Roy ran back to Sara and Billy to read the note.
"It says the ceiling is unsteady and they are out of boards to shore it up. It's getting dark, so they are going back to town and will return with lumber and food tomorrow. Abe is doing well."
The small group clustered together and hugged.
"Does this mean we're going home soon Roy?"
"Yes it does Billy. We'll be out of here by tomorrow.
"I almost made it Sara. I saw Tom's face, but the ceiling started crashing in again. Once they get the tunnel stabilized, we'll be free."
"See Roy, God does answer our prayers."
His eyes watering up, Roy could not argue with this beautiful woman. "Okay Sara, I'll accept that your God heard my prayers, but I'm still not sure I believe he exists."
"Roy, how can you say that? A God that responds to prayers has to exist; otherwise there wouldn't be an answer."
"Well, I'm glad either way."
The next morning Roy took the beams and propped them near where the ceiling was breaking away. It was hard work and required help from Sara and Billy, but they eventually had them set into place. Several times, they had to back away because the loose dirt from the ceiling threatened to crash down. A few hours later, they heard digging again. Flat boards started being pushed along the ceiling so Roy guided them toward the top of the beam he set earlier. Once enough boards were set in place to support the roof, Roy resumed digging.
The ecstasy Roy felt was overwhelming when the dirt fell away and he could see the men on the other side. Finally, the workers had an opening wide enough so that one of them was able to crawl through and assist Roy. Three days after their ordeal started, Roy and the Johansson family were safely reunited again.
As Roy, Sara and Billy emerged out of the tunnel; Roy was aghast as he surveyed the damage to his log home. Abe reluctantly approached Roy.
"Roy, I'm very sorry, but I broke the tip off your grandfather's knife." Abe handed the compass and knife back to Roy.
Roy scooped Abe off his feet and hugged him tightly. "I don't care Abe. I'm just glad you're okay. Thank you for saving us."
Roy retrieved his guns from the tunnel and loaded his family into Tom's wagon for the ride back to town. After driving to the blacksmith shop, Roy dropped Sara and the boys off at the home of Reverend McAllister and Maura.
"Stay here until I come for you. I have something important to take care of."