Upton Sinclair

“ He explained that by reversing the fan they could draw the smoke up through the air-course, which would clear the main passages for a time. "But, you see, some coal might catch fire, and some timbers; there might be falls of rock so they couldn't work some of the rooms again."
"How long will they keep the mine sealed?" cried Hal, in consternation.
"Nobody can say. In a big mine like that, a fire might smoulder for a week."
"Everybody be dead!" cried Rosa Minetti, wringing her hands in a sudden access of grief.
Hal turned to Olson. "Would they possibly do such a thing?" ”

“ But you'll see--something'll keep happening; they'll drag on from day to day, and they'll not start the fan till they're ready."
"Why, it's murder!" cried Hal.
"It's business," said Tom Olson, quietly.
Hal looked from one to another of the faces of these working people. Not one but had friends in that trap; not one but might be in the same trap to-morrow! ”

“ Jonotch--her husband and three sons inside!"
"They're getting rougher and rougher," declared Mrs. David. "That big fellow they call Pete, that came up from Pedro--the way he's handling the women is a shame!" ”