . . . I can’t . . . I hurt . . .”
    â€œYes you can. Reach out. Take my hand . . . take it . . . they’re lifting that timber . . . one side of it . . . help us help you . . . give me your hand. I’ll get you out . . . that’s it . . . I’ve almost . . . Faith, Ethan.”
    Keyes strained . . . he touched the boy’s outstretched fingers . . . then grasped his hand.
    One side of the timber rose inches higher.
    â€œâ€˜Wings of eagles,’ Ethan . . .”
    Keyes pulled slowly, but with all the will at his command.
    â€œYou’re free.”
    William Bryant carried his son outside, followed by Keyes and the other grime-covered men.
    There were cheers of joy and relief as Pricilla ran to take the boy in her arms, then turned to her husband.
    â€œWilliam! You saved him! You saved our little boy!”
    Bryant shook his head . . . then pointed to Jon Keyes.
    Deliverance looked at Keyes and smiled.

CHAPTER 19
    â€œI’ll ride ahead and tell the folks the good news,” Joseph announced. “The Lord has