Working in a coal mine - 23

“So I will take you back to the surface.” He continued “… after a cheer from the others.”

He turned and called out, “Hip hooray for Richard. Hip, hip, hip …”

So I got three cheers. “Well you did make our jobs a lot easier.” The manager said. “So, let’s go.”

“I can find my own way.” I said, picking up my bags.

“No, we’re not allowed to let people wander about unescorted. I think they’re worried in case you pick up some illicit coal! A joke. Mind your head on the support beams.”

So I went, followed by him.