Six men have been trapped in a mine for seventeen hours. If they are not brought to the surface soon they may lose their_________ (life). However, rescue operations are _________ (prove) difficult. If explosives are used, vibrations will cause the roof of the mine _________ (collapse). Rescue workers are therefore drilling a hole on the north side of the mine. They intend to bring the men up in       special capsule.         there had not been a hard layer of rock beneath the soil, they would have completed the job in a few hours. As it is, they have been drilling for sixteen hours and they still have a long way to go. Meanwhile, a microphone, which     (low) into the mine two hours ago, has enabled the men to keep in touch with the closest relatives. Though they are running out of food         drink, the men are       (cheer) and confident that they will get out soon. They have been told that rescue operations are progressing        (smooth). If they knew how difficult it was to drill         the hard rock, they would lose heart.