It is cramped, close quarters the deeper they descend, the air close and unexpectedly warm. Emery glances at Lance's torch as he leads the way, and chooses (for the moment) to associate the creeping rise in temperature with its heat, and the absence of brisk winter wind.

Then comes that cry--

"You said all the miners were accounted for?" This question to Lance; it isn't accusatory, but careful, cautious. If that sound doesn't come from one of the miners, then who is its source?