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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/39083-8.txt b/39083-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d15f329 --- /dev/null +++ b/39083-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7755 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Iron Boys in the Mines, by James R. Mears + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license + + +Title: The Iron Boys in the Mines + or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft + +Author: James R. Mears + +Release Date: March 9, 2012 [EBook #39083] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES *** + + + + +Produced by Dianna Adair, Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, +Dave Morgan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team +at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + +Illustration: Steve Gazed With Wonder Upon the Busy Scene. + +_Frontispiece._ + + + + + The Iron Boys in the Mines + + OR + +Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft + +By + +JAMES R. MEARS + +Author of The Iron Boys As Foremen, The Iron Boys +on the Ore Boats, etc. + + +Illustrated + + +PHILADELPHIA + +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY + + +COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY +HOWARD E. ALTEMUS + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. SECURING A JOB UNDER DIFFICULTIES 7 + + II. HANDLING THE RED ORE 18 + + III. TWO THOUSAND FEET UNDER GROUND 32 + + IV. STEVE SHOOTS THE CHUTES 42 + + V. THE "MISSED HOLE" 49 + + VI. IN THE POWDER-WRECKED DRIFT 61 + + VII. "IS ANYONE ALIVE IN THERE?" 70 + + VIII. BOB MAKES GOOD HIS WORD 79 + + IX. YOUNG GLADIATORS MEET 89 + + X. IN A NEW JOB 97 + + XI. RUSH MAKES A DISCOVERY 106 + + XII. THE BOYS EXPOSE A PLOT 115 + + XIII. STRAIGHTENING THE CROOKED ONES 126 + + XIV. LAYING THE TRAP 137 + + XV. BORNE SKYWARD ON A SKIP 147 + + XVI. WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE SHAFT 158 + + XVII. THEIR FIRST PROMOTION 171 + + XVIII. THE VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS 182 + + XIX. FACING A GREAT PERIL 193 + + XX. INTO A BLACK GULF 202 + + XXI. THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOY 209 + + XXII. WHEN THE WATERS CLOSED OVER HIM 215 + + XXIII. A THOUSAND FEET OF LADDERS 226 + + XXIV. CONCLUSION 242 + + + + +The Iron Boys in the Mines + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SECURING A JOB UNDER DIFFICULTIES + + +"Is Mr. Carrhart in?" + +"Maybe he is, and maybe he isn't," answered the office boy, grinning +sardonically. "Who are you?" + +"My name is Stephen Rush and I wish to see Mr. Carrhart, the president +of the mining company," answered the first speaker, a lad of some +sixteen years, dark-haired, dark-eyed and slight of build. + +"What do you want to see him about?" + +"That is what I have come to tell him," replied young Rush, directing a +level gaze at the boy, who was half a head taller and much more stocky +of build than was Steve. "May I speak with the president?" + +"No; you may not speak with Mr. Carrhart." + +"Why not, please? It is quite important." + +"Because I won't let you." + +"You won't let me?" + +"No." + +"Will you not take my name in--tell him I shall not detain him?" + +"_No!_" + +For a moment Steve Rush stood looking at the office boy, undecided and +disappointed. He had not thought there would be any difficulty in +getting a few words with the man he had come to see. + +"Go on--skip!" + +The office boy, without giving the caller an opportunity to obey his +command, sprang forward, and, pressing both hands against Steve's chest, +began shoving the lad out into the corridor. Steve was stepping +backwards so fast that he was unable to free himself from the +belligerent office boy. + +All at once young Rush took advantage of a momentary pause of his +antagonist, and sprang lightly to one side. The next instant his fingers +closed over the wrists of the office boy, shutting down with a grip that +made the other writhe. + +"Leggo my hands!" + +The office boy shook himself free, then swung a vicious blow at Steve's +head. To the former's surprise his blow landed on thin air, but ere he +could square himself for another swing the grip of young Rush had once +more fastened on his wrists. And this time there was no breaking away. +Tighter and tighter grew the pressure on the office boy's wrists. + +"Leggo! O-u-c-h! Leggo, I tell you!" cried the latter, raising his voice +so high that office doors were quickly opened along the corridor, heads +popping out, their owners demanding to know what the uproar was about. + +"Will you take my name in to Mr. Carrhart?" demanded Steve in a low, +firm tone. + +"No, I won't. I'll trim you for this. I'll----" + +Steve, with a strength that would not have been believed of him, calmly +began leading his prisoner back into the office. + +"Young man, I think I shall take you to Mr. Carrhart. We shall see what +he has to say about you. I do not believe he will be pleased when I tell +him how you have acted. I----" + +Just then a door opened and a young man stepped out. + +"Here, here, here, what does this mean?" demanded the newcomer sharply. + +"He's hurting me; he's----" + +Steve quickly released the hands of the office boy, and removing his +hat, stepped forward respectfully. + +"Are you Mr. Carrhart, sir?" + +"No; I'm his secretary. What is the meaning of this disturbance?" + +"I was trying to see Mr. Carrhart----" + +"You have a most peculiar way of going about it, I must say," was the +sharp reply. "What did you wish to see him about?" + +"I want to get a job." + +"At what?" + +"Anything--preferably in the mines." + +The secretary laughed. + +"I am sorry, young man, but the president is a very busy man. And +besides, this is not the place to come for a situation in the mines. You +will have to apply to one of the superintendents at the mines. However, +I believe you are too young and----" + +"But I am quite strong, sir. I am sure I shall be able to do a day's +work. I am anxious----" + +"You will have to apply as I have just suggested. You cannot see the +president," announced the secretary shortly, turning on his heel and +reëntering his own office. + +"Yah, yah!" jeered the office boy. "Now, Mr. Smarty, will you get out or +shall I put you out?" + +"Neither." + +"What's that?" + +"You will not put me out, and I propose to remain here until I get a +chance to see your employer," announced Steve in a low, firm tone. He +calmly seated himself on a bench just outside the door of the office +reception room. + +The office boy's eyes narrowed angrily. He took a step toward Rush, +then, apparently thinking better of it, strode back to his little square +desk and threw himself into a chair, where he sat glowering at the +calm-eyed boy out in the corridor. + +Steve sat gazing steadily at the door of a room on which was written the +word "President." Now and then he caught sight of a shadow within, +through the ground-glass partition, and now and again the sound of +voices reached him. + +"Are you going to move?" demanded a voice at his side. + +Steve glanced up, finding the office boy standing close to him, a +threatening scowl on his face. + +"I told you I was waiting to see the president." + +"You are, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"How are you going to see him?" + +"I am going to wait here until he comes out." + +"If you don't get put out before that." + +"Then I shall wait out in the lobby by the elevator. You can't put me +out, for I am not in your office." + +With a grunt the office boy returned to his desk. At about that time +Rush caught sight of the figure of a man behind the glass of the door +leading into the president's room. The lad was all attention at once. + +After a moment the door swung open and a man stepped out into the +corridor and started for the elevator. + +"I beg pardon, sir, are you Mr. Carrhart?" questioned Steve. + +"Mr. Carrhart?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Why, no, my lad; what made you think I was?" + +"I beg your pardon, sir. I saw you come out of the president's office +and I wanted to see him very much," stammered the lad. + +"Then why don't you go to see him?" + +"I'm going to," answered Steve in a resolute tone. "Thank you, sir." + +With that the lad turned, walking rapidly back. He did not stop when he +had reached the bench just outside the reception room. Instead, he +stepped firmly up to the door of the president's office. His hand was +upon the door knob. + +"Here, you, where you going?" cried the office boy, bounding after him. + +Steve made no reply, whereupon the office boy started for him again. But +the latter was not quick enough. Rush opened the door to the private +office and stepped within. The office boy prevented his closing the +door, and a second later had bolted in after the visitor. Then things +began to happen with surprising quickness. Rush went down in a heap, the +office boy landing on his back. Over and over the two lads rolled, +clasped in a tight embrace. + +"Here, here! What does this mean?" demanded the president, gazing with +amazement at the rough-and-tumble battle going on at his very feet. + +Neither lad appeared to have heard him, for the rolling and floundering +continued a few seconds longer. All at once Steve got a firm grip on the +wrist of his antagonist. The office boy uttered a yell as the wrist was +bent backwards. Rush swung him over on his face and sat down on him +somewhat out of breath. + +"Is this--is this Mr. Carrhart, sir?" stammered Steve. + +"It is. But may I inquire what this remarkable performance means?" + +"I came to see you, sir." + +"You go about it in a very peculiar manner. Get up!" + +"I can't, sir; the boy will want to fight me again." + +"I will attend to the boy. Get up at once!" + +Rush rose to his feet. As he had predicted, the office boy made another +dash for him, but this Steve avoided by stepping to one side. + +"Oscar, that will do!" said Mr. Carrhart sternly. "You have done your +duty as you saw it. You may leave the room." + +The office boy obeyed, casting an angry glance at the unruffled +countenance of Steve Rush as he closed the door behind him. + +"Now, what is it you want, young man?" questioned the president. "State +your business briefly, for I have no time to waste." + +"I am looking for a position, sir." + +Mr. Carrhart was about to make a sharp reply, when, chancing to glance +into the face of the lad before him, he saw something there that +arrested the words he was about to utter. The boy's face showed an +earnestness of purpose, a stubborn determination that led the mining +president to modify his tone. + +"You wish a position?" he asked not unkindly. + +"Yes, sir." + +"What position are you looking for?" + +"I wish to go into the iron mines; I wish to learn the business, sir. I +am stronger than I look----" + +"Yes, I have just had evidence of that fact. But why do you come to me?" + +"Because you are the head of the mines. Should I not go to the head when +I am looking for a position?" + +"Perhaps you are right at that, my lad. What is your name?" + +Steve gave his name and his age, also adding that he had completed half +his course at the high school in Duluth. + +"Why did you not continue with your school? You should be in school at +your age, rather than going to work." + +"I should like to be, sir, but circumstances have arisen that make it +necessary for me to go to work." + +"What are those circumstances?" + +"My father died four weeks ago, and I must work to help support my +mother," answered the lad, a slight flush suffusing his cheeks. + +"Does your mother work?" + +"She is not able to take a position, sir. She does some sewing, and, +with what I shall be able to earn in a little while, we shall get along +very nicely." + +"Hm-m-m!" mused the president. "You are very confident." + +"Yes, sir. Because I am willing to work." + +"Have you tried to get a position in town? I should think that would be +better for a lad of your age than to work in the mines." + +"No, sir; I have always wanted to be a miner. I want to start at the +bottom and learn the business." + +"I am afraid you could not stand it, my lad," answered Mr. Carrhart +after brief reflection. "And, besides, as you understand, all the hiring +is done by the officials at the mines." + +"Yes, sir. But you need have no fear that I shall not be able to do a +man's work. I was one of the best athletes in the high school. I was +quite frail when I began going to school, but by systematic exercise I +have built myself up. I can stand a much greater strain than you would +imagine to look at me. If I do not make good they will not keep me. +Won't you please give me a chance to try, sir?" + +"How would you like to come in the office here?" + +"I should like it, of course, sir; but, as I have already said, I prefer +to begin at the bottom and work up." + +"My lad, you are of the right stuff. You will get on in the world. Not +much of anything matters in the face of such determination as yours. The +work in the mines is very hard. You will find rough men there and you +will meet with more or less temptation, but I believe you are strong +enough to keep yourself above it." + +"Yes, sir. I am sure of that, sir." + +By this time Mr. Carrhart was busily writing. Steve watched him, not +quite certain whether or not the interview was at an end. + +"You--you will give me a chance, sir?" asked the lad after a moment's +silence. + +"Yes; here is a letter to the general superintendent of the Cousin Jack +Mine. I have asked him to give you employment at the earliest possible +moment. I shall hope to hear good reports from you, Rush. Remember what +I have said to you. I shall keep an eye on you." + +"Oh, thank you, sir; thank you! I cannot tell you how I appreciate your +kindness." + +"Purely a matter of business, my lad. I see in you the making of an +excellent man for the company. We are looking for young men with your +determination and grit." + +As Steve passed out through the reception room the office boy stepped in +front of him. + +"I'll lick you the first time I catch you outside," announced the +guardian of the door. + +"Please don't," answered Steve. "Somebody might get hurt. Besides, I am +not a fighter. Good afternoon." + +Rush hurried out to carry the good news to his mother. + +"That boy has the making of a great man," mused Carrhart, as he stood +with hands clasped behind his back, gazing down into the street. "Yes, +he will be heard from some of these days, unless I am greatly in +error." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +HANDLING THE RED ORE + + +"Why, boy, you couldn't stand up for an hour down below ground." + +Ike Penton, general superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine, smiled +indulgently into the eager face of Steve Rush. + +"It's a man's work, not a boy's work. Mr. Carrhart's letter gives you a +fine endorsement. He seems to think you have the making of a miner in +you, and acting on his judgment, I shall of course give you a chance." + +"Thank you, sir. You will try to place me down in one of the mines, will +you not?" + +"No; I shall not take the responsibility of doing so just at the present +moment. I shall use you above ground for a few days, until I see what +you are best fitted to do, and then--but mind you, I am not making any +promises--I will see what can be done for you." + +The superintendent smiled indulgently. He was a man of kindly impulses +and he had boys of his own. Then, too, he remembered the day, many years +before, when he, also, had sought employment in the iron mines. By sheer +pluck he had worked his way up from the ranks, until now he was the +head of an army of more than five thousand men, distributed among the +various mines. + +"Yes, I will see what can be done for you," repeated the superintendent. + +"Thank you, sir; but I wish you might find a place for me down in the +mines." + +"Why are you so anxious to get below ground, my lad?" + +"So that I may begin my apprenticeship at once." + +"When will you be ready to go to work?" + +"I am ready now," answered Steve promptly. + +"The day is well along. Report here at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, +and I will place you at something. Your pay, to begin, will be a dollar +a day. Here is the address of a boarding house that I should advise you +to put up at, unless you already have made arrangements." + +"No, sir." + +"Very well. Report to the boarding house boss some time to-day and he +will see that you are taken care of. There are very good boys there, and +you will learn considerable about the business of mining from them. Let +me advise you, however, not to mix in too much with the foreign element. +Let them alone and you will find they will do the same with you. Pay +strict attention to duty, be punctual and work, and you will get along. +Our discipline is strict, but we have the interests of our men at heart. +In so far as they will let us, we make their well-being our first care. +Here is a copy of the rules governing the conduct of men in all +departments. Study it well to-day and come back here to-morrow morning +at the hour named." + +Briefly thanking the superintendent, Steve left the mine office at Iron +Mountain and proceeded to the boarding house. There he was assigned to a +room in which were cots for two men. The place was neat and clean, +though extremely plain. There were no evidences of luxury in the +furnishings, and when he sat down to his first meal there he found the +food plain but wholesome; the miners mostly silent and in a great hurry +to have done with their meal. Considering how they bolted their food, +Steve did not understand how any of them managed to keep out of the +hospital. + +"It's a wonder they don't all have chronic indigestion," he thought. + +No one paid any attention to the quiet youth, after the first careless +glance at him, as the men took their places at the table. The lad did +not care particularly. He was rather glad that they did leave him wholly +to himself until he should become better acquainted with his +surroundings. + +What Steve was curious about, however, was who his roommate was to be. +When he asked the boarding house boss about this the boy was told to +wait until night, when he would see for himself. After that Steve asked +no more questions. + +After dinner young Rush went out to wander about and get acquainted with +his surroundings. Iron Mountain, the town in which was located the mine +where he was to work, was a village of about seventeen hundred +inhabitants, nestling between two high ranges of mountains. The timber +had been cut off, and wherever the eye chanced to rest it was met by a +forest of black stumps, with here and there the shaft of an iron mine +rising dark and gloomy. + +It was the most cheerless scene that Steve Rush had ever gazed upon. The +buildings in the village proper were mostly mere shacks, the public +school being the only building worthy of a name in the entire community. + +The streets of the town were deserted, but beneath them, far down in the +earth, men toiled and burrowed by day and by night, penetrating deeper +and deeper into the earth in their quest for Nature's riches. + +The lad was lonely. He would have been homesick had he not been +possessed of the grit to keep his emotions in check. But as he strolled +over toward the towering, gloomy mine shafts he began to realize that +he was at the very fountain head of the greatest steel industry in the +world. From the quiet of the little mining village he had come upon a +scene of work the like of which he had never seen before. + +As he gazed, the great ore cars shot up from the mines with a roar. +Leaping to the top of the high shaft, they hurled their cargoes of red +ore into waiting dump cars, then dropped back below ground with a speed +almost too great for the human eye to follow. Men red with the metal +they were handling were laboring on the surface, their faces streaked +with perspiration, their rolled-up sleeves and open-necked shirts +displaying the brawn and muscle without which the great steel company +would quickly lose its greatness. + +Shrieking railroad engines were dashing into the yards, dragging from +them loads of ore that would be rushed to waiting ore boats on the Great +Lakes, to be conveyed thence to the great steel mills in the east. The +cars were being loaded by machinery and with such speed as to cause the +watcher to gasp with amazement. + +"This is wonderful," Steve cried, carried away by his enthusiasm. "This +is the life for me! I never dreamed it was so splendid." + +It was, indeed, a world pulsating with opportunities for him who +possessed the pluck to fight his way to the front. In a vague sort of +way, Steve Rush seemed to realize this. + +"Some day I shall be at the head of one of these great industries!" he +breathed. "I, too, will be a captain of industry! I'll never give up +until I am--until I have learned all that can be learned about this +wonderful industry." + +The afternoon drew to a close all too soon for Steve, and not until the +whistle blew at six o'clock and the miners in their oilskins came +streaming up from their underground haunts, did the lad make up his mind +to leave. With a sigh, he turned away, starting thoughtfully for the +boarding house. + +Just before sitting down to supper he was introduced to a Cornishman, +who, he was told, was to be his roommate. When Steve had taken his place +at the table he found himself sitting opposite a boy whom he judged to +be about his own age. This boy, however, was taller and much more rugged +looking than was Steve. + +The latter saw the lad eyeing him inquiringly. + +"What's your name, boy?" finally demanded the larger of the two, +pointing a spoon at Steve. + +"Stephen Rush." + +"Rush?" + +"Yes." + +"That's a funny name. Do you hear that, fellows?" + +"I do not see anything so very funny about it," replied Steve, his face +flushing ever so little. "What is your name?" + +"Mine? I'm Bob Jarvis. But, judging from your name, you must be one of +those fellows who is always in a hurry. Does your mamma know you're +here?" + +"She does," answered Steve gravely. + +"Is she a Rusher, too?" + +"Her name is Rush, if that is what you mean." + +"Well, what do you think of that? His mother's Rush and she's a Rusher, +too. That must be a pretty lively family," scoffed Jarvis. "Why, I'll +bet----" + +"You will please leave my mother's name out of your talk," commanded +Steve quietly, directing a level gaze at Jarvis. + +"Touchy, eh? Do you hear that, fellows?" + +If the miners did hear they were much too busy with their suppers to +give the matter much attention. + +"Little Miss Hurry-up is going to get in a huff. But never mind, Rusher, +I guess you're right at that. I had a mother once myself, but that don't +stop me from saying whatever I want to you." + +"Say what you wish to, so long as you confine your talk to myself," +replied Steve. "What you say about me doesn't matter much, anyway. For +that matter, I do not think your remarks are of very great consequence, +whatever subject you may be discussing." + +"What's that?" + +"I think you heard what I said." + +"What do you mean, young fellow?" + +"If you don't understand, I shall try to make it plainer. I mean to say +that you act like a rowdy. I shouldn't be surprised if you are one." + +Bob Jarvis half rose from his chair. The smile had left his face, giving +place to an angry scowl. + +"So, you--you are looking for fight, eh?" he demanded, thrusting his +chin forward belligerently. + +"No, sir; I am not." Steve did not even look up as he made the reply, +but calmly proceeded with his supper. + +"Well, you've got to fight, whether you are looking for it or not. I'll +show you that you can't hand out a line of talk like that to Bob +Jarvis," growled the larger boy, starting for the head of the table, +around which he would have to go to reach Steve. + +"Stow your scrapping and give us a chance to eat our suppers," growled +one of the miners. + +"Yes, we'll throw both of you out first thing you know," added another. +"If you want to fight, why don't you have it out before you come to the +table?" + +Jarvis gave no heed to the warnings. He was bent on punishing the boy on +the other side of the table who had defied him. Just as he was passing +the head of the table, a heavy hand gripped his collar, sending Bob +spinning back toward his seat. + +"Sit down!" bellowed a voice. + +The boarding boss straightened up threateningly. It was he who had +checked the pugnacious Bob Jarvis, and just in time to prevent a lively +fight in the miners' boarding house. Bob fell rather than sat down in +his chair. + +"If you want to fight, go out doors. But if you do fight, I'll report +you both to the superintendent," warned the boss, resuming his seat. + +Bob sulked in his chair, while Steve Rush, appearing to take not the +least bit of interest in the disturbance, went on with his supper +unmoved. + +"I'll make you take that back when I catch you outside, one of these +fine days, Miss Hurry-up," threatened Bob in a low tone, leaning over +the table with one eye on the boarding house boss. + +"Yes?" + +"Yes, I will. I dare you to meet me over by the dry house after supper. +I promise you I will take it out of your hide." + +"No, thank you," replied Steve dryly, with a slight shrug of the +shoulders. + +"You won't?" + +"No, I will not." + +"Afraid, eh?" + +"Yes; afraid I might lose some sleep. I am going to bed after supper. I +have work on hand to-morrow and I don't care to spoil my chances by +getting into a row to-night. Besides, I am not a fighter. I am here for +business." + +"Fellows, I told you he was a missie. I see I've got to take you in +hand, Rush. You'll never make a miner until you've been properly +trimmed, and I'm the boy who's taken the contract to do the job. I----" + +"Jarvis, that will be about enough for the present," warned the boarding +house boss from the head of the table. + +"Can't a fellow have a little fun without being called down?" demanded +Bob in a tone of disgust. + +"Yes; have all the fun you want, but don't pick on a boy who isn't your +size. You, boy down there, what did you say your name is?" + +"Stephen Rush." + +"Well, Steve, don't be afraid of Jarvis. His bark is much worse than his +bite." + +"I am not afraid of him, sir." + +"If he bothers you here, let me know. If you have any trouble outside, +report it to the superintendent or to your foreman. Where are you going +to work?" + +"I don't know, sir. I have not been assigned. I thank you, but I think I +shall be able to take care of myself without reporting to anyone," added +Rush, flashing a significant glance at Bob Jarvis. The latter started to +make some reply, but checked himself sharply. + +From that time on the meal proceeded without further disturbance. Just +as they were leaving the table, however, Jarvis edged over to where +Steve was standing, waiting for those ahead of him to pass through the +narrow door. + +"I hope you get in my shift," he whispered in Steve's ear. + +"Why?" + +"Because I'll have a chance to teach you a few things." + +"Then I hope I do," answered the lad in his soft voice. "I want to learn +all I can, you know." + +Bob's face wrinkled into a scowl. He was not certain whether Steve +really meant what he said or whether he was poking fun at him. + +Early on the following morning Steve reported to the office of the +superintendent. To his disappointment he was assigned to the ore dump. +This is a great pile of ore dumped on the surface by a tram car as the +ore is brought up from the mine in a skip, or ore elevator. Steve's +particular duty was to stand at the outer end of the track and shovel +the ore away from the track after each carload had been dumped. + +It was not a comfortable place to stand, for a misstep would precipitate +him down the sloping end of the ore dump to the ground some forty feet +below. + +On this dump the ore car was pushed by hand, whereas on others it was +operated by electricity. Steve had received his instructions from the +dump boss, so, with a shovel in his hands, he stood awaiting the first +carload of ore. + +At last it came on with a bump and a crunch, groaning and threatening to +jump the rails with each revolution of its wheels. + +Steve sprang to one side as he saw the car approaching, believing for +the minute that the tram was going to run him down and plunge over the +end of the dump. Should such be the case, the tram would surely carry +him down with it, so he had lost no time in getting out of the way. + +"Hi, there! Look out where you are going! You'll run off the track!" +shouted the lad in a warning tone. + +But the tram did not run off. It came to a slow stop; then, instead of +discharging its cargo over the end of the pile, the end of the car's box +suddenly swung around toward Steve. There followed a quick, sharp, +metallic clang. Steve Rush went down with the contents of the car +falling all about him in a red, suffocating shower, burying him nearly +to his neck. Some of the ore rolled down the side of the dump, and the +lad would have followed had he not been held fast by the dirt about him. +His body was bruised in spots where unbroken chunks had bombarded him; +his hair, mouth, eyes and nose were full of the stuff, and he found +himself scarcely able to breathe. + +For a moment the boy was at a loss to understand what had happened. By +industrious blinking and rubbing of his eyes he managed presently to +take account of his surroundings. + +Steve struggled with all his might to free himself. He was unable to do +so. + +"He--help!" he shouted. "I--I'm bu--buried up to my chin and I'm getting +in deeper all the time. Help me to get out of this!" + +"Hello, there! What's the matter?" questioned a jeering voice. "Why, +upon my word, if it isn't Little Miss Rush." + +Steve recognized the voice as belonging to Bob Jarvis. + +"It's you, is it, Jarvis? Well, help me out of this and I will talk with +you. I shall have a few things to say to you, too, when we get a chance +to talk----" + +"Why, sure, I'll help you out. How did you happen to get in the way of +that dump?" + +"Never mind how. I believe you did that on purpose, Bob Jarvis, and you +will have to answer to me for it," declared Steve Rush in a resolute +tone. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +TWO THOUSAND FEET UNDER GROUND + + +Jarvis sprang forward and with shovel in hand began throwing the dirt in +all directions. + +"If you don't mind, please don't pile any more of this red stuff on my +head than you can help. I have plenty as it is," said Steve. + +"That's so; I was throwing it your way, wasn't I?" chuckled Bob, +laughing good-naturedly. + +Steve found time to study the other boy while the latter was digging him +out. In spite of Jarvis' meanness to him, Rush felt certain that the lad +possessed a good heart, and it was a strong, resourceful face that Steve +found himself studying as the digging progressed. + +"Bob," he said finally, "have you ever been thrashed?" + +"Thrashed? Licked, you mean?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, not since my dad gave me a walloping last," laughed the boy. + +"Don't you think a good, sound thrashing would do you a whole lot of +good?" + +Bob grinned broadly. By this time he had dug down around Rush until the +latter was able to clamber from the pile of ore. + +"Well, I don't know about that." + +"I do, and I know you've got to have one before very long," announced +young Rush with strong emphasis. + +"I will, eh?" + +"You will," affirmed Steve, brushing the dirt from his clothes. + +"And who's going to give me this licking, Little Miss Hurry-up?" +demanded Jarvis threateningly. + +"I am," replied Steve in a quiet tone. + +Jarvis began to take off his coat. + +"Not now, Bob," spoke up the other quickly. "This is the company's time. +We should both be discharged if we were to be caught fighting here and +now. We will settle our difficulty some other time." + +"So you were only bluffing, eh? I knew you didn't have the spunk to +fight anything." + +Steve pointed off to the mine shaft. + +"There comes the skip with a load of ore. You had better get your car +back there or you will have trouble enough without a fight." + +Jarvis, with an exclamation, began pushing the tram car back over the +top of the dump, Steve picking up his shovel and beginning his work of +clearing the end of the tracks. + +All day long the lad toiled industriously. It was hard work and his back +ached, yet he kept to his task. When night came Steve had the +satisfaction of being told that he had done a man's work that day. + +A truce had been declared between the two boys, so far as fighting was +concerned, though Jarvis continued his nagging at every opportunity. +Steve took the other's scoffing good-naturedly, turning Bob's jibes with +soft answers. For a full week both lads had labored far up on the ore +dump. They had been too busy to think of their personal grievances for +any great length of time. Saturday night had arrived, and when Steve +left the dump to start for his boarding house he was told that the +general superintendent wished to see him. + +"I guess he is going to discharge me," thought the boy. "Well, I have +done the best I could." + +His surprise was great, therefore, when the superintendent said, as the +lad came to a halt in front of the official's desk: + +"You have done very well, Rush." + +"Thank you, sir." + +"Do you still think you would like to work below ground?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you may begin on Monday." + +"On what shift?" + +"The day shift, going down at seven o'clock. The best I have for you now +is a contract job run by a man named Spooner. You will find it pretty +hard work. You see, these contracts are given out for so much per ton +and the men who take the contracts propose to get as much out of their +workmen as possible. You will be worked to your full capacity." + +"I can stand it, sir." + +"If you do, you should be able to endure anything we have to offer in +this business. I have arranged for Spooner to take you on as a miner's +helper. Your wages will be a dollar and a quarter a day. Be very careful +and guard yourself from accident. Carelessness may cost you your life, +for there is danger everywhere below ground." + +"I will be very careful, sir." + +Steve hurried away full of anticipation. He was to be a real miner; he +was to start his career as a miner on a level two thousand feet below +the surface. The lad had never been below ground before and he was full +of anticipation of what awaited him on the following Monday morning. + +Acting on the suggestion of the boarding-house boss, the lad had +purchased a suit of yellow oilcloth, rubber boots, oilcloth hat and +candle holder. This latter, as used by the ore miners, is a piece of +steel, one end coming to a sharp point, the other having an opening for +the candle itself. The whole fastens securely to the hat. When necessary +the candle holder may be carried in the hand, or driven into a crevice +of rock or ore. + +This, with pick and shovel, comprises the miner's outfit and was the +outfit of Steve Rush when he presented himself at the mouth of the shaft +on the following Monday morning. There were about five hundred men to go +down in the cage, the car that carries the miners and other passengers +down to the various levels, and Steve found himself pushed aside, so +that he was among the last to get aboard the steel cage. + +"Will you tell me where the Spooner contract is located?" he asked of +the cage-tender before getting aboard. + +"Seventeenth level." + +"Does the car stop there?" + +"If it doesn't, you're a goner." + +Rush leaped aboard, grasping the rod that he saw above his head to +steady himself. The protecting bars in front of the cage fell in place +with a noisy clang. + +"All clear," announced a voice. + +The support beneath the lad seemed to drop from under him. With a rush +and a roar, a grinding and crunching the steel cage dropped from sight. +Instantly everything was plunged in inky darkness. + +"Do--do they always go like this?" asked the young miner of a man +standing beside him. + +"This isn't going much. He has slow speed on this morning because the +cage has a bigger load than usual. Afraid, are you?" + +"No, I am not afraid. I was wondering what would happen if the man +forgot to shut off his power when we reached the bottom." + +The miner laughed. + +"We'd punch a hole in the bottom of the shaft," he said. + +"How deep is the shaft, sir?" + +"Two thousand feet to the bottom--fifty feet less than that to the last +working level. The bottom level is used to drain off the water from the +other levels. From there big steam pumps pump the water to the surface." + +The two could scarcely hear for noise. + +"The Spooner contract is on the seventeenth level, is it not?" + +"Yes, on the sub-level above the seventeenth. Is that where you are +going to work?" + +"Yes, sir; for Mr. Spooner." + +"Then I feel sorry for you." + +"Why so, sir?" + +"Because he is a slave driver. Every man in the mines knows him and none +of them wants to work for him. I guess he hasn't a white man on the +contract." + +"I didn't know there were any colored men employed here." + +"There are not. We call a white man one who is not a foreigner," laughed +the miner. + +"Oh!" + +Now and then the car would halt with a jolt; two or three men would leap +off and disappear in the darkness, after which the cage would drop down +another level or so. + +"Here is your level," announced the miner. "Jump off, or you will be +carried by." + +Steve jumped off. + +"Thank you," he called, but the miner did not hear him, for the car had +dropped quickly out of sight. + +Water that had dripped down through the shaft from the surface and the +upper levels was, by this time, running from the oilskins of the young +miner in tiny rivulets. Dampness was everywhere. A blast of hot, damp +air smote him in the face as he turned to look about him. + +"I wonder where I am to go?" muttered Steve. + +A heavy fog hung over everything, electric lights glowing dimly through +the haze, so that one was able to see but a few feet ahead. + +"Where is the Spooner contract?" called Steve to a passing miner. + +The man jerked a hand over his shoulder, whereupon the lad made his way +cautiously down the level or tunnel, which is the main avenue, and from +which other tunnels, called drifts, run off into the ore beds. + +By this time the mine was in full operation. Strange sounds smote the +ears of the young miner. The roar of the electric tram cars as they +dashed by him, now and then narrowly missing running him down, the +thunder of the skips, huge black objects hurling themselves surfaceward +loaded with iron ore, the bang, bang of the drills and the detonations +of many dynamite explosions, filled the heart of Steve Rush with awe and +wonder. + +The lad was confused. He did not know which way to turn, nor what second +he might step into an opening and plunge downward. Had he but known it +there was little danger of such an accident so long as he kept to the +main level. There were many dangerous holes--ore chutes--but these +ordinarily were protected so that there was little chance of one's +falling through them. Such accidents, however, had been known to occur. + +At last Steve saw a man who looked as if he might be a person in +authority, and to this one he appealed to direct him to the Spooner +contract. + +"Who are you?" demanded the man sharply. + +"My name is Rush. May I ask who you are?" + +"I am the mine captain. Do you work with Spooner?" + +"I am going to do so if I can find the way to his place." + +"Come this way. I will show you how to get there. You are late." + +"Yes, sir; I was not able to find my way and I guess I was among the +last ones to come down in the cage." + +"This is your first experience below ground?" + +"It is, sir." + +"Then let me give you some advice; never get careless. There is danger +everywhere about here." + +"So I have already discovered, sir." + +"There is no excuse for men getting hurt, however, if they do not get +careless. That is why so many get hurt, and why some lose their lives. +We do everything we can to look out for the safety of our people, but we +cannot guard against everything." + +"I shall try to follow your advice, sir." + +The captain strode along rapidly through dark drifts, turning here and +there with perfect confidence. Steve felt sure that he never should be +able to find his way about in that labyrinth without getting lost, and +he asked the captain how he should do so. + +"Follow the crowd," was the brief answer. "There, do you see that +ladder?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Climb it. It is a forty-foot ladder. The top of it is the sub-level, +where the Spooner contract is located." + +"Thank you, sir," answered Rush, beginning his long, dark climb up the +slender ladder to the unknown regions above him. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +STEVE SHOOTS THE CHUTES + + +Reaching the sub-level, as he supposed, Steve found it enshrouded in +inky blackness. He was in a side drift, but he did not know it. + +"I guess I am as badly off as I was before. I haven't the least idea +where I am, so I guess there is not much danger of getting lost." + +Removing the candle from his hat, the lad held it before him, lighting +the shadows sufficiently to enable him to see where he was stepping. +After a time he came out into a larger tunnel, which, he decided, must +be one of the main levels, for there was a narrow track extending along +it. Steve decided to follow this track and trust to luck. He had gone +along for perhaps fifteen minutes when he made a discovery. + +"I've lost the track!" he exclaimed. "I wonder where it could have gone +to?" + +The lad retraced his steps, but search as he might he was unable to find +the steel rails again. For what seemed hours to him the youthful miner +wandered here and there. The fact that he had neither seen nor heard +anyone led him to where the work was +going on. + +Steve was beginning to get disheartened. He was thankful that he had his +dinner pail with him, in case he failed to find his way out before the +day's work was done. + +At last, however, he reached a drift or level, he did not know which, +where he could not stand upright. The rocks overhead had been shored up +with heavy timbers. It was a dangerous spot. Steve understood that +without being told, so he crawled quickly through. At the far end of the +low drift he encountered another ladder. + +Deciding that it must lead to an upper level, the lad began climbing. He +had gotten a little more than half way up when all at once his candle +slipped from his hand, falling clear to the bottom, where it went out, +leaving Steve in darkness. + +"Oh, that's too bad. I must get it again before I dare go on any +further." + +Steve hurried down and began searching about on the ground for the lost +candle. After a little he found it, but the candle was useless. In +tramping about he had crushed it under his heavy boots, flattening the +candle out hopelessly. + +"Only a grease spot," muttered Steve. "Well, I can't be much worse off +than I have been, so I am going back up the ladder. I surely must find +someone if I keep on hunting about. There are more than five hundred men +in this mine right now, and unless they are all hiding from me I am +bound to run across some of them. I am afraid I am not much of a success +as a miner. At least my first day below ground has been a sad failure so +far." + +Steve was on his way up the ladder once more. It was a long climb, much +longer, it seemed to him, than the other ladder had been. He began to +climb faster, when all at once he received a shock that wrenched his +hands loose from the rungs of the ladder. Before the lad could regain +his balance he toppled over backwards and plunged downward. + +Steve's head had come in contact with the rocks above, that left but a +small space for a man to crawl through to reach the upper level. He had +bumped his head with such force as to cause him to let go. + +Grasping frantically for something to stay his flight, the lad went +tumbling down. He landed on the ground at the bottom, flat on his back, +bruised and breathless. + +For a moment Steve lay where he had fallen. But shortly he got up, +rubbing his bruises gingerly and trying to collect his thoughts. + +"Tumble number one," muttered Rush. "I'll try it again." + +This time he met with better success, for he managed to get through the +manhole above without striking his head against the rocks. But once on +the upper level the question arose as to what to do next. There was the +same dense blackness over all, the same deep silence that the lad had +found below. + +After considering a moment, he decided to feel his way along as best he +could. An investigation had told him that his dinner was still safe, +though the tin pail had been battered all out of shape. + +"I'll bet there is some scrambled egg in the bottom of the pail," said +Steve, with a short laugh. + +Once more he took up his journey through the dark tunnels, feeling +cautiously with feet and hands before he took a step forward. He had +gone along in this way for some time when he halted abruptly, leaning +forward in a listening attitude. + +"What's that?" he muttered. "I know! I know what it is; it's a drill. I +would recognize that 'bang, bang, bang' anywhere. That means I am close +to some operations. The next thing is to find where the sound comes +from. It must be ahead of me somewhere, for I can just hear it, whereas +a few moments ago I could not." + +Again he began cautiously working forward. After a while the sounds came +to him more clearly. Steve had swerved to the right and entered a new +drift, though he was not aware of the fact and whereas he had been +proceeding directly east, he was now headed south. + +The bang, bang of the compressed air drill was getting louder and louder +as the moments passed. After a time the boy halted again. The sounds +seemed to come from directly beneath him. + +"I believe that is on the level below this," he decided. "How am I to +find the way down to it? If I go back I shall be lost. I'll call and see +if I can attract attention from any of them." + +The lad shouted at the top of his voice, but only his own echoes came +back to him in hollow tones. + +Suddenly a twinkling light appeared far down the level. The lad +recognized it at once as being a candle on a miner's hat. + +"Hello, there!" he called. + +"What do you want?" came the answer. + +"I am lost." + +"Go find yourself, then. Don't bother me." + +Steve did not propose to let it go at that. He ran forward to where the +miner was about to descend a ladder to the lower level. + +"Won't you please help me, sir. I am in a fix." + +"Well, what do you want?" demanded the miner in a surly tone, pausing a +few rungs down the ladder. + +"I am looking for the Spooner contract. Will you please direct me to +it?" + +"Follow this level around to the left until you come to three drifts. +Take the middle one to the end, and then go down the ladder you will +find there." + +"Thank you. Can you spare me a candle?" + +"No; I can't." + +The man grasped the side pieces of the ladder, letting himself down in a +rapid slide. Steve Rush found himself once more left in darkness. At +least he had his directions now, and he thought he could find his way to +the contract for which he was looking. + +So the lad pressed on with more confidence than before. After proceeding +some distance he found by groping about that he had reached the place +indicated. He took the middle drift, as directed, and hurried along +this. He had no idea what time it was, but Steve imagined that it must +be near noon. It seemed as though a long time must have passed since he +entered the mine with the day shift, whereas, in truth, not quite two +hours had elapsed. + +The lad was thinking over his misfortunes, smiling grimly to +himself--for Steve Rush was not a boy to whine, no matter how great his +adversity--when all at once the ground seemed to drop from under his +feet. + +On all levels there are "rises," small chutes which extend from one +level to another. These are in addition to the regular ore chutes and +considerably smaller. They are used for filling cars below, when +necessary, as ore is always dumped downward into a lower level, from +which it is hoisted to the surface, thus saving the labor of loading. It +was one of these rises into which Steve had stepped. To do so he had +swerved from the tunnel through which he was passing, stepping into an +open pocket in the rocks, believing that he was following the wall, on +which he had kept one hand constantly. + +The lad uttered no cry, but he threw out both arms with quick instinct, +hoping thereby to catch and hold himself. The force was too great, +however, and Steve Rush shot down through the narrow opening, bound for +the lower level. He did not know this; he did not know where he was +going to land, but he fully expected that this last disaster would be +the end of him and he shut his teeth tightly together, bracing himself +to meet the shock that he knew must come within the next few seconds. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE "MISSED HOLE" + + +On the seventeenth sub-level of the Cousin Jack Mine the Spooner +contract gang was working at high pressure. Two diamond drills were +banging away like a battery of Gatling guns; men were rushing here and +there, some were pushing small cars of red ore out through the drift to +the level, where the electric trams would pick up the cars and rush them +to the ore chutes. The pick men were breaking off the loosened pieces of +ore dislodged by the last blast, while others were shoveling the ore +into cars as if their very existence depended upon keeping up the pace. + +Spooner himself, clad in a suit of oilskins, was shouting at his men, +nagging, urging, threatening and directing in a perfect volley of +explosive words. + +A car had just been pushed out from the end of the drift where the +drillers were working. It had reached a point directly underneath the +rise and there it stuck, held fast by a piece of rock that had dropped +to the track. + +Spooner leaped forward with an angry roar. + +"Out with it! I'll fire you both, you lazy, good for nothings!" he +bellowed. "You ain't fit even to be swampers behind a pair of lazy +mules. Push, I tell you! Push! Something will be doing here in a jiffy +if you don't get that car out of the way!" + +His words were prophetic in a measure, for something did happen a few +seconds later, though Spooner was not the author of it. Rather was he +the victim. + +With a crash the trap door at the bottom of the rise burst open with a +sound like a dynamite explosion in a new drift. A dark object was hurled +out into the level, landing squirming on the soft ore in the car. + +"What--what----" + +Spooner did not finish what he was about to say. The dark object bounded +from the ore car, landing with great force against the angry contractor. +Spooner toppled over backwards, the breath pretty well knocked out of +him, collapsing in the gutter at the side of the track. + +Steve Rush had found the Spooner contract at last. The lad was not much +the worse for his exciting slide, though he had been somewhat bruised +when he burst through the wooden trap door at the lower end of the rise. + +Steve was up in a twinkling. He looked about him and in a half laughing +voice demanded: + +"Where am I?" + +"I reckon you're on seventeen," answered one of the miners. + +"Where's the boss?" + +"He's down there under you somewhere. I guess you knocked the daylight +out of him. I hope you did. If it wasn't for my wife and family I'd a +done it long time ago." + +"Yes; I'd give a year's wages for the privilege of turning the diamond +drill on him," added the head driller. + +"Did I hit a man?" asked Steve anxiously. + +"No; you hit an apology for a man," was the quick reply. + +By this time young Rush was bending over, looking down into the shadows +that hung over the gutter along the side of the track. He made out the +figure of a man lying there. + +"Help me get him up, men," he cried. "Don't you see that he is hurt?" + +"Serve him right if he is," growled the trammer, the workman who pushed +the cars of ore out into the main level. + +"I tell you he is hurt. Lend a hand here!" commanded the boy sternly. + +Something in his tone led the others to obey his order promptly. They +gathered up Contractor Spooner and carried him over to where the light +from the candles could be thrown on his face. + +"Douse him with a pail of water," suggested the drill-man. + +Someone quickly adopted the suggestion, with the result that Spooner sat +up almost at once, choking, roaring and threatening between his gasps +for breath. + +"Who--who did it? Who did it?" snarled the contractor, struggling to his +feet. "Who hit me?" + +The man's hat had fallen from his head, and for the moment Steve did not +answer. He was too fully absorbed in gazing at the harsh face of the man +before him. + +Balanced on Spooner's tall, angular body was a round, bullet-like head, +with a rim of reddish-gray hair. His lips were protruding, sagging at +each corner, while the lids over his prominent eyes blinked as though +trying to run a race with each other. + +"Who did it, I say?" roared the contractor, fixing his angry eyes upon +the face of Steve Rush. + +"I am afraid I am the guilty one, sir. But it was an accident. I will +tell you how it occurred. I----" + +Spooner gave the lad no opportunity to explain. Instead, the contractor, +with an angry imprecation, started for Rush. + +Steve's mind worked quickly. He was not afraid; he was considering +whether it were best to run or to stand his ground, and he decided upon +the latter. + +"Stand back! Don't you touch me! I tell you it was an accident!" shouted +the boy. + +The contractor was too enraged to listen to reason, and as he sprang for +Rush he thrust forth his long arms to grab the boy. + +Spooner got a blow on the nose that sent him staggering backward, but +Steve did not follow up the advantage he had gained. He could not expect +to prove a match for the powerful miner, and perhaps he would not have +been able to hit the latter as he did had the other been looking for +anything of the sort. Spooner was more surprised than hurt. + +"If you will wait, sir, I will explain. I am sorry I fell on you and +sorry I had to hit you, but you mustn't lay your hands on me. You +must----" + +All work in drift seventeen had been suspended for the moment, and even +the diamond drills had ceased their bang, bang, bang. Every man in the +drift, save Spooner himself, had uttered a yell of delight when he saw +the young miner's sturdy punch. + +"Look out, lad; he's coming for you again. Spooner, remember he's a boy; +don't do anything you'll be sorry for. You'll be----" + +The contractor had started for young Rush again. + +"Get out of here!" roared the man. "Out of here before I wring your +miserable neck!" + +Steve snatched up an iron bar that the trammers used to fasten the +catches on the cars. He raised the bar over his shoulder. + +"If you try to touch me I'll hit you, sir," said the lad in a tone so +polite and pleasant that Spooner paused in amazement, then uttered a +hoarse guffaw. Nevertheless he halted where he was, for he saw an +expression in the eyes of the boy before him which spelled trouble. +Furthermore, Spooner knew how strict the rules of the mine were, and now +that he had had an opportunity to get control of himself he decided not +to throw the young man out bodily. + +"Get out of here before I help you, then. I can't stand everything. Go +to work, you lazy louts! What do you mean by standing around on my time? +I'll dock every man of you an hour's pay. Start those drills. Trammers, +off with you. Are you going, boy?" + +"No, sir." + +"You're not going?" + +"No, sir; I am going to work here." + +"Oh, you are, eh? Well, I think I shall have something to say about +that. You're not going to work here, and I should like to know what you +are doing down in this mine, anyway. I'll have the mine captain put you +out. It's my opinion that you are not here for any good, and you're +lucky if he doesn't turn you over to the mine police." + +"I have been assigned to work in this drift. The superintendent ordered +me to report to you, sir. I am ready to go to work." + +The contractor gazed at the boy with a puzzled expression on his face. + +"You, a boy like you, work here? Pooh! What do you think this is, a +kindergarten?" + +"I am able to do a day's work; besides, it is the superintendent's +orders, sir." + +Spooner knew the boy had the best of him there. The superintendent's +orders were to be obeyed, no matter if Spooner was mining on a contract +agreement. + +"Very well; if you want to work you shall have all the work you can do. +I'll see the superintendent about your case when I go up to-day noon." + +"What shall I do?" + +"Do? Don't you see anything to do?" + +"I see some things I should like to do," answered Steve Rush in a +significant tone, eyeing the contractor steadily. + +"Get hold of that shovel. I can't break your head as I ought to do, but +the shovel will break your back before you get through with this day's +work." + +Steve grasped the shovel and began throwing the ore into the waiting +car. + +Spooner eyed the lad narrowly for a few moments. He was obliged to admit +that Rush handled the shovel as well as any man he had ever had in his +gang. + +"You ought to be in the bull gang," jeered the contractor. "Yes, sir, +you are wasting your talents working in an ore drift." + +"What is a bull gang?" questioned the lad between shovels. + +"That is the gang that shifts the timber down into the mine," answered +the man shoveling by Steve's side. "The timber-men below take the stuff +and build the supports and the lagging to keep the levels from caving +in, you know." + +"Where's your candle?" demanded Spooner. "You're a nice sort of a miner +to come to work without a candle in your stick!" + +"I lost it. You see, I lost my way and had a time getting here," +explained Steve. + +"Get one when you go up to-day noon. And remember you get only two +hours' pay for the forenoon. If you're ever late like this again you are +through right then and there." + +Steve did not answer. He shoveled with all his might. + +"Ready for the powder," called the head drill-man. + +All the men save Steve and the powder-man laid down their tools and +moved off. The boy continued at his work, his shovel making a steady +scrape, scrape as he threw the ore up into the car. + +In the meantime the powder-man was adjusting a charge of dynamite in +each of the holes in the ore made by the drills. + +"Well, boy?" called Mr. Spooner. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are you going to stay there and have your fool head blown off?" + +"Why----" + +"Don't you see, they're going to fire a charge of dynamite. Get out of +that!" + +"Stand c-l-e-a-r!" called the powder-man in a sing-song tone. + +All hands ran back so as to be well out of the way, and now that Steve +understood what was being done, he shouldered his shovel and moved +leisurely off in the direction taken by the others. + +"That's the worst of a fool kid," grumbled the contractor. "They don't +know enough to come in out of the wet----" + +"The fuse is fired! Look out!" warned the powder-man, starting away from +the scene on a run. + +Steve watched the sputtering, squirming fuse far down the drift as the +flame neared the charge of dynamite, six pounds all told. It seemed to +him that all of them were in a dangerous position, but not being +familiar with blasting, he supposed the miners knew their own business +best. + +It is always an anxious moment in the mines when, gathered in an +expectant group, the workers underground stand waiting for the charge of +dynamite to explode. It is seldom that anyone speaks during this brief +period of suspense until the flash comes, followed by a puff of white +smoke, a heavy report and a rain of rock and ore. + +In this instance the wait seemed unusually long. The flash did not come. + +"Missed hole," announced Spooner in a tone of disgust. "Five minutes of +valuable time lost. That's the way the money goes in this gang. Get in +there and attach a new fuse, powder-man. Don't be all day about it, +either. If I wasn't around here to watch things we wouldn't get half a +dozen tons a day out of this drift. First thing you know we'll all be +out of a job. Come, are you going to get in there?" + +"It ain't safe," answered the powder-man, shaking his head, sending a +shower of grease from his candle into the face of Steve Rush. + +"I see I've got to do it myself," exclaimed Spooner, grabbing a handful +of fuses from the shoulders of the man who handled the dynamite. + +The powder-man reached for his fuses, but the contractor already had +them in his hand and was striding toward the drift. + +The powder-man hesitated, then started after him on a trot. + +"It's again' the rules, sir, to go in until ten minutes after firing the +fuse when there's a missed hole," he warned. + +"Rules!" jeered the contractor. "I'm the rules. I guess I'm running this +drift." + +By this time both men had reached the dome-like space where the drift +ended, which included a very rich vein of iron ore. + +Steve Rush shaded his eyes and, stooping over, peered into the drift. He +was looking between the two men who at that moment were arguing +excitedly. They appeared to have forgotten that they were treading on +dangerous ground, but long familiarity with high explosives had made +them careless. + +The lad saw something a few feet beyond them that caused his heart to +leap. A tiny spark had sprung up from the darkness, then as suddenly +died out. + +"Look out!" shouted the young miner, now keenly alive to the danger of +the men ahead. + +"Keep that kid still, or throw him down on the next level!" called +Spooner over his shoulder. "I expect he'll have an attack of hysterics +when we fire the blast." + +"I tell you it isn't a missed hole!" cried the boy. + +"Don't be a fool," jeered the head trammer. + +Steve did not hear him. The boy had started off with a bound. His hat +dropped from his head and his shovel fell clattering to the ground. +"Come back, I tell you!" shouted Rush. + +A few seconds more and he was right upon them. Without wasting further +words of warning, he grabbed the contractor, and with surprising +strength for one of his build, Steve hurled Spooner far out into the +drift, that official bellowing his rage at the indignity. + +Steve reached for the powder-man. His hands had just been laid on the +man's shoulders when there came a blinding flash, a detonating report, a +rending and tearing of rocks, then a shower of ore and stone. + +Darkness settled over the drift and all was still. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +IN THE POWDER-WRECKED DRIFT + + +For a moment those outside the end of the drift stood in awed silence. +The candles on the hats of the miners had been extinguished by the +explosion. + +Nothing will cause an underground miner to lose his head quicker than +being plunged into sudden darkness. Several of them set up a terrified +yell. + +"Hold your tongues!" bellowed the contractor. "You haven't been hurt. +Don't you know enough to light your candles? That's the best way I know +of to get rid of the darkness." + +Spooner lighted his own candle, holding it in his hand above his head as +he looked about. He stepped forward toward the place where his men had +been drifting in the ore. + +"Just as I expected," he growled. "More time wasted." + +The timbers that had supported the roof of the drift had crashed +downward, carrying with them a few tons of rock and ore, blocking the +passage completely. + +"Are--are the men in there killed?" questioned a trammer in unsteady +tones. + +"How should I know?" growled the contractor. "I do know that we are +losing a lot of valuable time. If that fool powder-man hadn't been in +such a hurry we should have been spared all this delay. Get busy with +your shovels and picks here." + +There were ugly scowls on the faces of the miners as they sprang forward +to obey the order of their employer. They knew full well that it was not +the fault of either the powder-man or Steve Rush, but of Spooner +himself. It was he who had insisted upon going into the drift to examine +the missed hole, and had it not been for the bravery of Steve the +contractor would now be lying dead behind the mass of rock. + +The men spoke no word, but their hearts were full of indignation. They +cared not for the loss of time, nor for any other loss that their +employer might have suffered. They did care for the unfortunate man and +boy buried in the drift. + +In the meantime word had been conveyed to the mine captain that an +accident had occurred in number seventeen. With a force of men he was +already hurrying to the scene as fast as an electric tram could carry +him. The word he had received was to the effect that several men had +been killed. The company's surgeon had been sent for and all +preparations were made to care for the wounded. + +During all this time brave little Steve Rush lay inside the drift, half +buried under rock and red ore. He had toppled backwards when the +explosion came, half turned and had fallen face downward, his arms +crossed under his forehead so that his nose and mouth were free. +Otherwise he undoubtedly would have smothered before help could reach +him. + +Steve stirred uneasily, coughed and tried to raise himself. He could not +do so. He found himself held down by an oppressive weight. Some little +time elapsed before his return to consciousness, and even then he was +still dazed. At first he tried hard to recall what had happened, and at +last it all came back to him. + +"There was another in here with me--the powder-man. I wonder if he is +dead?" muttered the lad. + +After some difficulty the lad got his hands free of his head and began +feeling about him. He made a discovery that thrilled him through and +through. The body of the powder-man lay across his own, holding the lad +firmly to the ground. + +Yet under these trying conditions the lad did not lose his steady nerve +for an instant. As his mind became clearer he began weighing the +possibilities of getting out of his predicament. He reasoned that he and +his companion must have been imprisoned in some way by the explosion. +All the time he was carefully twisting his body this way and that in an +effort to free himself without hurting the man who was lying across him. + +At last Rush succeeded in crawling from under his human burden and the +weight of ore and rock that hemmed them both in. + +Steve's first act was to stretch forth a hand to his companion. The hand +wandered from the face of the prostrate man down over the heart, where +it paused. + +A faint, irregular beating of that organ rewarded Steve's effort. + +"He's alive," cried the lad, scrambling to his feet. "He's----" + +A severe fit of coughing cut short the young miner's words. A dense +cloud of suffocating powder smoke hung over the drift like a pall. + +Steve dropped to the ground, pressing his face close to the earth, where +he found the air better. After a few long breaths he began searching for +a candle. He knew there had been one on the powder-man's cap when the +explosion came. A search, however, failed to locate the candle. + +"I wish I knew what to do for him," muttered the lad. "He surely will +die here unless they get us out pretty soon, and I wouldn't give much +for my own life if I had to stay in this awful air very long." + +Steve uttered a long shout, which ended in a fit of coughing. + +"No more shouting for me," he muttered, wiping the tears from his +eyes--tears not caused by fear or grief. + +He next tried shaking the powder-man, which drew a groan from the man, +whereupon the lad quickly desisted. + +After a moment's reflection, the boy stuffed a handkerchief in his +mouth, permitting it to cover his nose, to keep out the full strength of +the powder smoke. This done, he got to his feet again, and began feeling +his way about the chamber in which the accident had occurred. + +"Ah, this is it!" + +His hands paused when they came in contact with a heap of crushed +timber, and his feet struck a mass of ore piled against the foot-wall of +the drift. + +For a moment Rush stood motionless, reflecting on the situation. He +could hear no sounds on the outside. + +"Either they are all killed out there, or else we are buried so deep +that I cannot hear them. I do not know which it is, but I think it must +be the latter," the boy decided. "We are imprisoned in the drift; that +is certain." + +The lad, after some searching about, found a shovel, and with this he +began throwing the dirt back from the place where the opening had been. +The effort was too much for him. Strong as he was, the shock of the +explosion had weakened him and the powder smoke choked him until he went +off into another fit of coughing. To relieve himself he lay down again. + +The fresh air along the floor of the drift strengthened him somewhat, +and once more he turned his attention to the powder-man. He lifted the +miner's head gently, placing it in his own lap, after which he chafed +the man's hands and forehead. The miner drew a long, deep sigh and +stirred uneasily. Perhaps something of the lad's tender sympathy touched +his inner consciousness. + +"Poor fellow!" murmured Steve, forcing back the lump that rose in his +throat. "This is not a life for the weak or the timid. It is a man's +work and I'm going to be a man." + +Steve continued to stroke the face and hands of the powder-man until, +becoming dizzy from inhaling the powder smoke, he lay down again until +somewhat revived. + +"I must try to attract the attention out there," decided the lad +finally. + +Choosing a piece of rock large enough to answer his purpose, he began +thumping on the broken timbers. The attempt was not very successful, for +he seemed to make no noise at all. Then something else occurred to him. + +Illustration: Seizing the Shovel, Steve Began Beating the Timbers. + +"The shovel!" he cried. "Why did I not think of it before?" + +Grabbing up the tool, he began beating the timbers with it in wide, +swinging strokes. + +Bang, bang, bang, went the shovel, the lad now and then pausing to +listen. Once he thought he caught an answering blow from the opposite +side, but he did not hear it again. Then he set up a piece of rock, the +largest he could find, and began hammering on this. + +Steve's ears were ringing by this time, and during the intervals when he +ceased hammering on the timbers or the rock he was overcome by a roaring +sound as if a great flood had been suddenly let loose. He did not +understand what this meant. The silence of the underground prison had +become a chaos of noises, the lad's blows became weaker and at longer +intervals apart. + +"I wonder what--what is the matter with me. I'm getting sleepy," he +muttered. + +A few more blows and the shovel dropped from his nerveless fingers. +Steve staggered, then collapsed unconscious across the body of the +powder-man. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +"IS ANYONE ALIVE IN THERE?" + + +"Order the timber-men in here! Get a pair of jacks and raise the timbers +bodily. Get a move on you, men! We may be able to save them yet!" + +Superintendent Penton, of the Cousin Jack Mine, had been summoned by +telephone at the first sign of trouble. In his miner's outfit, with a +green candle stuck in the holder on his hat, he had hurried down into +the mine and made his way quickly to the sub-level where the accident +had occurred. He needed no guide to reach the place, for he knew the +maze of tunnels of that underground hive of industry so well that he +could have followed them to any given point with his eyes shut. + +A few brief, pointed questions had brought out the full story of the +accident, but Mr. Penton had not addressed Spooner; he had made his +inquiries from the men who had been working on that level and in the +drift where the explosion had happened. + +"Shovelers, here! Throw that rock back! Be careful that you do not +undermine the lagging and let the roof all the way down. It's lucky the +explosion blew ore enough out to hold the timbers off the ground, or our +work would be much more difficult." + +The superintendent had taken full charge of the operations. His long +experience had told him exactly what to do. The official showed no trace +of excitement; instead, his every faculty was centered on the work in +hand. His tones were stern, his orders sharp and incisive. + +By this time the jacks had been brought. At the superintendent's +direction a heavy timber had been placed as a support under those that +had been broken and the jacks set to work. Little by little, creaking +and groaning, the wrecked lagging was raised inch by inch. + +"Steady, there! Hold it, men!" + +Those at the jacks stopped work. + +"Let half a dozen shovelers get in there," Penton directed. "Throw out +some of that dirt. We must get an opening as soon as possible to let air +in. Throw away the larger pieces first." + +In the meantime the superintendent had ordered a fresh drill brought up, +the one belonging to that shift being in the wrecked drift. A line of +pipe had been laid to the nearest connection to furnish the compressed +air with which to operate the drill. + +As soon as the rock had been removed sufficiently, the official ordered +the drill set in place. He indicated where the drilling was to be done +and a moment later the steady "bang, bang" of the diamond drill filled +the air to the exclusion of all other sounds. + +"She's through, sir," announced the drill-man, nodding to the +superintendent. + +"Withdraw the drill." + +The official placed his nose to the hole thus made, and shook his head. + +"You haven't reached it. Try a hole above the shoring. We must get air +in there." + +Again the powerful drill began its work. Gathered in a closely massed +group were the other miners waiting, silent, anxious, the flames of +candles on their caps flickering and swaying from side to side in the +faint draft that swirled through the long, dark cavern. Attention was +divided between the working drill and the calm-faced, strong, +resourceful man who was directing the operations. He was master and the +men knew it. + +"All right." announced the drill-man again. + +The superintendent nodded. The drill was withdrawn. Following it came a +little puff of white, nauseating smoke. + +"We've hit it," announced the executive calmly. "Now, bore another hole +on the same line but about six feet to the left, so we shall get a draft +through the enclosed drift." + +This was promptly done. + +The superintendent, as soon as the noise of the drill had ceased, placed +his lips close to the hole thus made. + +"Hello, in there! Is anyone alive in there?" + +No answer came from the closed drift. + +"They're dead. What's the use in bothering about them?" growled Spooner. + +Mr. Penton shot a withering glance at the contractor. + +"We will proceed on the theory that they are alive until we have learned +that they are not," replied the superintendent coldly. + +"Shall we go on raising the lagging?" asked the timber-man. + +"No; wait until the powder smoke is out of the drift and some fresh air +has taken its place. The two men in there will be suffocated unless we +free the place of powder fumes. Remove the drill from the pipe and force +a little air through the vent holes. Not too much; just enough to +dislodge the smoke and force it out. It won't stand much pressure. +There, that will do. Now, jackmen, get to work. Keep on shoveling below +there." + +Giving his orders calmly and encouragingly, the work proceeded with +great success. The diggers were gradually boring in under the timber +that the jacks were raising. + +After a time their shovels and bars poked a hole through the débris into +the drift. It was a small hole, so small that the average man would have +difficulty in getting through it. + +Among those who had hurried to the scene was Bob Jarvis. He had been +using a shovel industriously, and when the opening had been made he +stepped up to the superintendent. + +"I think I can crawl in there now, if you will let me. I want to get +that Hurry-up kid out," added Bob. + +"Go in, if you think you can get through," nodded the superintendent. +"Better tie a rope to one foot before you start, so we can pull you out +if you get wedged in." + +While Bob was making ready, the official got down on his hands and knees +and examined the opening in the attempt to satisfy himself that it would +be safe for a man to go through. + +A moment more and Bob Jarvis was wriggling through the little tunnel on +his stomach. There was still so much smoke in the drift that he nearly +choked as he pulled himself up and began groping about in the darkness. +Now that he was in he lighted his candle, and there before him lay the +man and the boy. + +Bob gave Rush a violent shake. Steve opened his eyes. + +"So you're all right, eh?" + +"Ye--yes. Have--have you come to li--lick me?" mumbled Steve closing his +eyes. + +"No; I've come to get you out of this hole. We'll talk about the licking +later on. Is the other fellow dead?" + +Rush pulled himself to a sitting posture at this. + +"No; I think not. He was alive when I went to sleep. He may be dead now. +Come, we must get him out. How did you get in?" + +"Crawled in through that hole. Come along; I'll help you out first. You +need looking after, judging from your appearance." + +Steve Rush's face was ghastly white and covered with blood in spots. He +had sustained a scalp wound where a sharp-edged rock had hit him. It was +evident, however, that the powder-man was in much more serious +condition. The man was still breathing when Bob peered into his face. + +"Yes; he's alive, but I'll help you out now," Jarvis repeated. + +"You will do nothing of the sort. This man needs attention first. I'll +help you with him. How are we going to get him through that small +opening without hurting him?" + +"We'll have to do the best we can," answered Bob. + +"I'll tell you, Jarvis; you crawl in backwards and I will hand him to +you. Tell those on the outside to get hold of your feet and pull when +you get far enough in. Do you think he will go through the hole?" + +"No; we've got to dig away some dirt inside here first. This end is the +smaller. The other is large enough for him. It's lucky he isn't a fat +man, or we could not do it." + +Together the lads labored industriously for several minutes. + +"Are they alive?" called the voice of the superintendent through the +hole. + +"Yes, both of them. Powder-man badly injured, I think." + +All preparations being made, Bob crawled into the hole, while Steve, as +carefully as he could, thrust the powder-man in after, feet first. + +It was a difficult task that Jarvis had set for himself, but he went at +it with stubborn determination. Finally, after moments of wriggling and +inch-by-inch progress, the men outside the drift managed to get hold of +his feet, as Steve had directed them to do. The rest was easy. + +It was now Steve's turn, and he crawled through the hole as quickly as +possible, though he felt himself growing momentarily weaker. At last he +stood outside the drift. He was swaying giddily. + +"Take this boy to the hospital," directed the superintendent. + +"I'm all right, sir. That is, I will be as soon as I recover from the +effects of the smoke. I'll----" + +"I suppose you hid behind the powder-man to save yourself," sneered +Spooner. + +Mr. Penton turned on the man, his face flushing hotly. It was the first +time the superintendent had shown the slightest trace of excitement. + +"That will do, Spooner. You cut that out. You ought to be ashamed of +yourself after this boy has saved your life. I know all about it. You +will see to it that he gets full time while he is laying off in the +hospital." + +"Not at my expense he won't." + +"Very well; then let it be at my own. But I shall see to it that you do +not get another contract in the Cousin Jack Mine after you have finished +with this one. I shall have something to say to you later, also, about +this accident." + +"Oh, of course I'll pay him if that's the way you feel about it. I'll +pay him." + +"I thought you would," answered the superintendent dryly. + +In the meantime the powder-man had been conveyed to the surface and +removed to the hospital in the superintendent's carriage, the driver +having received orders to return at once. + +"Do you feel able to walk, Rush?" questioned the executive. + +"Ye--yes, sir; I--I think so, sir." + +"I'll help him," spoke up Bob Jarvis quickly. + +"Yes; help him to the cage and go up with him." + +Steve found that he was weaker than he thought, but leaning on Bob's +strong arm he made his way to the lower level, where the lads caught the +cage a few moments later and were conveyed to the surface. + +"I'll not forget this, Jarvis," murmured Steve. + +"Forget what?" + +"Your kindness to me." + +"I'm kind to you for another reason. I'll see you later. When you get +well I'll have something to say to you, Miss Hurry-up," was Bob's +parting shot, as he lifted the lad into the carriage and turned back to +the shaft to return to his work below ground. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +BOB MAKES GOOD HIS WORD + + +"The superintendent wishes to see you at his office when convenient." + +This message was brought to Steve Rush at his boarding house on the day +following the accident in the drift. The lad's wounds had been treated, +and he had been allowed to go home late in the afternoon of the same +day. The powder-man, however, had been much more seriously injured. It +was doubtful if the man ever would be able to work in the mines again. + +Steve would have returned to work on the following morning, had the +superintendent not given orders that he was not to do so, and the +superintendent's orders were law in the mines. + +The lad was somewhat surprised at the summons. However, he lost no time +in going over to the offices. The superintendent was out at the moment +and Rush was ushered into the handsome private office, where he was told +to wait. Steve gazed about him, nodding thoughtfully. + +"One of these days I shall have an office like this," he thought aloud. +"Some day, in the distant future, I shall be a superintendent, too." + +"So you want to be a superintendent, eh?" + +The boy turned to find himself looking into the smiling face of Mr. +Penton. Steve's face flushed rosy red. + +"I--I guess I must have been thinking out loud, sir." + +"Your ambition is a worthy one. Keep on in the way you are going and +promotion is sure. You are now a part of one of the greatest games in +the industrial world. Realize this and you have made a long stride +forward. How are you feeling to-day?" + +"I do realize it, sir, and I am proud of the very small part I am +playing in that world. In answer to your question, I am feeling +perfectly well to-day; I am ready for work." + +"To-morrow will be time enough. Take the day off. Your pay will go on +just the same. In this connection there is another little matter that I +have sent for you to adjust. You are not of age?" + +"Oh, no, sir." + +"I will state what I have to say, just the same. It is customary, when +one has been hurt in the mines, to have our claim adjuster call upon him +at proper time and make such settlement as can be agreed upon, after +which the injured party signs a release. I have prepared a release here +with the amount left blank. You have done a very brave act; I am +willing to do what is right in the matter. To what extent do you think +you have been damaged, Rush?" + +There was a quizzical look in the eyes of the superintendent as he asked +the question. + +"Have you the release?" + +Mr. Penton handed a paper to the boy. The latter read it through +carefully, then asking for a pen, drew a line through the space left +blank for the amount and signed his name. + +"I am not that kind of man, Mr. Penton," said Steve. "If you wish my +mother's signature to the paper, I will have her sign it. I do not care +to receive any money that I have not earned." + +"Rush," said the superintendent, rising and placing a hand on the boy's +shoulder, "you talk like a true man. You _are_ a true man. It is not +your refusal of the money that causes me to say that, but the principle +that prompted the refusal. I felt that you would act as you have done. I +see I was not mistaken in you. You will get on. No boy with your spirit +could help getting on. Do you wish to be transferred from Spooner's +shift to one not so hard?" + +"No, sir; I am not looking for an easy job. I am looking for hard work +and to learn everything there is to learn in this great industry. When I +have earned promotion I want it." + +"And you shall have it. Finish the week in level seventeen and I'll see +what can be done for you in some other direction. Do you think you will +be able to work to-morrow?" + +"Oh, yes, sir." + +Mr. Penton shook hands with him and the lad departed, light hearted and +happy. He did not waste the time that he was resting--not Steve. Instead +he went directly back to the works, remaining all day in the vicinity of +the shaft watching the progress of the work and asking questions +whenever he could find anyone willing to answer them. He visited the dry +houses, where the miners changed their clothes and took their shower +baths, a clean, comfortable building provided with numbered lockers for +the street clothes of the employés of the company, and where those who +chose might eat their lunches in the cold weather. + +Steve learned a lesson that he did not forget. He learned it from the +old pensioner in charge of the dry houses. + +"Make your men comfortable, look out for their safety and you will get +fully a third more work out of them," said the old attendant. And this +was the principle on which the company acted. + +The day passed quickly, and Steve went early to bed, in order to be up +early on the following morning. This time he took no chances of getting +lost in the mine. He followed one of the trammers who worked in his part +of the mine, and reached Spooner's contract some fifteen minutes before +the hour for beginning work. The contractor liked to have his men on the +job early, and when he could drive them into doing so, he managed to get +ten minutes or so extra work out of them before the whistle on the level +blew the signal to begin work. + +Steve smiled good-naturedly when Spooner ordered him to get in and begin +shoveling. The lad was not averse to doing so. All evidences of the +accident had been removed and once more the drift was open and workable. +A new powder-man had taken the place of the injured man, a quiet, +self-contained young fellow on whom Spooner's bulldozing tactics had no +effect. + +"See here, boy, how about that shovel?" demanded the contractor, after +the lad had been working a short time. + +"What do you mean, sir?" + +"I mean the shovel you banged up hammering on the drift to make us +hear." + +Rush looked puzzled. + +"What about it, sir?" + +"Shovels cost money. I have to furnish the tools on my job. I'll expect +you to pay for that one. Got any money with you?" + +"No, sir." + +"Well, see that you bring it to-morrow. The shovel's worth a dollar." + +"Yes, sir. I will speak to the superintendent about it, and if he says +it is proper for me to pay you I will do so," replied the lad wisely. + +"Speak to the superintendent?" shouted the contractor. "You'll do +nothing of the sort. I'm running my business; the super isn't. If you +try that game on me I'll fire you. You don't have to pay for the shovel +if you don't want to. But you're a cheat if you don't." + +"I am not a cheat," protested Steve indignantly. "As I said before, if +the superintendent says I ought to pay you, I shall do so gladly. You +can fire me if you wish to. I am not so much in love with number +seventeen that I would shed tears were I ordered out of it." + +The contractor glared, started to speak, then gaining control of +himself, turned and walked away. Rush, in the meantime, was +energetically throwing dirt and when the long day was ended he had +shoveled into ore cars ten tons of soft ore. The lad handed his tally +slip to the contractor at the close of the day's work. + +Spooner uttered a grunt of disapproval. + +"Only ten tons!" he groaned. "You'll have to do better than that. Unless +you can handle twelve you're not fit to be below ground." + +"I understand, sir, that twelve tons a day is the record and that only +one man has accomplished that in the last ten years," answered the boy +promptly. "But I'll equal it before I am through here; not especially to +gratify you, but for my own satisfaction." + +Mr. Spooner had no more to say. + +"How many tons a day does he get out of this contract?" asked Steve, as +he was waiting for the cage to ascend to the surface. + +"Fifty tons is the most we ever got out in a day," was the answer from +Steve's companion. + +"How much does he get a ton?" + +"That we don't know. He never tells his business. Some contractors get +less and some more, depending upon how the ore runs, how much paint rock +there is to be thrown out in the dirt." + +"Do the others run about the same?" + +"I reckon they do." + +Steve was always seeking for information, and what he was learning in +these early days was to serve him well in the future. + +For the rest of the week he worked diligently, increasing his daily +output by at least a ton. One day he fell considerably below this, as +the ore came out hard and was not delivered to the car men as fast as +they could handle it. That was a day that Spooner was at his worst. + +Saturday came, the day that the young miner was to receive his first pay +envelope. He had made it a practice to carry his lunch below and eat it +there. This saved him considerable effort, and gave him an opportunity +to rest before the whistles blew to resume work. Steve usually chose +some quiet spot in an unused drift, where, seating himself by the side +of a little stream of water trickling from the rocks, he would stick his +candle-holder in a crevice and tuck the cover of his dinner pail under +the trickling stream to catch water to drink with his meal. + +He had just settled himself down for his noon-day meal, on this Saturday +afternoon, when he was attracted by a bobbing candle on a miner's cap +approaching him from down the drift just off the main level. + +"Now, I wonder what he wants?" mused Rush, peering out curiously. "I +believe that's Bob Jarvis. He is probably coming in here to eat his +dinner. He'll be surprised to find me here. Hello, Bob." + +"Hello yourself." + +"I just did. Sit down and have lunch with me." + +"I ain't lunching to-day. I----" + +"Eat some of mine if you haven't yours with you. There is enough for +both of us in my pail, and here is some of the finest water you ever +drank. It's colder than any ice water I ever tasted." + +Bob did not reply. He was standing over Steve, peering down at the +latter with a steady gaze. Presently Rush noticed that Jarvis was acting +peculiarly. There was a constraint in his manner that Steve had never +seen there before. + +"What's the matter? Anything gone wrong, Bob?" + +"No; nothing has gone wrong. Something's going that way pretty soon, +though." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I promised you a licking, didn't I?" + +"I believe you did, but that is all past now. You saved me from the +drift. I shan't forget that, old fellow. I hope I get a chance to do you +a good turn one of these days." + +"You're going to get it now." + +"I am going to get what?" + +"The licking." + +Steve rose slowly to his feet after carefully placing his dinner pail to +one side. + +"Do you mean you want to fight me after having saved my life, Bob +Jarvis?" + +"That's what!" + +Rush gazed steadily at his companion of the moment. The taller boy had +assumed a pugnacious attitude. + +"I don't want to fight you, Bob." + +"Then you'll stand for a coward; you'll be a 'missie' for certain." + +Steve began slowly to strip off his oilskins. His blouse and flannel +shirt came next. These removed, he stuck his candlestick in a crevice in +the rocks high enough up to shed a fairly good light over the drift. + +"How'll you have it?" he asked coolly. + +"No hitting below the belt; hammer in the clinches when we can. All fair +and above board," answered Jarvis, making himself ready for the fray. + +"Very well," replied Steve. "I am ready whenever you are." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +YOUNG GLADIATORS MEET + + +"Going to take off your boots?" questioned Steve. + +"Sure." + +"Then I'll take mine off, too." + +He did so, tightened his belt and stepped out into the drift well within +the flickering circle of light shed by the two candles. + +"How are we going to decide it, Bob?" + +"The fellow who gets knocked out first loses. No second chance. Are you +ready?" + +"I've been ready for the last five minutes." + +"Look out--I'm coming!" + +Jarvis made a rush, swinging a quick blow at the head of his opponent. +Steve ducked and went under it, at the same time giving Bob a jolt in +the ribs that made the larger boy grunt. + +"Hello! You ain't such an easy mark as you'd have me believe, eh? Been +playing off, have you? Said you couldn't fight." + +"I never said so. I said I wasn't a fighter. I hope I have higher +ambitions in life than that. But is this a fight or an argument?" + +"It's a fight," shouted Jarvis, dancing in, his arms working like a +piston rod. + +Both boys led for the head at the same instant. Each countered with his +left, receiving the other's blow on his arm. After a rapid exchange of +blows, none of which landed, they backed away. But Steve, without +waiting for his opponent to take the lead, became the aggressor now. He +sprang in as lightly as a cat, and ere the taller boy could get his +guard up, had planted a blow on Jarvis' nose that sent the other's head +back and the blood spurting from his nose. + +Whack! + +Steve landed another on the side of Bob's jaw. It was a glancing blow, +Jarvis having turned a little, else the boy would have been knocked out +and the battle ended then and there. + +Quick as a flash, Jarvis put a fist to Steve's neck and the lad went +down in a heap while Bob stood over him exultingly. + +"Got your medicine that time, didn't you?" he jeered. + +Steve, on all fours, was getting ready to spring up. His eyes were on +his adversary, watching him narrowly. Rush's head was aching, but he +gave no heed to that. + +"You will have to give it to me in bigger doses than that if you expect +a cure," retorted Steve, with a short laugh, as he sprang up and danced +away from the taller boy for a few seconds. Then he closed in like a +whirlwind. For a full minute it was give and take. Both lads were +strong, and each was handy with his fists, though Steve Rush showed more +skill than did his opponent. This was offset by Jarvis' greater height +and weight. + +Many a hard blow was struck in that round, after which the boys backed +away instinctively. Jarvis' nose had sustained several bangs. It was +somewhat larger than when the fight had begun; Steve, on the other hand, +had a half-closed eye. + +"I'll put a spectacle on the other one before I've done with you," +jeered Bob. + +"Then I'll give you one of the same sort," retorted Steve, planting a +blow on Bob's right eye. Bob dropped as if he had been hit with a club. +But he was up like a flash. This time he was thoroughly angry. He +charged Steve with a roar, receiving two quick, short-arm jolts on the +side of the head that made that member spin dizzily. + +For the next five minutes it was give and take again. Then Steve struck +his opponent a blow in the ribs that brought a loud "ouch!" from the +taller boy. + +Rush grinned, but there was no mirth in the grin. It was one of savage +satisfaction. Now the lad settled down grimly to his work. He battled +with dogged determination, taking his punishment as a matter of course, +beating, hammering, dodging, ducking, but without the slightest trace of +anger or excitement in his face. His was a will that in the battle of +life sweeps all obstacles from its path. + +The battle had not been in progress long before a miner passing the +outer end of the drift had discovered what was going on. Summoning some +of his companions, the men ran down where the fight was in progress. +They were about to interfere, when Steve, in a momentary lull, said: + +"Please don't interfere. This is a perfectly friendly little argument. +We've got to fight it out." + +The men laughed uproariously. + +"You look the part, both of you. Go it, then, if you've got to fight. +We'll see that each of you gets fair play." + +But the boys did not hear. They were at it again and with a savageness +that had not marked their fighting before. Two blows delivered at the +same instant landed both boys on their backs on the ground. + +The miners yelled for sheer joy. + +Bounding to their feet, the combatants went at it again hammer and +tongs; and, though they were mere lads, it is doubtful if the +spectators ever had witnessed a more scientific battle with fists. The +lads were side-stepping and dancing in their stocking feet, not heeding +the sharp pieces of rock and ore that cut into their feet, drawing the +blood at almost every step. + +They had battled steadily for over ten minutes. The face of each was +covered with blood and it was with difficulty that the lads were able to +see at all. They had barely one set of good eyes between them. Jarvis +was getting more and more desperate. Try as he might his superior +strength was not equal to the task of putting Steve Rush down and out. +For every blow delivered Bob got a return that he felt all over his body +from his head to his feet. + +At last Bob thought he saw an opening to deliver a knock-out blow. He +let go with all his strength. The blow struck nothing more substantial +than thin air. Then, like a bolt of lightning, the fist of Steve Rush +shot out, catching Jarvis under the nose, lifting the larger boy from +his feet, sending him crashing against the shore wall of the drift. + +"That settles him," shouted the spectators. "My, what a wallop! That +would have knocked down one of the mules in number seven level. I'll bet +he doesn't wake up in----" + +Bob Jarvis was already awake. Despite the terrific blow under which he +had gone down he was quickly on his feet. It was observed that he +staggered a little. Both boys were beginning to show their weariness, +though Jarvis exhibited more of this than did Steve. + +"Call it a draw, lads," yelled the miners. + +"Not till I give him back for that last one," roared Bob, making a +vicious lunge at his companion. + +The blow barely grazed the left cheek of the smaller of the lads, he +having moved his head slightly to one side to avoid the blow. + +"I'll hand it out to you, Bob," said Steve. + +Once more Jarvis was lifted from his feet and this time he was laid on +his back on the ground, while Steve leaned against the wall of the +drift, panting heavily. + +"Call it off! Call it off, or we'll take a hand in the game," warned the +miners. + +Jarvis had staggered to his feet and Rush was lurching to meet him. + +There was a slow exchange of blows and the lads clinched, each with an +arm about the other's neck. For a full minute they stood thus, panting, +striving to collect their strength to continue the battle. + +Jarvis made a feeble effort to deliver a right-hand hook on his +opponent's jaw, but there was not enough steam in the blow to do any +damage. + +Steve retaliated with a vicious punch in the pit of Jarvis' stomach--a +blow that made the larger boy grunt and cling heavily to the neck of his +adversary. + +"Have you got enough?" breathed Steve. + +"No!" + +Bob managed to land a fairly strong blow on Steve's neck. + +The latter returned the compliment by a vicious punch in the ribs that +caused the larger boy to hug his opponent closer. Then all at once, with +the last ounce of their failing strength, the two youthful gladiators +began delivering short-arm jolts, each standing with an arm about the +other's neck, driving in the blows with all the strength he had left. + +Not for a moment had either lad sought to foul the other. It was a +"square" fight, such as is seldom seen between professionals. + +No more steam was left in their blows. They had fired their last round. + +"Shall we call it quits, Bob?" breathed Rush in the ear of his opponent. + +"I--I guess we'd better, if we expect to report for duty this +afternoon." + +Steve promptly released himself from the grip of the other boy's arm, +and, staggering to a side wall, leaned against it heavily. Jarvis did +the same. + +Just then the whistle blew three sharp blasts. It was the signal for the +miners to return to their work. Jarvis staggered out into the centre of +the drift, extending a hand. Steve met him half way. + +"Shake!" said Bob. "You're the squarest and the pluckiest bundle of +muscle that I ever went up against." + +"The same to you," glowed Steve Rush, gripping the hand of his late +adversary. Then each with an arm about the other's shoulder started for +the main level. The desperate battle that was to be the beginning of a +friendship of many years, had ended in a draw, with Steve having a shade +the better of the argument. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +IN A NEW JOB + + +That afternoon was the longest that Steve Rush ever remembered having +put in. Spooner saw at once that the lad had been in a fight, and that +he was well nigh spent. The contractor took the keenest possible delight +in driving Steve, just because the lad was in no condition to work. + +The Iron Boy, however, possessed too much grit to show the white +feather. In spite of his swollen face and aching body, he summoned all +his courage and worked as he never had worked before. + +With Bob Jarvis it was different. Bob worked half of the afternoon, when +the shift boss under whom he was laboring, observing that the lad could +scarcely stand up, sent him home, and Jarvis promptly went to bed. The +shift boss reported the circumstance to the mine captain and the latter +made a written report to the general superintendent, Mr. Penton. Another +report showed that Steve Rush had also been in a fight. + +When the superintendent had read these two reports, he at once +understood that Jarvis and Rush had had a battle. The rules against +fighting were very strict; therefore he sent for the mining captain, the +one directly in charge of all the operations underground. The two men +had a long interview and when the captain finally left the +superintendent was smiling broadly. + +On the following Monday morning Steve was requested to call at the +office of the general superintendent before reporting for work in the +mine. + +"Bob, he's heard about our difficulty and he is going to fine or fire +me," said Steve. + +Bob's face took on a serious expression. + +"Then I'm going to see the superintendent," he said in an emphatic tone. + +"What for, Bob?" + +"I am going to tell him that you are not to blame--that I forced you +into the fight. I'll take whatever punishment is coming to me, but I +won't stand by and see you get the worst of it--not for a skip full of +red ore." + +The boys were in their room at the boarding house, they having asked the +boarding boss to bunk them in the same room after their fight in the +mine. This had been done willingly enough and to their mutual +satisfaction. + +"I guess not," replied Steve firmly. "What do you take me for?" + +"You know what I take you for. I have already told you." + +"If I remember correctly, you called me Little Miss Rush up to a couple +of days ago," answered Steve, with a twinkle in his eyes. + +"Forget it. I've changed your name. You're Mr. Big Rush now. Such a +walloping as you gave me I never had before in my life. You're a regular +little cyclone. And to think that I had picked you for an easy mark." + +Bob smiled as broadly as his swollen face would permit. + +"We have agreed to forget that. It was worth while, though, because it +was the beginning of our friendship," replied Rush thoughtfully. "We +shall never have another misunderstanding." + +"I hope not." + +"But we must be going. You will be late for work. I will see the +superintendent; then I'll let you know, to-day noon, what he wanted of +me." + +The lads hurried out. + +"I wish you would let me go with you and tell him," urged Bob. + +"No. Time enough when he sends for you." + +As the lads moved along the workmen laughed and some of them jeered, for +it was plain that the lads were on terms of intimate friendship. The +story of their great battle had been circulated until most of the men in +the mine had heard of it. + +Bob's face flushed angrily. + +"Never mind, old man," said Steve in a soothing tone. "A lot of those +fellows who are laughing at us to-day will be shoveling dirt for you and +me before many years have passed." + +"I doubt it." + +"I do not. There are great opportunities in this big corporation, and I +am going after them. I am after them now, and I propose to take you +along with me. You'll find the company will be glad to help us on if +they find we are worth helping. Here we are at the superintendent's +office. I shall have to leave you now." + +The boys shook hands warmly, Bob turning reluctantly and going on his +way, while Steve ran up the steps and entered the executive building. He +asked for the superintendent and was told to go in at once. The clerks +all smiled at Steve's disfigured face, but he pretended not to have seen +their scrutiny of him. + +"Good morning, Rush," greeted Mr. Penton, with a quizzical look at his +caller. + +"Good morning, sir. You sent for me." + +"Yes; sit down." + +The superintendent was a large man, six feet tall, big, broad and +powerful, but good nature shone from his round, full face, and his eyes +always appeared to be sparkling with laughter. For all of that, Mr. +Penton was a strict disciplinarian, as a number of those who had worked +under him had reason to know. + +"Who was the young man with whom I saw you shaking hands in front?" was +the superintendent's first question. + +"Bob Jarvis, sir. He is my roommate." + +"Oh, is that so?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How long have you been rooming together?" + +"Since Saturday." + +"Indeed. This is somewhat surprising. But, Rush, what has happened to +you? You look as if you had been through an ore grinder." + +Steve flushed, then straightened up, eyeing the superintendent steadily. + +"I have been in a fight, sir. I had a little disagreement, but it is all +right now." + +"My lad, did you not know that it was against the rules of the company +to fight?" + +"I did not at the time." + +"With whom did you fight?" + +"Must I answer that question, sir?" + +"Yes." + +"I fought with Bob Jarvis," replied the lad, after slight hesitation. + +"Who started the fight?" + +"I guess I was the one most to blame." + +The superintendent already knew all about the matter. He well knew who +had started the fight and why, and he knew also of the warm friendship +that had sprung up between the two boys since the battle; but Mr. Penton +was a shrewd man--one who judged men with almost unerring instinct. He +was drawing Steve out to verify his own impressions. + +"And you two are rooming together now?" + +"Yes, sir. We are friends now. There will be no more trouble between us. +As a matter of fact, our little battle was an entirely friendly one." + +The superintendent leaned back, laughing heartily. His plump sides shook +with merriment, while Steve sat calm and respectful, his eyes fixed on +the face of his employer. + +"You are quite sure that you two will not fight again, are you?" +questioned Mr. Penton, after regaining his equanimity. + +"Oh, yes, sir." + +"Who won the fight?" + +"Neither of us, sir, though Bob gave me about all I wanted." + +"And I understand that you gave him a little more than he wanted. Now, +Rush, let me give you a piece of advice. Never indulge in fights, unless +in self-defence, in defence of the company's property or to save +another person. We have a rough element in the mines. Naturally that +cannot be wholly avoided, especially among the foreigners, though many +of them are self-respecting citizens. It requires a strong man to cope +with them and every executive must be equal to the task, but we cannot +tolerate any rows except for the reasons mentioned." + +"I understand, sir. I think you can trust me." + +"I am sure of that. I want to see you get ahead. You are both fine boys. +You have the making of men worth while--in other words, you are 'live +ones,' and this company is always in the market for just that kind of +material." + +"Thank you, sir." + +Steve's face glowed happily. + +"I am going to take you off the Spooner contract and give you another +place to work. I have taken a keen interest in you, and I want you to +learn all about the workings of the mine." + +"That is what I am going to do, sir," answered Rush in a quiet but firm +tone. + +"I have decided to place you at the main chute on the same level where +you have been working. Your duty will be to dump the cars as they come +in. You will be right by the tally-boards and you will learn how we +count up there, besides many other things. It is an important point, +the central point of each level. After you have become familiar with the +operations at that point, perhaps I may be able to transfer you to some +other." + +"I thank you very much, sir. May I ask where Bob Jarvis is going to +work? He said he was to be transferred to-day." + +"Yes; I have put him on the Spooner contract to fill the place you had." + +Steve smiled. He could well imagine what would happen if Spooner treated +Bob as he had treated Steve. Bob was too hot tempered to endure the +contractor's insults without resenting them. + +Mr. Penton seemed to understand what was in Steve's mind. + +"It will be good for the boy," he nodded. "Every boy needs a certain +amount of hard knocks. They make a man of him." + +"Bob is quite a man already," replied Rush, with a faint smile. + +Mr. Penton laughed good-naturedly. + +"Yes, I understand. You will report at the chute at once. Tell the mine +captain to inform the time keepers of your change of place. That will be +all." + +Expressing his thanks to the superintendent, Steve left the office and +made his way to the mine, to take up his new work--work that was to be +much less trying than that of the previous week. + +After the lad's departure Mr. Penton spent a long time in studying a +bundle of reports of the work in the Cousin Jack Mine. His eyes soon +lost their twinkle, and his forehead wrinkled with perplexity. + +"This passes all understanding. This shortage in the output is something +that I cannot understand. If I do not find the leakage soon I shall be +in trouble with the company," he muttered. + +Then, putting on his coat and hat, he left the office and started for +the mines. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +RUSH MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +Steve's new station was located on the main line of the electric tram +road. Long rows of dump cars were drawn there by an electric motor, on +which sat a motor-man controlling the speed of the car with one hand, +and with the other continually ringing a gong warning everyone to get +out of the way. + +In the narrow levels, there was barely space enough for one to stand +between the trams and the wall, but the trams never stopped. Miners were +supposed to look out for themselves, according to the code of the tram +motor-man. + +At the chutes, however, there was a large open space at one side, with a +plank floor laid down, and above this hung the tally-boards, a series of +boards with quarter-inch holes bored in them. Every time cars were run +over the chutes the men on the cars would call the name of the +contractor or the drift whence the cars had come, and the tally-boy or +man, as the case might be, would then move the peg in the board forward +as many holes as there were cars. Each contractor had a tally-board, as +had each drift operated by the mining company's own labor. + +The tally-man at the chutes on level seventeen was a man named Marvin. +Steve took a violent dislike to the man the moment he set eyes on him, +and the questions that the lad would have asked about the working of the +tally-boards remained unasked. + +Rush's duty was to strike the catch on the side of the car with an iron +bar, permitting the side board to swing out, whereupon the load of ore +would drop through the iron chutes to a lower level. From there it was +shot to the surface in the fast-moving skips, or ore elevators, that ran +up an inclined plane. + +"This work is so easy that I am ashamed to draw pay for it," muttered +Steve, after an hour or so had passed. + +Still he was obliged to keep a sharp lookout for approaching trams, as +every second in this operation counted. The tram trains must unload and +get back for other cars promptly, else miners working in the drifts +would be held back and the work of that level delayed. + +As soon as a car was dumped, the dumper would call out "clear," +whereupon the motor-man would shove his train forward. Though the work +was easy, it had to be done quickly. + +During the forenoon Superintendent Penton and the mine captain came +swinging along the tracks. The superintendent spoke pleasantly to +Steve, after which the two men took a seat on a bench in the planked +alcove close to the place where the boy was dumping cars of ore. + +"This shortage is troubling me greatly Jim," said Mr. Penton. + +Steve could not help but hear their conversation, his station being on +that side. + +"It has me beaten, too, sir," answered the mine captain. "I have been +through this mine from top to bottom, and from end to end, and for the +life of me I can't see where any such shortage as you say the reports +show could have occurred." + +"You are sure the tally-boards are being properly kept?" + +"Yes; I have looked into that. Have you any idea that someone is +tricking us?" + +"No; I hardly think so. I believe, rather, that it is the result of +carelessness somewhere. The report sheets show more ore mined than +weighs up after it is put on the cars. In other words, the output shown +on our reports doesn't check up with the company's tally-sheets at +Duluth. We are a good many tons short. It is up to you, Jim, to put your +finger on the shortage. There is going to be trouble over this, unless I +am greatly mistaken." + +"Yes; there'll be trouble enough when we find out where it is--trouble +for the fellow or fellows who are to blame for it," answered the mine +captain. + +"Well, keep your eyes open. If you need any help, let me know." + +"I've had the inspectors on the job for a week now, and they are no +nearer solving the mystery than they were before they began." + +Mr. Penton was watching Steve at work with a thoughtful expression in +his eyes. + +"That's a promising boy, Jim," he said. + +"You mean young Rush?" + +"Yes. This is the kind of job I should like to turn him loose on, if he +had more experience. He's as sharp as a steel trap." + +"That is true." + +"He has that dogged persistence that would make him hang on like a bull +terrier. I'm going to push him along as fast as seems advisable." + +"He's a likely youngster," admitted the mine captain, studying Steve's +back as the lad swung his iron bar with unerring precision. "Yes, he's a +very likely lad." + +"I want to make an inspection of number twelve," said the +superintendent, rising. "Will you come along?" + +The captain followed his superior officer, the two men soon disappearing +down the level. Steve watched their bobbing candles until he could see +them no longer. + +"Something is going on here," muttered the boy. "Reports show more ore +taken out than has really been mined. I didn't want to listen, but I +couldn't help hearing what they said." + +For the rest of the forenoon Steve occupied his leisure moments in +trying to study out how such a mistake could occur. He was not +thoroughly familiar with the working of the system as yet, but he +possessed a good general idea of the methods employed to protect the +company against mistakes and dishonesty. + +The time-keepers made their rounds four times a day, and any man not at +his post lost his time until the next round. The ore was tallied at the +chutes and weighed again after it had been placed on railroad cars for +transportation to the Great Lakes. All this Steve went over, his mind +working actively on the subject while his hands were busy dumping cars +of ore. + +"The mistake, if it is a mistake, must occur somewhere between this +chute and the freight yards," was the lad's mental conclusion. + +In this he was right. So full of his subject was he that, when the +whistle blew, he sat down on the bench that the superintendent had +occupied a few hours before and studied the tally-boards as he ate his +lunch. The manner of the tally operation was clear to him. There was +nothing complicated about it. + +Having finished his lunch, the lad strolled over to the tally-boards, +and, with hands behind his back, began studying the names of the drifts +or contractors represented there. Spooner's was the first to attract his +attention. + +"I'll bet I have shoveled that board full half a dozen times," muttered +the lad, with a grin. + +"What do you want here?" demanded a surly voice at the lad's elbow. + +Rush turned and found himself facing the tally-man, Marvin. + +"I was just looking over the boards as a matter of curiosity." + +"Oh, you were, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, folks' curiosity sometimes gits them into trouble," sneered the +tally-man. + +"There is no harm in my looking at the boards, is there?" demanded +Steve, raising his voice ever so little. + +"Git out of here! Git out, I say! If ever I catch you fooling around +these boards I'll trim you so you won't forget it," growled Marvin. + +Steve stepped back. Perhaps he had no business there, but he resented +the manner in which the information was delivered to him. + +"I do not think it will be well for you to lay hands on me," he +retorted. + +"What's that?" + +"If you don't hear well, I'll shout. I don't think it will be well for +you to lay hands on me." + +The tally-man strode across the planking and stood threateningly over +the lad, who had reseated himself on the bench. + +"Git off this platform!" + +"Oh, no, you don't. I have as much right here as you have. You can't +drive me away from here, my friend. I'll stand on my rights here. This +is the place where I'm going to stick until the whistle blows to go to +work. If you think I am not going to do so, just try to put me off." + +Rush's jaw assumed a stubborn set. The man and the boy eyed each other +for a moment; then Marvin turned on his heel and walked away. + +Steve grinned appreciatively. + +"I guess I had better look out for him. He surely has it in for me now." + +The whistle blew soon after, and work was resumed. Steve, during the +afternoon, was too busy to pay much attention to the tally-boards, for +the cars were coming fast, additional motors having been sent out to +take care of the rush. But every time the lad glanced toward the boards +he found Marvin watching him narrowly. + +Once the lad observed something that set him to thinking harder than +ever. After that he paid no further attention to Marvin, nor to +Marvin's work. When the whistle blew at six o'clock Rush picked up his +dinner pail and made his way to the shaft, and a few minutes later had +been hoisted to the surface by the cage. He waited at the mouth of the +shaft until Jarvis came up, when the two boys started for home together. + +"How did you get along on the Spooner contract?" questioned Rush, with a +quizzical smile. + +"Never did such a day's work in my life! That fellow is a slave driver." + +"He is all of that," agreed Steve. "Have any words with him?" + +"Nothing of consequence. I threatened to break his head with a shovel +once--that's all." + +"I should think once would be enough," replied Steve, laughing softly. +"Don't let him run over you, but keep your hands off him. It's a pretty +serious thing to have an argument with one's superior, even if he _is_ a +brutal contract boss." + +"I'm surprised that they have a fellow like that in the mines." + +"He gets out the ore, that's why," answered Rush. "And, by the way, I +want to talk over something with you after supper to-night." + +"You have something on your mind, eh?" + +"Yes; I have something that I want you to help me with. Perhaps we may +be able to do a great service for our employers. I am not quite sure +yet. I can't be until we have tried something." + +"I'm with you in anything, Steve," answered Bob with emphasis. + +After supper, that night, the boys went directly to their room, where +they were soon lost in earnest conversation. Their conversation was +carried on in whispers and the hour was well along toward midnight when +they had finished with their plans. + +"Now what do you think of it?" questioned Steve, as they started to make +ready for bed. + +"If you've struck it right we have stumbled on to the biggest game of +crookedness in the mines. I mean _you_ have discovered it; you didn't +exactly stumble on the game." + +"Be very careful. Don't make any mistake. I, on my part, will keep my +eyes open if I find I can do so without attracting attention. To-morrow +night we will compare notes." + +"Don't worry about me. I'll have it down pat. All ready to turn in?" + +"Yes." + +Bob blew out the light and the boys tumbled into bed, where they were +soon fast asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE BOYS EXPOSE A PLOT + + +On the following morning, when the lads reported for work, they were +full of their new purpose. Each was silent as to what that purpose was, +but a close observer would have noticed that the boys were keenly +watchful of everything that was going on about them. To all intents +Steve was devoting his energies to unloading the dump cars in the +shortest possible time, and Bob to filling them again in record time. + +Up to the noon hour nothing had occurred of interest. The two boys did +not meet at the lunch hour, deeming it best not to arouse suspicion by +their actions, and thus possibly defeat their purpose. Steve ate his +lunch in silence, not once looking toward the scowling Marvin. In fact, +Marvin had not caught the boy looking at him during the forenoon. + +"I think the fun will begin before long," mused Steve, wiping his mouth +and moving over to a trickling spring on the other side of the level. "I +have prepared the way and now we shall see." + +A long train of ore cars came in a few moments after the whistle blew, +and the tally-man was kept busy plugging the holes in the boards as the +cars were called out. + +So busy was Marvin that he did not get a chance to turn about to look at +Steve. Perhaps he would not have done so, at any rate. Steve, however, +was looking at the tally-man, watching the latter out of the corners of +his eyes. + +The pegs moved skilfully and quickly from hole to hole on the boards, +then the man Marvin sat down while the unloading progressed. + +Rush had seen that which sent the color to his cheeks, and caused his +heart to beat a little faster. His sharp eyes had made a discovery. He +was as positive as it was possible to be but there was more to be done +before his case was fully made out. + +The lad could hardly wait until night to see his companion. During the +afternoon Steve obtained further evidence to strengthen his case. By +quitting time his face had taken on a look of stern determination that +had not been there when he went to work that morning. + +"What luck?" demanded Bob, in a low voice, as he joined his companion +near the mouth of the shaft. + +"The best," answered Steve. + +"Tell me about it." + +"Not here. Wait until we get home. I do not dare to speak of it now. +Someone might overhear us and then all our efforts would have been for +nothing. I'll tell you all about it before we sit down to supper." + +"Well, that beats all," muttered Jarvis. "I didn't think we should +succeed so easily. What are you going to do about it?" + +"I'll answer that question also when we get home, old man." + +The boys did not wait until after supper that night. Closing and locking +the door after reaching their room, Steve asked: + +"How many tons did the Spooner contract turn out to-day?" + +"Forty by the dump cars." + +"Is it possible?" + +"Yes. What does the tally show?" + +Steve leaned over and whispered in his companion's ear, whereat Bob +uttered a low, long-drawn whistle. + +"You--don't--say?" + +"That is exactly what I do say." + +"This will raise a merry row." + +"I think it will. And there's another thing: I will wager that this is +not the only place the same game is being worked." + +"Maybe you're right. What shall we do?" + +"Go to the superintendent. We will go to him as soon as we finish our +supper." + +"But he isn't at his office." + +"No. We will go direct to his house. I rather think he will be glad +enough to see us when he hears what our mission is. Come, now, we'll go +to supper, but not a word at the table," warned Steve. + +"I should say not." + +Supper finished, the Iron Boys went to their room, returning a few +minutes later and strolling from the house as though they were going +nowhere in particular. After they had put a block between themselves and +the boarding house they quickened their pace. Bob was excited, but Steve +was as calm and collected as if nothing unusual had occurred. + +"Do you know where the superintendent lives, Steve?" + +"Of course I do. I make it my business to know everything that I ought +to know. 'Live and learn' is my motto. It's a good one for you to adopt, +too." + +"I am beginning to think you are right." + +Reaching the house of the general superintendent, Rush halted. The +blinds had not been drawn and, looking through the front room into the +dining room beyond, the Iron Boys could see the superintendent seated at +the table with his family. + +"I think we had better walk up and down a few times until Mr. Penton +finishes his supper," suggested Rush. + +"He'll be better natured if we do, I guess," agreed Jarvis. "You have a +long head on you, Steve, but the trouble with you is that you keep that +fact so carefully concealed that a fellow doesn't get wise to it until +it's too late." + +Steve laughed softly. They had made their third trip around the block +when, halting once more in front of the house, they saw that the +superintendent had finished his supper. He was standing in the dining +room, hat in hand, talking with a member of his family. + +"Come on," called Steve, running up the walk, up the steps and ringing +the bell. + +"My, but you do bear out your name, the way you rush about," laughed +Jarvis. + +The door was opened by a servant. Steve gave his name and asked to see +Mr. Penton. The latter came out into the hall a few seconds later. + +"Good evening, boys. I was just on my way downtown to the post-office. +You may walk along with me and tell me what I can do for you." + +"We would rather speak with you here, sir, in private," answered Steve +earnestly. + +"Is it so important as that, my lad?" + +"It is, sir." + +"Come into the parlor," said Mr. Penton, leading the way and switching +on the electric lights. "State your business as briefly as possible." + +The superintendent seated himself, motioning the boys to be seated also. + +"By chance, I overheard a conversation between you and the mine captain +at chute seventeen the other day," said Steve. "I did not want to +listen, sir, but I will confess that what you said impressed me so +strongly that I took a deep interest in it." + +"Conversation about what?" demanded Mr. Penton rather more sharply than +was his wont. + +"About a shortage in the ore. You said the mine count did not agree with +the figures as reported from the head office, sir." + +Mr. Penton gazed shrewdly at his callers. Then he rose, and, closing the +door leading into the dining room, returned to his chair. + +"Well, lads," he said. "Have you come to see me on this subject?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I suppose you think you might be able to solve the mystery?" This was +said smilingly. + +"We have solved it, sir." + +"_What?_" + +"I said we have solved it; at least, enough of it to make the rest +comparatively easy." + +"You astound me beyond words. Will you be good enough to tell me then +the cause of this shortage?" + +"Yes, sir; the fault lies with your tally-boards." + +"That was my idea originally, but the mine captain assures me that he +has careful tally-men on every board." + +"I think he has very careful men there, sir. At least, they seem to me +to be looking out for their own interests pretty carefully." + +"You are making a most serious charge, Rush. Are you able to +substantiate this?" + +"I am, sir." + +"Do so." + +"Sub-level seventeen, to-day, as you will find by referring to your +report sheet, has sixty tons to its credit." + +"Wait a moment, Rush. My report sheet is in my desk in the library." + +The superintendent left the room, returning with the report sheet. He +ran down the page, placing his finger on a line, which he followed out +to the margin. + +"Your information is correct," he said, glancing up. "How do you happen +to have these figures?" + +"I have been watching the boards for two days." + +"Indeed?" + +"Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, though the tally sheet shows sixty tons +as having come from number seventeen sub-level, only forty tons were +actually mined there to-day." + +Mr. Penton gazed at Steve Rush, who had risen and was standing before +the superintendent, erect, steady-eyed and calm. + +"Again, my lad, I ask you how you come to be in possession of these +figures?" + +"My chum, Bob, here, got the figures from the drift to-day." + +"Ah, I see. You had arranged the plan?" + +"Yes, sir. Bob kept a very careful tally." + +"Jarvis, were you absent from sub-level number seventeen at any time +during the day?" + +"No, sir, excepting at meal time." + +"Are you positive enough of your own tally to be willing to swear to +it?" + +"I am, sir." + +"Then you have rounded up the whole case. There is nothing more to be +done--nothing more left for me to do except to act on the information +you have furnished me, which I shall do at once." + +"May I make a suggestion, sir?" + +"Certainly." + +"If you have any reason to believe this will not fully account for the +shortage, would it not be an excellent idea to have the other tally-men +inspected?" + +Mr. Penton reflected. + +"An excellent idea; yes, it shall be done. Tell me how the tally-man, +Marvin, worked his end of the game. Although you have not explained that +part of it, it goes without saying that he was in collusion with +Spooner." + +"Yes, sir; so I suspected from the first. I did not like his actions. He +appeared to be watching everyone about him. That aroused my suspicion +after hearing what I did when you and the mine captain were there. So I +watched him without pretending to do so. In the meantime he had driven +me away from the tally-boards while I was standing there looking at +them. While watching him I distinctly saw the fellow juggle the pegs and +give the Spooner contract credit for more loads than were then on the +chute. I counted and kept track of the Spooner cars, so that I could +check up with Bob. You see, I wanted to make absolutely sure that I was +right." + +"And your figures tallied?" + +"They did." + +"Lads, you have done the company a great service. I have no doubt but +that both of you will receive a substantial reward. Personally, I cannot +find words to express my appreciation. You have relieved me from a very +embarrassing situation. I shall show my appreciation in a more +substantial manner in due time." + +"We do not wish to be rewarded, Mr. Penton," returned Steve. "We are +working in the interest of the company that pays us our wages, just the +same as we should expect men to serve us if we were employers." + +"And you would find that you would be sadly disappointed in the rank and +file, boys. When I said 'reward,' I did not mean exactly a money reward, +although indirectly it will amount to the same thing. This company is +not slow to recognize merit. It gives every man a chance to show what +sort of stuff he is made of. If his is a low grade of ore, as we would +term it in the mines, then he stays where he is, but if of a higher +grade from which the finest steel is made, then the man goes on up as +fast as he is fitted to hold higher positions. There is practically no +limit to the positions to which young men in this company may aspire. +Take, for instance, the present president of this mining company, who is +now drawing a salary equal to that received by the President of the +United States. How do you suppose he began his career?" + +"I--I do not know, sir. I never heard," answered Steve. + +"He began with a shovel in his hands, just the same as you did something +like a week ago, and so did I, and so did the most of us who have risen +to the higher positions. But to return to our subject, I will have the +other tally centres investigated secretly." + +"It might be a good plan for you to have your captain watch the +tally-board at level number seventeen to-morrow. He can do so by +secreting himself in the skip shaft," suggested Steve. + +"I think your suggestion is a good one. In the meantime, of course, you +lads will be discreet--you will not mention what you have told me?" + +"You may depend upon us, sir." + +"Yes, I am aware of that. Come to see me to-morrow. I shall want to talk +with you. Good night, lads." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +STRAIGHTENING THE CROOKED ONES + + +A brief investigation on the part of the mine captain on the day +following verified all that the boys had told the superintendent. +Watching the tally-board man from behind the partition that shut off the +skip shaft, the captain saw the man falsify the tally of the ore cars, +making it show a considerable excess of the actual amount of ore +contained in each car. + +At noon Marvin was summoned to the office of the superintendent and +confronted with the facts. After a few minutes of stubborn denial, the +rascal gave in and told the whole story. He was to share half of the +amount thus gained with the man Spooner. Up to that time the two men had +made a substantial rake-off six days in every week. + +After the tally-man had made a clean breast of the steal the +superintendent said: + +"Go back to your post. You will receive further orders later in the day. +But see to it that nothing is said to Spooner until I have seen him; +then you two can talk and growl all you wish. You will have something to +growl about, I promise you that. How long has this thing been going +on?" + +"For six weeks, sir." + +"How much have you cheated the company out of thus far?" + +Marvin handed Mr. Penton a slip of paper on which he had made some +figures while talking, after which the tally-man departed very much +crestfallen. + +Spooner was the next man summoned, and the contractor passed the most +uncomfortable hour of his life under Mr. Penton's shrewd questioning. +Spooner had been a miner and his contracting was of only recent date. +When he saw that the superintendent was in possession of all the facts, +he admitted that he had been receiving pay for many tons a day more than +he had delivered to the company. + +Mr. Penton considered the matter for some moments, while the contractor +stood before him twisting his hat nervously between his hands, now and +then shifting his weight from one foot to the other. + +"What do you think I ought to do with a rascal like you?" finally +demanded the superintendent. + +"I'll give up my contract and go back to working in the drift." + +"You will do nothing of the sort! You will keep on with your contract +until you have paid back what you have robbed the company of, you and +your partner in crime, Marvin. You are a fine pair. By rights I ought to +send both of you to jail. Perhaps I may do that yet, but that will +depend upon what officials higher up order me to do. For the present, +however, you will engage to pay back what you have stolen; that is, +unless you prefer to hand over the money in a lump." + +"I haven't that much money--I have no money." + +"I thought not; therefore two thirds of the amount will be deducted from +the money due you each week and one third from the wages of the +tally-man." + +Spooner essayed to speak, but the words seemed to stick in his throat. +Finally he managed to mumble: + +"All--all right, sir." + +"But, mind you, no more of your thieving tricks, or I'll have you in the +cooler before you realize it." + +"All right, sir. I--I'd like to ask a question." + +"Ask it." + +"Who was the man who gave me away?" + +"You ought to know better than to ask me that question. Frankly, it is +none of your concern. We have been looking for this leak for some time, +and we have found it. Had you possessed a grain of common sense you +would have known that, sooner or later, you would have been checked up. +You're checked. The interview is ended. Go back to work." + +"I'll _find_ the man!" growled Spooner. "I'll find him if it takes all +the rest of my life to do it, and when I do----" + +"What then?" interrupted the superintendent, fixing stern eyes on the +man before him. + +"I'll tell him what I think of him," answered the contractor lamely, as +he left the room. + +All the other contract drifts had been found to be working regularly, so +it was reasonable that the entire shortage might be charged to Spooner. +As a matter of fact, this shortage tallied very closely with the figures +that the tally-man had given to the superintendent. + +When the contractor returned to his drift he was more subdued than any +of his regular shift had ever before seen him. They could not understand +the sudden change. There was one there, however, who did understand. +That one was Bob Jarvis. Bob was leaning against the "shore" just +outside of the vein the men were working. He was doing nothing in +particular. + +Some moments passed before Spooner discovered this. + +"Get in there, you, before I shove you in! Get hold of a shovel! What do +you think I'm paying you for? What are you trying to do--hold up the +wall? The lagging will do that without your help. Get to work." + +"I am working," answered Bob coolly, making no effort to obey the order +of the contractor. + +"You are working, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"May I inquire what you are working at?" + +"Yes, I'm working for the company. My particular business at this moment +is watching you." + +"Watching me?" + +"Yes, sir; I am here to check you up. I am not working for you to-day. +As I said, I am working for the company. Don't let me disturb you, sir. +I'll try not to get in the way." + +"Do you know why you are doing this?" + +"Yes; because I am ordered to do so." + +"Is that all you know?" + +"It may be, and then again it may not be." + +With a growl, Spooner turned and began to abuse his men, while Bob +remained leaning against the wall, checking each car as it was filled. + +In the meantime, when Marvin returned to his station on the level below, +he stepped to the tally-board and relieved the man who had been placed +there to act during the regular man's absence. + +As Marvin was looking over the boards Steve stepped up, touching him on +the shoulder. The tally-man's face flushed angrily. + +"What do you want?" + +"Merely to say to you that I have had orders to check you up, to see +that you check every car properly." + +"I won't stand it. I'll----" + +Steve shrugged his shoulders. + +"That is a matter with which I have no concern. You will have to fight +that out with the superintendent. I shall obey my orders and it will be +better for you, I should imagine, to submit without trying to make +matters uncomfortable for me. I shall do what I have been told to do, +just the same. When a train draws up you will plug only when you see +that I am looking at the board, please. I'll dump the cars after you +have done that and I shall know if you have moved the plugs when I am +not looking." + +Marvin's face twitched nervously, but he made no reply. + +There was nothing of triumph in Steve's attitude. The lad was attending +to business to the best of his ability. He discovered, after a time, +that Marvin was watching him narrowly. As he watched, the tally-man's +face grew blacker and blacker. + +"I wonder if he suspects?" thought Rush. + +As a matter of fact, Marvin was beginning to see light. At noon the +tally-man hurried away, after sulkily asking Steve to watch the +tally-board. First, however, the man made a memorandum of the tally, so +that Steve could not change it without Marvin's being aware of the fact. +The lad pretended not to have observed this, but a quiet smile hovered +about the corners of his mouth as he laid out his lunch on a clean, +white napkin on the bench beside him. + +Instead of going up in the cage, Marvin hastily climbed a ladder to the +sub-level, where he waited for Spooner to come out. + +"Well, what is it?" demanded the contractor in a surly tone. + +"I've got wise to something. Where can we talk?" + +"Come over in the drift here. There's no one near by." + +The men slipped into a dead drift, extinguished their candles and +engaged in earnest conversation. + +Bob Jarvis' shrewd eyes had observed the actions of the men. He was +sitting in the Spooner contract eating his lunch, but they had not +noticed him. + +"I wish I could find out what they are talking about," he muttered. "But +I am not a spy. I don't know that I care particularly. I'll tell Steve, +for I have an idea there is mischief in the air. There they go down the +level." + +The two men climbed down the ladder to the main level. A few minutes +later Steve saw Spooner alone, sauntering along the tracks. When the +contractor reached the chute he halted, peering over at the lad as if he +had just discovered him. + +"Hello, Rush," he greeted, turning and coming over to where Steve was +sitting. + +"Good afternoon." + +Spooner sat down on the bench, and, for a moment or two, nothing was +said, Steve continuing with his lunch as indifferently as if the +contractor had not been there. + +"So you're the sneak who gave me away, are you?" demanded Spooner, +turning upon the lad savagely. + +Steve eyed the contractor calmly. + +"Am I?" + +"You are!" + +"I may be the man, and in fact I will admit that I was instrumental in +exposing your crookedness, but I am not a sneak. It strikes me that you +have laid yourself open to being called one." + +The man's face turned white with anger. He opened and closed his +fingers, with difficulty restraining himself from fastening them upon +the calm-faced boy beside him. Steve munched his food steadily, but he +was watching the man narrowly. + +"I--I'll be even with you for that, you sneaking cur!" shouted Spooner. +"Yes, I'll be even with you!" + +"I wouldn't threaten, were I in your place. If anything should happen to +me you might be accused, you know," answered Rush in a tantalizing tone. +"What do you propose to do to me?" + +Spooner leaped up and shook his fist under the Iron Boy's nose. The +latter did not flinch. + +"What do I propose to do to you? I'll tell you what I am going to do to +you. I'm going to drive you out of this mine. I'll never stop till I've +driven you off the range and out of the mine country. You'll never be +able to get a day's work in a mine on this range after I get through +with you, if nothing worse happens to you in the meantime. I'll----" + +"It strikes me that you are pretty much in the same box yourself----" + +"Oh, I wish you were a man! I wish you weren't a weak, baby-faced kid! +I'd beat you to a pulp right----" + +"Don't let that worry you, Spooner. Sail in, if you feel you have got to +take it out of me. Perhaps you will feel better after you have vented +your ugly temper on someone, even if it is a boy. Now get off from this +platform!" commanded Rush, with a sudden change of tone, as he rose +quickly to his feet. "You've got no business here, anyway. Get out!" + +Steve grabbed up the iron bar with which he dumped the cars and started +for the contractor. He had no intention of using it on the man, but he +did not wish to engage in a fight with the fellow, being pretty sure +that he would get the worst of it, for Spooner was a large and powerful +man. Therefore the Iron Boy chose what he considered to be the most +effective way of ridding himself of the contractor's presence. + +Spooner hesitated a moment, then began backing up, his face pale with +rage, his fists clenched. + +"You had better turn about and face the other way, unless you want to +fall through the chutes," warned Steve. + +Spooner turned with an exclamation. A second more and he would have +fallen in and shot down to the level below. As it was, he was obliged to +jump over the opening to save himself, landing on the other side of the +track. There he paused and renewed his abuse of young Rush. + +"I've had enough of your nonsense! Get out!" commanded the sturdy lad. +He, too, leaped the chutes and made for the contractor, brandishing his +iron bar. Spooner turned and ran down the level until he reached the +ladder, up which he climbed to his own drift. + +"There, I guess I shall not be troubled by that fellow any more," said +Steve, returning slowly to his interrupted lunch. + +But he had not heard the last of Spooner. + +The contractor, fuming with rage, was already plotting the downfall of +the lad who had been the cause of his undoing. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +LAYING THE TRAP + + +Steve Rush and his companion had held a long consultation over the +events of the past few days. They had decided that it would be well to +watch both Spooner and Marvin. Bob had overheard a conversation, or +rather a few words, between the two men that warned him they were +plotting mischief. + +"What can they do?" asked Steve. + +"If we knew, we should have no cause to worry," answered Bob. + +"It is my opinion that they will put up some sort of job to waylay us +outside one of these nights. Well, we shall be ready for them. +Forewarned is forearmed, you know. If they try any such trick they'll +find we are pretty well able to take care of ourselves, even if we are +'weak kids,'" said Rush, with a smile. + +A number of weeks passed without incident. During that time Spooner and +Marvin made good their stealings. They were then called to the office +and both men were discharged. This occurred at the noon hour. They were +told to go back to the mine, get their tools and clear out. When the men +did return Steve and Bob Jarvis were eating their lunch up in the +Spooner drift. + +"There are the cubs now," whispered Marvin, pointing to the end of the +drift. "It's our chance." + +"Is it safe?" + +"As safe as it ever will be. If you haven't got the nerve to do it, I'll +do it myself." + +"I've got the nerve, all right, but I don't propose to put my neck in a +halter. I'd rather come back at some other time and carry the thing +through." + +"Getting cold feet already?" jeered Marvin. + +"Don't you talk to me like that, or I'll pound you right here and now. +Nobody ever accused Bob Spooner of having cold feet without getting +hurt." + +"You talk like it. But never mind; I'll do it. I owe him one and I owe +the mine more than one. They'll have something to settle and it'll cost +them a pretty penny, I reckon. It's now or never, for you and me. We'll +never get a better opportunity. How do you suppose we are going to get +in here after we leave to-day? Why, they wouldn't let us inside the cage +after the orders the big boss will give them at the top of the shaft." + +"Stop it! I'll do the trick. Where are the tools, though? I haven't a +saw in my kit." + +"I know where there is one. I sneaked it from the boss timber-man +yesterday after we had our talk. I hid it behind the lagging about half +way down the drift there. Come with me; I'll get it for you." + +"Be careful," warned Spooner, peering around a bend in the drift at the +two boys in the far end. From that distance he could see only their +bobbing candles. "All clear. Hurry!" + +Marvin reached to the top of the lagging at a certain point, and when +his hand came away it held a saw. + +"Here it is. Hurry, now!" + +Spooner tucked the saw under his coat. This done, he moved along the +drift away from the place where the boys were sitting, until he came to +a slanting partition. + +"There is a ladder inside. You know how to climb down it," whispered +Marvin, as he cautiously opened a door in the partition. The interior +was so dark that the men could see nothing. There was a sudden rush and +some unseen object tore by them in the blackness. It was an ore skip, +with its load of iron ore thundering to the surface. Its force was so +great as to extinguish the candles of the two miners. Marvin quickly +relighted them. + +"Now get in and be lively. You will have to get away before the +afternoon shift starts in, or you may get something down on your head." + +"You go down and stay on guard. If there is any danger, if anything +turns up, stamp three times on the floor when there is no skip going by. +Otherwise I shall not hear it." + +"I'm wise. Good luck! We can't lose this time and we'll be even with the +whole bunch for all time." + +Spooner stepped inside the dark chamber, pulling the door cautiously +shut after him. His long service in iron mines had given him an +excellent knowledge of every foot of the mine he was then working in, +and though in deep darkness, he was not at all uncertain in his +movements. + +The contractor was now in the large shaft through which the ore skips +ran with their cargoes to the top of the shaft, where they emptied the +ore into waiting trams which ran out over a trestle and dumped it on the +pile where Steve Rush had begun his work when he first came to the +Cousin Jack Mine. It was a dangerous place for one who was not wholly +sure of himself, but Spooner descended the ladder confidently, making +his way to the bottom, then down a short ladder to a platform that was +directly beneath that on which the tally-man and the dumper in level +seventeen stood when at their work. + +Reaching this platform, the contractor removed his candle from his hat, +making a careful examination of his surroundings. His attention finally +centred on a section of the flooring above. That particular part was +held up by a post some three feet in length, the latter being supported +by a two-inch plank laid across two other posts that protruded up +through the floor of the lower platform. + +"I wish those skips would get busy," muttered Spooner. "They'll hear the +saw above there if I am not careful." Then it occurred to him that, it +being the noon hour, the skips were not running regularly. With an +exclamation of disappointment, the man stepped up to the main post and +ran his hands over the plank that supported it. + +"I guess this will be about the right spot," he decided, placing his saw +about midway on the right-hand side of the post. Spooner took off his +blouse, throwing this over the saw to deaden the sound. Then, holding a +corner of the coat up by one hand that he might see what he was doing, +he began drawing the saw rapidly across the plank. The latter being hard +wood, his efforts were not productive of immediate results. But the saw +slowly ate its way into the tough timber until at last the man withdrew +it, and, holding his candle low, examined the cut he had made. + +"I think that will be enough for this side. I'll open up the other side +a little," he muttered. + +Spooner had just begun to saw when a sound somewhere above him caused +the man quickly to extinguish his candle. He stood still and listened. + +"What's this door doing unlatched?" demanded a voice, which the fellow +recognized as belonging to the mine captain. + +Spooner did not catch the reply. + +"Somebody will be tumbling into the shaft, first thing you know, and +then we shall have damages to pay." + +"I reckon you'll have some to pay as it is," muttered the man below. "I +hope this costs you a million!" + +The door through which Spooner had entered the shaft was closed with a +bang and he heard no more of the voice above him. + +"I've got to look sharp or I'll be caught. I haven't had a signal from +Marvin yet, so everything must be clear above us." + +Once more the steady rasp of the saw began on the other side of the +post, and a few minutes later the contractor used his candle to examine +his work. + +"I guess that will do the business," he chuckled. "And now I must be +getting out of here lively." + +Instead of taking the saw with him, the fellow tossed it over to one +side, then began climbing the ladder. Very soon he was at the door +opening on to the sub-level where his contract had been located. Spooner +opened it ever so little and listened. He could hear subdued voices. He +opened the door a little wider, and, as he did so, Steve Rush and Bob +Jarvis sauntered by. + +"Keep your eyes open, old chap," was Bob's parting salutation. + +"I will," answered Steve, starting down the ladder to his post. + +Jarvis returned to the drift where he was working--Spooner's old place. +This was the chance for the other man to get out of the shaft. He knew +it was time for the afternoon shift to go to work, and just as he slid +from the shaft and closed the door behind him the whistle blew the +signal to resume operations. The contractor ran along the drift, +gathering up his tools and starting down the same ladder that young Rush +had taken. + +Reaching the main level, the man took his time in going to the cage. At +the bottom of the shaft he was joined by Marvin. + +"Did you fix it?" whispered the latter. + +"Sh-h-h!" warned Spooner. + +The men ascended to the surface without exchanging further words. Once +in the open, however, Marvin said in a low tone: + +"Tell me about it." + +"It's done; it's all fixed." + +"You think it will work?" + +"I am sure of it." + +"Then somebody's stock will go down, and I don't know as I care a rap +whose it is." + +"I don't think we'll have to guess far to know whose it will be," +answered Spooner, with a grin. + +"What are you going to do?" + +"I am going over to Tracy to get a job. We can both get work there, but +they haven't lost us yet. No, sir; the Cousin Jack has not done with you +and me, by a long shot. We've got a few tricks left up our sleeves that +will open their eyes. But we have made a mighty good start; yes, sir, a +mighty good start." + +Chuckling at his own villainy, Spooner hurried along, the other man by +his side. + +Steve and Bob had returned to their work at once. The former was now +filling the place of the man Marvin at the tally-board, and at the same +time dumping the cars. The two jobs kept him continually moving, but +this Steve, true to his name, thoroughly enjoyed. He liked to be +driving ahead every minute of the day. + +From the moment the whistle blew he was hard at work. He had no time to +talk with the motor-man as he had before when dumping the cars, for he +had to keep the number of cars and the drift or contractor in his mind +while he was dumping them, and until he could jump back to the +tally-board. + +When night came Steve was ready to turn in. He confessed that he was +tired. For one thing he felt no little relief, and that was that Spooner +and Marvin were no longer in the employ of the company. + +The next morning the boys went to work in high spirits. The shift had +been at work something more than an hour, when the catch on one of the +tram cars caught as Steve sought to release it, and resisted his efforts +stubbornly. + +"Smash it!" cried the motor-man. "I'm in a hurry." + +"I'm going to," answered Steve. + +Raising the iron bar above his head, he brought it down on the offending +catch with all his strength. A crash followed and the ore shot down +through the chute with the roaring sound of a cataract. + +Instantly the second car was pushed over the chute. + +"Get busy, there!" yelled the motor-man when he saw that no effort was +being made to release the ore. + +He shouted several times, but there was no response from Rush. + +"Where's that lazy bones?" he demanded, hopping from his motor and +running around the end of the train. "What, what---- Something's +happened! Look!" shouted the motor-man, pointing to the platform. + +Steve had disappeared. In the place where he had stood a moment before +was a black hole about three feet square. Through this hole could be +heard the thunder of the skips as they rushed back and forth at almost +projectile speed. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +BORNE SKYWARD ON A SKIP + + +"He's gone through the hole! Call the captain! Where is he?" + +"I saw him on the sub-level above a minute ago," cried a brakeman, +running up the ladder to summon the mine captain. + +The latter was on hand, it seemed less than a minute later, and behind +him came Bob Jarvis. + +"What is it?" shouted the captain before he had reached the scene. + +"Tally-man and dumper gone down through the hole there." + +The captain started in amazement. + +"How did it happen?" he demanded excitedly. + +"I don't know. He just went through, that's all." + +"Who--who was it?" stammered Bob. + +"Steve Rush." + +Jarvis uttered a half articulate cry and began to let himself down into +the opening. The mine captain grabbed him. + +"You'll be killed," he said sternly, dragging the lad back to the +platform. "You cannot help your friend by going through that way." + +The captain opened the door leading into the skip shaft and ran down the +ladder. His quick glance took in the broken-down supports, but what he +did not see was that the planking beneath the post had been sawed part +way through. There was no planking there to see. + +There were no signs of Steve on the platform below. The captain hurried +back. + +"Jarvis, run to the telephone on this level, and tell each level below +to look for the body of a man who fell through the shaft." + +Bob started on a run. Despite his pluck, Bob Jarvis was trembling from +head to foot. + +"He's dead, he's dead! _They've_ done it. But how? No, it is impossible. +They couldn't be to blame for that. It was an accident." + +Word came back that there was no one in the shaft. + +"Who opened the hole?" asked Bob. + +"It is an old trap that has been closed for years. It simply caved in, +that's all. Order the timber-men to put in a new piece and some fresh +supports. Telephone to the top and find out if they have heard anything +there." + +No one seemed really to know what to do. All believed that Steve Rush +had been dashed to death. + +"Did--did he fall on a skip?" asked Bob in a trembling voice. + +"I am afraid that is what has happened," replied the mine captain. "I am +waiting to hear from the surface and if they have seen nothing of the +body, we will examine the shaft all the way up." + +Bob groaned and, walking over, leaned heavily against the partition. + +Steve's fall had been so sudden that he had no time even to utter a cry. +The blow that he had given the catch on the tram car had been too much +for the sawed support under the old trap. The support had collapsed +under his weight and Rush had dropped through the opening. + +He shot down feet first to the platform below, bounded off and dropped +into the shaft itself. + +Something caught and lifted him through the air at a frightful rate of +speed. Steve had been caught by the ore skip, and was being borne to the +surface nearly two thousand feet above. The lad had by this time lost +consciousness, for the shock when the skip caught him had been a heavy +one. It seemed as if it must have broken every bone in his body. + +On roared the skip with its human burden. The car shot out into the +daylight, then darted up the fifty-foot shaft that towered above the +opening to the mine. + +Reaching the top, its burden of ore was dumped into a waiting tram car +on the trestle, after which the skip dived down into the depths again. + +The dump-man on the trestle caught sight of something that was not ore +falling into his car. Instead of starting the car along the trestle, he +sprang up on the side board. + +"I wonder what that was? It looked like a human being!" he exclaimed. +Then his eyes caught sight of a piece of clothing. The man tugged at the +cloth, but it did not give way. + +"It's a man!" he shouted, clambering over on the car and beginning to +dig frantically with his hands. "Stop the skips, _stop_ them quick!" + +But his warning came too late. A skip load of ore was dumped down on the +loaded car, most of it sliding off to the ground fifty feet below. +Enough remained, however, to bury the dump-man and the man he was trying +to drag out. + +But the dump-man was full of grit. He fought desperately and in a moment +succeeded in pushing off the ore that held the body down. He was now +working with frantic haste to get the other man out, knowing full well +that the unfortunate one would be suffocated if he already were not +dead. + +By this time other men, attracted by the dump-man's cries, were scaling +the trestle at a dozen different places. Among them was the +superintendent himself, who, on his way to the dry house to put on his +miner's suit preparatory to going below ground on his usual daily round, +had heard the cry for help up on the trestle. The superintendent, +despite his size, got to the top of the trestle ahead of any of the +others and started on a run for the scene. + +"What's the trouble, Collins?" he shouted. + +"Man thrown up on the skip, sir." + +"Is he dead?" + +"I can't say, sir. I think most likely he is." + +"Who is it?" + +"Don't know him, but he's a young 'un. He's pretty badly banged up, so +far as I can see." + +Superintendent Penton threw himself to the top of the ore car and +assisted in getting the man out. At first he did not recognize the limp +figure as being that of Steve Rush, for the red ore had been ground into +the cut and bleeding face of the lad until he was almost unrecognizable. + +"Send for the stretchers. This man must be gotten to the hospital on the +jump!" shouted the superintendent. + +The dump-man had lifted the boy from the car, had laid him down on the +trestle and with his handkerchief was wiping the dark-red ore from the +lad's mouth, eyes and nose. + +"He's alive, sir," called Collins. "But I reckon he won't be for very +long." + +Mr. Penton stepped over, after giving his orders, and looked keenly down +into the pale face before him. + +"What!" he exclaimed, bending close to the injured boy. "Good heavens, +it's Steve Rush! This is too bad. How did it happen?" + +"I don't know, sir. The first I knew about it he came out of the hopper +kerflop. I jumped up to dig him out, and then I went kerflop with a load +of ore on my back. Woof! It's lucky for me the car was full or I'd have +been at the bottom of the heap." + +Mr. Penton had picked Steve up in his arms. The burden seemed as nothing +to this powerful man. And even when he reached the ladder leading down +to the ground the superintendent appeared to experience no difficulty in +making his way down with the heavy load he was carrying. + +Steve was rushed to the hospital, followed by the superintendent +himself. The lad was still unconscious. A hasty examination by the +surgeon was made in the presence of the superintendent. + +"Well?" Mr. Penton threw a world of meaning into the word. + +"No bones are broken. There may be some internal injury. I should judge +there might be, from the fact that he is bleeding at the mouth. What +happened?" + +"He was thrown up by the skip. That's all I know about it now. I want to +know whether or not the boy is going to die. Then I will find out how it +happened." + +After working over the unconscious boy for half an hour, the surgeon +decided that there had been a severe concussion that might amount to a +fracture. A few hours, he said, would tell the story. + +"I'll be back within the hour. Let no efforts be spared to straighten +the lad out, if it be possible." + +Steve lay limp and pallid, his face almost as white as the sheets of the +cot on which he had been placed, and there was a troubled look in the +eyes of the big-hearted superintendent as he left the company's hospital +and hurried to the shaft. + +"Let me off at the seventeenth level," he directed, taking his place in +the cage. A few minutes later found him at the chutes where the accident +had occurred. Bob, pale-faced and anxious, had been placed at the +tally-board and the work of the mine was going on much as usual. + +"Please, Mr. Penton, is Steve badly hurt?" demanded the lad, running +over to the superintendent the instant he saw him approaching. + +"I fear he is, my boy. How did the accident occur?" + +"We hear he was carried up on the skip and dropped on the trestle." + +"I mean what happened here?" + +"The boy fell through the old trap there," explained the mine captain, +approaching at that moment. + +"Fell through the trap?" demanded Mr. Penton in surprise. + +"Yes, the old trap that was closed several years ago. The men are fixing +it so a similar accident won't occur again." + +"Tell me exactly what happened." + +"I didn't see it. The motor-man there can tell you. He is just coming in +now." + +The motor-man explained that young Rush was hammering at the dump-car +catch when the trap gave way beneath him and he went down. That was all +that anyone below ground knew about the accident. In fact, that was all +there was to tell so far as any one in the mine knew. + +Mr. Penton looked grave. It was an accident that reflected on him, for +the corporation looked to him to make the mine safe. He was greatly +disturbed, but more on Steve's account than on his own. + +The superintendent climbed down into the skip shaft and made an +examination on his own account. + +"Where are the supports that held up the trap?" he demanded upon his +return to the platform. + +"If they ain't there we must have thrown them into the shaft," explained +the timber-man. + +"You should have known better than that. Was it a break?" + +"It was a break, all right. The thing just gave out, and that's all +there was to it. But you can bet this one won't give way, not in a +thousand years. It'll be here long after the old mine has caved in." + +Mr. Penton did not go on with his inspection of the mine that day. He +was too full of anxiety for Steve Rush. Bob had begged to be let off for +the afternoon, and Mr. Penton had willingly granted his request. The lad +hurried to the hospital, after having changed his clothes, and at his +earnest request he was allowed to sit beside Steve. The boy could +scarcely keep the tears back as he gazed down into the pale face of his +companion. Bob was sure in his own mind that Steve was dying and Jarvis' +eyes were large and sorrowful as he watched the surgeon working over the +unconscious patient. + +Mr. Penton came, remained a short time, then went away; he, too, +convinced that Rush could not recover. Night came on, but still Bob sat +beside the hospital cot, one hand slipped under the sheet clasping a +hand of his companion. + +"You had better go home," said the surgeon, seeming for the first time +to be aware of Jarvis' presence. + +Bob did not answer. + +"I said, you had better go home, Jarvis." + +"I want to stay," answered the boy simply. + +"You can do him no good." + +"When will he get better--or worse?" + +"I do not look for any change before three o'clock in the morning or +thereabouts, so you see it will be useless for you to remain." + +"All right; I am not sleepy," and Bob turned his face toward the cot, +again fixing his gaze on the face of the unconscious Steve. + +The surgeon shrugged his shoulders and proceeded with his duties. The +hours dragged along, but Bob never changed his position nor even moved, +so fearful was he of doing something that might retard his friend's +recovery. Three o'clock came and still there was no change. Another half +hour elapsed. The sky was graying in the east. Steve uttered a low moan. +The surgeon was at his side in an instant. He placed an ear to the boy's +heart, then took his pulse, watch in hand. Bob's eyes were fixed on the +surgeon now. The latter shut his watch with a snap, then noting the +pleading question in the watcher's eyes, he nodded. + +"He is better. The change is coming, and unless something unlooked for +occurs he should return to consciousness soon." + +Bob drew a short, quick breath that was half a sob, settling down into +his former watchful position. + +Now the surgeon remained by the side of the cot. Occasionally he would +administer a few drops of medicine. When the patient choked a little and +swallowed, the surgeon would nod approvingly. + +All at once Steve Rush's eyelids fluttered open. His gaze was fixed for +a brief instant on the face of his companion. Jarvis held his breath. + +"Bob," murmured the lad, then closed his eyes wearily. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE SHAFT + + +"The crisis has passed," announced the surgeon in a relieved tone. + +Two great tear drops rolled down Bob Jarvis' cheeks. He brushed them +away and rose from the chair in which he had been sitting all night. + +"I'm going home. I must get ready to go to work. If he should become +worse won't you please let me know?" + +"Yes," answered the surgeon, giving the boy a quick, keen glance. "He'll +be all right now. No need to worry." + +Bob went to his boarding place happier and more light of heart than he +ever had been before. + +Steve's recovery was very slow, however. All that day and the next he +was too weak to talk, having lost considerable blood. Then again the +shock had been greater than many men could have sustained and lived to +tell about. + +At the end of a week the invalid was allowed to sit up, but ten days had +elapsed before it was considered prudent to permit him to dress and walk +about. Bob spent all his evenings with his companion, but they did not +discuss the accident. Each lad tacitly avoided the subject. + +The first day that Rush was allowed to go out of doors he walked over to +Mr. Penton's office, a hundred yards away, and asked permission to see +the superintendent. Mr. Penton welcomed the young man warmly. + +"I am glad to see you out, Rush. You had a pretty close call, didn't +you?" + +"I guess so, though I do not remember much about what happened beyond a +certain point." + +"If you feel strong enough I wish you would tell me exactly what +occurred leading up to the accident," said the superintendent. + +"Oh, yes, sir; I am strong enough. I could go to work and I think I +shall to-morrow." + +"We'll see about that." + +Steve related briefly what he knew of the accident, but his story shed +no new light on the affair. He could not even guess how it had happened, +beyond what Mr. Penton himself told the boy. + +"There is one thing I should like to do, sir," said Steve. + +"And what is that?" + +"I wish you would give me permission to examine the shaft where I fell +in." + +"That already has been done. Something gave way, and----" + +Steve smiled faintly. + +"I have reason to know that something gave way," he said. "I wish I +could satisfy myself, though, just how it happened." + +"Of course. There is no objection to your doing so." + +"I will ask Bob Jarvis to help me. He is a shrewd boy, and he may see +some things that I might not notice." + +"He will have to be pretty keen if he does," laughed Mr. Penton. "I +cannot imagine much of anything escaping your observation. But, my lad, +you have some reason for wanting to do this. What is it?" + +"I want to find out how the accident occurred." + +"Ah, you suspect something?" + +"I do not know whether I do or not. Perhaps I am curious. Most boys have +some curiosity, you know, sir." + +"Go ahead, but do not try it until you are well and strong. We can't +afford to have you laid up again. We need you, you know." + +A faint flush stole into Steve Rush's face. He had grown to be very fond +of the big-bodied, big-hearted superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine in +the few months that he had known him. + +"I thank you, sir. You are very kind to me. I want to tell you how much +I appreciate it all." + +"Rubbish!" scoffed Mr. Penton. + +On the third day following, Steve made his first trip below ground since +the accident. The lad was welcomed with enthusiasm by nearly every one +he met, many of whom he knew only by sight. + +"I never knew I was so popular," smiled Steve, after he had looked up +Jarvis, who was still at work at level seventeen. + +Bob grinned. + +"I reckon there are certain quarters where you are not so popular, eh?" + +"I should not be surprised if that were true. But those quarters no +longer exist, I understand." + +"Yes; the pair have hit the trail over the mountains. What are you going +to do down here to-day?" + +"I am going down in the skip shaft." + +Jarvis nodded understandingly. + +"Mr. Penton said you might knock off and go with me." + +"Did he? That's fine. I'll see the mine captain and tell him." + +"I have told him already. You may come with me now, and we'll make a +little examination on our own hook." + +Bob dropped his shovel, and, telling the shift boss where he was going, +accompanied Steve down the ladder to the level below. There the lads +looked over the platform by the tally-board, Steve pointing out where he +was standing when he went through the floor. + +"I never knew there was a trap there," he said, pointing to the new +planking that covered the hole through which he had dropped. + +"Nor I. I guess not many men in the mine knew about it. The timbers +supporting it must have been rotten." + +"Perhaps," answered Steve dryly. "Come on up to the sub-level; we will +begin our investigation there." + +Bob followed, though he did not fully understand the purpose of his +companion. Rush made his way to the door on the sub-level through which +the man Spooner had entered the shaft. The lad opened the door and stood +peering in, holding his candle ahead of him as he did so. + +"You are not going in here, are you?" questioned Jarvis. + +"Yes." + +"Why not go in on the level below and save this climb?" + +"I have my reasons, old man. Do you see the red mud on the rungs of the +ladder here?" + +"Yes, I see it; but what does that prove?" + +"No one has any business in this shaft and yet someone has been here +rather recently, for the mud is still soft. That mud came from some +one's rubber boots not so many moons ago." + +"You ought to be a detective," exclaimed Bob admiringly. + +"We will go down now. Be careful. This isn't a very safe place, and a +misstep would take you to the surface by the route I followed two weeks +ago." + +Once on the platform below, the boys halted. Holding their candles above +their heads, they looked about them curiously. A new post had been set +in place of the old one, the latter still lying on the platform. This +the boys examined carefully. + +"You see, the post is in good condition, Bob. The post didn't give way, +after all. I wonder how it was held up?" + +"Perhaps it rested on a piece of wood placed across these two posts that +project up through the floor," suggested Bob. + +"Yes, that's so. I think you are right. But where is the piece? I should +like to see it." + +Steve was hunting here and there with his customary energy, while Bob +Jarvis stood looking on, not being quite sure what he should do. + +"You look about on that side, Bob. Be careful that you don't fall into +the shaft. Here is sawdust on the floor, but I presume the men did that +when they put in the new support. Hello! I've got something." + +Steve triumphantly held up a saw that he had found. + +"This may mean something and it may not. We shall find out when we get +back again." + +Suddenly the boy uttered an exclamation. + +"What is it?" demanded Bob, hastening over to the spot where Steve was +pulling something from between the platform and the rock wall of the +shaft. What he had found was a piece of plank from which two pieces had +been split off. At the breaking point on each end they plainly saw the +cut of a saw. + +"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered Bob. "Is that the plank that +held up the post?" + +"Judging from the mark in the middle, I should say it was. Bring the old +post over here." + +Bob did so, and at Steve's direction placed the end of the post on the +broken piece of plank. The post fitted the faint outline perfectly. + +"Well, what do you think of that?" breathed Jarvis. + +"That somebody has tried to make a clean job of getting me out of the +way. That plank was sawed partly through so that it might not break at +once, but would do so when any extra weight was thrown upon it. We must +find those other pieces, Bob. Look about. I guess we'll have something +to report to Mr. Penton." + +Illustration: Steve Triumphantly Held Up a Saw. + +"Shall we say who did it?" + +"We can't really say. We may have our suspicions, but unless we get more +evidence we shall have to let it go as it is. I have some facts in my +possession that may help us, though." + +Steve got down on his hands and knees and began going over the floor +with great thoroughness. He was keen and alert and his eyes glowed with +resolute purpose. + +"Here's one of the broken pieces," cried Bob. + +"Good. See if you can find the other. We shall have our case complete in +a few minutes if we keep on having such good luck." + +But one piece was all that Bob was able to find, the other no doubt +having been thrown into the shaft. The one found was lying at the edge +of the platform near its end. + +"I guess there is nothing more here for us to do," decided the lad +finally. "We will take our evidence and go to Mr. Penton." + +"We haven't enough to hang a dead cat on." + +Steve smiled. + +"We shall see," he answered. "You tuck the saw under your coat and I +will carry the boards." + +Entering the first cage that stopped at this level, the boys were +quickly conveyed to the surface. Steve asked the cage-tender at the +mouth of the shaft if he had seen the superintendent about the shaft, +and was informed that Mr. Penton was at that moment in the dry house. He +was no doubt dressing to go down in the mine. + +The boys hurried to the dry house, finding Mr. Penton talking with one +of the time-checkers. + +"May we see you alone, sir?" asked Steve. + +"Certainly. Come into my dressing room. You have some news, eh?" queried +the superintendent, flashing a keen glance at them. + +"We think we have, sir." + +After entering the dressing room, Mr. Penton nodded for them to proceed. +Steve went right to the point. + +"We have been down in the skip shaft." + +"On seventeen platform?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did you discover anything of consequence?" + +"Mr. Jarvis has a saw that we found there. It belongs to one of the +timber-men, and was stolen from him the day before the accident." + +The superintendent pricked up his ears at this. + +"I learned that fact this morning. He doesn't know that we have the saw. +We found it where it had evidently been thrown by the person who used +it. And here is something else, sir." + +Steve laid the broken pieces of plank on a table. Mr. Penton picked them +up, turning them over in his hands, pausing when he discovered the marks +of the saw, then he glanced at Steve. + +"What is this?" + +"It is the support that rested under the post holding up the old trap," +answered the lad. + +"Then--then----" + +"Someone had sawed it partly through, so the support would give way and +let someone else down. I happened to be the one who was let down." + +The smile vanished from the eyes of the general superintendent and the +lines of his face hardened perceptibly. + +"How do you know this piece supported the post?" + +"You will find the mark of the post on it. We fitted the post to the +mark to make sure. Whoever did the job, entered the skip shaft from +sub-level seventeen. I am sure of this, because I found fresh mud on the +rungs of the ladder. No one is supposed to go down there, is he, sir?" + +"No; no one does go down there. This is very serious. Why did not my men +discover all these things?" + +"I guess they did not look very sharply. The evidence was there to be +found if one looked hard enough." + +"Rush, you suspect someone?" said Mr. Penton sharply. "Whom do you +suspect?" + +"Perhaps this may answer the question," answered the lad, laying on the +table a brass time check about the size of a half dollar. + +"Where--where did you get this?" + +"On the platform where the job was done, sir," answered Steve, directing +a steady gaze at the stern face of the superintendent. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THEIR FIRST PROMOTION + + +"Wait a minute," said Mr. Penton, hurrying across the hall to the office +of the time-keepers. + +He was gone but a few moments and when he returned there was a look on +his face that Steve had never seen there before. It was a look that +meant trouble for someone. The superintendent sat down, gazing out of +the window at the towering shaft of the Cousin Jack Mine. + +"You did not answer my previous question. I asked you whom you +suspected." + +"I dislike to make so serious a charge against anyone, sir, but a +certain man was seen standing near the door leading down to the platform +the day before I fell in. Two persons saw him." + +"Who was the man?" + +"The man was Spooner, sir." + +"You are sure of that?" + +"Sure of it according to my information." + +"Well, lad, this is Spooner's time check that you have brought to me," +replied Mr. Penton in an impressive voice. + +"I reckon that evidence would hang a live cat," muttered Bob Jarvis. + +"Yes, it is sufficient evidence to warrant my looking up the man and +lodging a complaint against him. Was he alone when he was seen at the +door of the shaft, or don't you know?" + +"Marvin was with him, sir." + +"Ah! Rush, you have done well. You are a very shrewd young man. In fact, +I am proud of both of you. When we have anything of this sort on hand +again I shall get you to investigate it. However, I do not believe there +is another man in the mine who is wicked enough to attempt the life of a +boy. There is another matter that I have had in mind for some time. That +is, your advancement. You have learned fast. You already know more about +the mine and its operation than a number of men who have spent the +greater part of their lives below ground." + +"Thank you, sir. We have tried to improve our opportunities." + +"You have done so. You have done the company a great service in finding +the place where the shortage occurred. I have already expressed myself +on this point. After receiving my report in that case, the president of +the company wrote me to reward you as I saw fit. I shall do so by +promoting you. It is not much of a promotion, but it will give you an +opportunity to acquaint yourselves the better with the mine and its +operations. I now appoint you two boys inspectors of tracks. Your duties +will be to see that the tram tracks are in perfect condition. It will +keep you busy, for there are a good many miles of track in the Cousin +Jack. You, Rush, will take the east half and Jarvis the west. That will +take you both well over the mine. It would be simpler to divide your +territory by levels, but I consider the former plan the better one for +your own good. You will require some technical information that the +engineer will give you. He also will supply you with maps of the +trackage, which you will study carefully." + +"I am very grateful," breathed Steve, his eyes lighting up. + +"You're welcome, lad. I want to push you along as fast as you are ready, +but you must not expect to go too fast." + +"I think I have done very well as it is, sir." + +"Your pay will be two dollars a day." + +Twelve dollars a week! It was more money than either of the boys ever +had earned before. To them it seemed a large sum of money. They were +very happy and proud. Their new work was to begin on the following +morning. Jarvis went back to finish his day at drifting in ore, while +Steve returned to his boarding place, where he sat down and wrote a long +letter to his mother, telling her of his good fortune. + +In the meantime Mr. Penton set an inquiry on foot to locate Spooner and +Marvin. The men had applied for work in a neighboring mine, he learned, +but had failed to get employment there. Neither man had been seen in +those parts since. Mr. Penton decided that they had left the range, and +he was thankful for it, as it relieved him of an unpleasant duty. +However, that day he made a detailed report to the president of the +mining company by letter, giving the boys full credit for what they had +discovered. Mr. Penton also made report of the promotion he had given +them. This was afterwards heartily endorsed by President Carrhart. + +Early the next morning the boys went over the mine with an assistant +engineer. He gave them a long talk on tracks, Steve asking many +questions as they went along. That afternoon the Iron Boys began their +work, having laid out a certain number of levels that were to be visited +each day. As Mr. Penton had told them, their new position took them to +nearly every part of the mine, from the lowest working level to the tram +tracks on the surface and far up on the trestle. + +By the time that they had been at their new work for several months, +each lad had proved that he was worthy of the confidence placed in him +by the general superintendent. + +Steve had been figuring on a problem in his department for a long time, +and one day he went to the superintendent with it, or rather to learn +whether the problem were a problem at all. + +"I want to ask, Mr. Penton, if the expense of keeping up your motors +that draw the dump cars in the mines is very great." + +"I should say it is," was the prompt answer. "You see, they draw very +heavy loads. Those cars of ore are not light." + +"I am well aware of that. You will remember that I had a load dropped on +me once," smiled Steve. + +"We wear out, I should say, on an average of six motors a year. That +runs into money. And the repairs on them, in the meantime, are very +expensive." + +"Would any arrangement that would tend to lessen the strain on the +motors be of advantage to the company?" + +"That is self-evident. Of course it would. What is more, relieving the +cars of the strain to which they are subjected would save a few thousand +dollars a year. Have you something in mind?" + +Mr. Penton smiled good-naturedly on the young man who was standing +before him. + +"Yes, sir, I have a plan by which I think you ought to be able to save +your electric motors considerably and at the same time make greater +speed in getting ore to the chutes." + +"If you have a practical plan for doing that you will have accomplished +a great deal, young man. What is your plan?" + +"Well, sir, it is an engineering problem. Not being an engineer, I +perhaps shall not be able to overcome all the difficulties in the way. I +can tell you, though, what I think would help." + +"Do so." + +"I find that in most of the levels there is a considerable up grade to +the chutes where the tram cars are dumped." + +"That is a fact." + +"Would it not be much better to have the loaded cars run down grade to +the chutes? Then they would go back up the grade empty," suggested Steve +half hesitatingly. + +Mr. Penton gazed at him quizzically. + +"Do you know, my boy, you have made a suggestion that even the keenest +of our engineers evidently never have thought of?" + +"I am glad if I have suggested something worth while," said Steve, with +a pleased smile. + +"But how do you propose to go about it? The levels are made and the +tracks are laid to fit the conformation. How are you going to get over +that condition?" asked the superintendent, with a twinkle in his eyes. + +"As I told you, I am not an engineer." + +"But you have an idea?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Let's hear it." + +"I have watched the trackmen grading on the railroad and I do not see +why you cannot do the same thing here. You have plenty of waste dirt and +rock in the mine. It is being taken out every day. Why not utilize some +of it in raising the tracks at the 'rises'? That would give the cars a +good start and the electric motor would not have to wear itself out +getting the cars started. Continue doing this, even if you have to begin +cutting the level lower down by the chutes. I am sure that that feature +could easily be overcome by your engineers. In the sub-levels and new +drifts you could do the same thing." + +"How?" + +"Cut down to them, sir, when you are drifting in. I want you to know +that this is not wholly my idea. My friend Bob, in discussing the track +question with me, said it was a pity that the motors had to haul their +loads up hill in most instances. I got to thinking over this and out of +it all came the plan I have proposed, so you see he is the one who is +really entitled to the credit." + +"The credit is yours. Rush, you've a great head on that slender body of +yours, and it isn't so slender, at that, judging from the ease with +which you picked up a rail one day last week and laid it in place." Mr. +Penton laughed. "No; not so slender as it might seem to one who did not +know you. This is really a very important matter. It is a matter that I +shall have to take up with the main office at Duluth. I have an idea +that they will adopt your suggestion without very much delay," said Mr. +Penton. + +"Yes, sir." + +"The engineering department reports that the inspection of tracks has +never been done so thoroughly and intelligently as since you and Jarvis +have been on the work. This naturally pleases me very much. It shows me +that my estimate of you was correct. Have you anything else to suggest?" + +"No, sir; I think not. I think that will be about enough for to-day." + +The superintendent agreed with him and Steve went back to his work. Bob +Jarvis was quickly acquainted with what the superintendent had said, +much to the latter's gratification. In due time, the plan having been +passed upon by the company's engineers at the home office, word was +received at the mines that it had been adopted. The young men who had +suggested it were highly commended, President Carrhart adding in his +letter to Mr. Penton: + +"I knew that boy Rush couldn't help but do something, with a name like +his." + +The work was put in progress as soon after that as the plans could be +worked out, bearing in mind that the operation of the mine must not be +interfered with. It may be imagined with what keen interest Steve Rush +and Bob Jarvis watched the changing of the grades. They were also +interested in another direction, when, one pay day soon after, they +found that their salaries had been raised to fifteen dollars a week +each. + +Bob declared he felt like a millionaire. + +"What are you going to do with all that money?" asked Steve. + +"I think I shall buy some of the company's stock," answered Jarvis. + +"Not a half bad idea. That is what I am going to do when I get money +enough. As it is, I am sending home most of what I earn. But the money +is in good hands," he smiled. + +"Mine's in the bank. I am getting four per cent. interest on it, but I +haven't got to where I can live on the interest I receive from it. I was +figuring the other night, and at the present rate it will be twenty +years before I shall be able to live on my income--my interest, I mean." + +"Well, I don't want to live on my income. I want to be up and doing +something as long as I've got a kick left in me. Cheer up, Bob, you may +be a millionaire yet." + +"Yes; when I have long, yellow whiskers, maybe," laughed Jarvis. + +In the course of two months the new system was working to the +satisfaction of everyone. Already it was being applied to the other +mines belonging to the company, and even at that early day it was +apparent that the Rush Gravity System, as it was called, was destined to +prove a great saving to the company. The name, too, was considered +unusually appropriate. + +One day, a few months later, as Steve was on his rounds, he caught sight +of a man in miner's costume who instantly attracted his attention. The +man was rather tall and wore a full beard. Rush stopped and gazed after +the fellow until he passed out of sight. + +"I wonder who he is?" muttered Steve. "There is something about +him--about the way he folded his hand over his mouth, that is +unpleasantly familiar to me." + +On the day following, while Steve was chatting with one of the shift +bosses on the twelfth level, he saw the fellow again. + +"Who is that man?" asked the boy sharply, pointing to the one who had +attracted his attention. + +"His name is Klink--John Klink." + +"What does he do?" + +"He is acting as a drift inspector at present, I believe." + +"Klink?" mused the lad. "I don't think I ever heard the name before. Do +you know where he comes from?" + +"I think he comes from the San Juan Mine, over on the McCormick range. I +don't know anything about him, but he seems to know his business pretty +well. He is inspecting temporarily. The inspector whose place he is +taking is at home sick. Klink is a boss miner." + +"I must have been mistaken," thought Rush, as he proceeded along his +route inspecting the tracks on that level. "But I can't get it out of my +mind that I have seen the fellow somewhere before, and under unpleasant +circumstances, at that." + +He had, and at no distant day, he was destined to see the man under +still more unfavorable circumstances. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS + + +For a week past there had been a great deal of work done in the Cousin +Jack in the way of cleaning up and putting things in the best possible +shape. The mine was to receive visitors. The annual inspection by +prominent officials of the company was to be made, and the visitors +might be looked for now on almost any day. + +It was understood, also, that several New York officials were to be in +the party, and every department head in the mines was ordered to leave +nothing undone to have all things under his charge in perfect order. + +"We are about the only ones whose work won't show," complained Jarvis. + +"Why not, Bob?" demanded Steve. + +"Why, a track is a track, that's all. It doesn't show all the work we +have put on it. They'll just walk along on our job while they are +admiring the other fellow's work." + +"I think you are in error. The officials of these big corporations are +all practical men. Most of them have had personal experience; some of +them have not. I don't know about the New Yorkers, but I know Mr. +Carrhart has been all through the mill. He will notice everything; you +see if he doesn't." + +Three days after this conversation the visitors arrived. The Iron Boys +were engaged in other parts of the mine and did not know of the arrival. +Along in the early afternoon, however, their duties led them to the +seventeenth level. Of course they were on opposite sides of the mine, +but as it chanced each was heading for the chutes on that level, where +their patrol would end. After a time a bobbing candle appeared far down +the level. A moment later another appeared coming from the opposite +direction. + +Two young men came swinging along the tracks. Their step was springy and +there was an alertness about them that at once attracted the observing +ones. These two were Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis. They approached each +other rapidly and waved their hands in greeting. + +"Bob, there are the visitors," said Steve in a low tone. + +"Oh, that's so; I hadn't noticed them. When did they come in?" + +"I do not know. I had not seen them before." + +Eight or ten men were assembled on the platform where the tally-board +was located. The superintendent was holding an earnest conversation +with them, the visitors keeping up a running fire of questions and +comment. They had been through part of the mine and were discussing +conditions and proposed improvements. + +The boys had matters of their own to discuss, so they gave little +attention to the gathering, so far as the latter observed. But the lads +were interested, just the same. + +"I suppose most of those fellows are millionaires," said Bob, indicating +the group by a jerk of his thumb in their direction. + +"They are not fellows, Bob; they are gentlemen," corrected Rush. + +"How do you know they are?" came back the quick question. + +"It is reasonable to suppose they are. I know one of them is, for I have +met him." + +"Who is that?" + +"Mr. Carrhart, president of the company." + +"They all look like miners to me. Put a shovel in their hands and they +wouldn't be at all different from us. But we mustn't be standing here +doing nothing. While we are here, let's take a look at the tracks over +the chutes. There is a rail a little down at the heels. I shall have to +report it as dangerous. Getting a car off here blocks the whole line. I +wonder when that edge broke down. It was all right when I inspected it +yesterday." + +Steve took out his memorandum book and made a note of the condition of +the rail for immediate report to the engineering department. + +While the boys were thus engaged some of the party stood looking in +their direction. + +"Mr. Penton, who are those young men standing over yonder?" asked Mr. +Carrhart. + +"They are my track inspectors. They are a pair of likely young fellows. +I'll wager there isn't a another pair of their age on the range that can +equal them." + +At this every one of the party turned to look at the Iron Boys, who, all +unconscious of the attention they were attracting, were busy with their +work. + +"The chances are they do not even know you gentlemen are here, so +attentive are they to their work." + +"Who are they, Penton? I am interested in these prodigies," laughed Mr. +Carrhart. + +"The taller of the two is Robert Jarvis. The other is Steve Rush, after +whom the Rush Gravity System is named. You will remember, Rush suggested +the change to the gravity system." + +"Steve Rush?" exclaimed the president. "Why, I was going to ask you +about the young man. I wish to talk with him, and the boy Jarvis, also. +Rush is my find, you will remember, Penton." + +"I was congratulating myself that I was his discoverer," laughed the +superintendent. + +"No, you will remember my sending him up to you with a letter. You know +I saw that he had good material in him. He was a live wire, even then." + +"I give way; the honor is yours," answered Mr. Penton. + +The party was in great good humor. + +"If you can spare your young friends from their duties, for a few +moments, I should like to speak with them." + +"Surely. Rush!" + +"Yes, sir." + +The lad straightened up, touching his cap immediately. + +"Will you step over here, please?" + +Steve strode across the tracks. + +"Jarvis, you, too." + +"Yes, sir." + +"How are you, Rush?" exclaimed President Carrhart, stepping forward and +extending a cordial hand. + +"How do you do, Mr. Carrhart. I am afraid my hand is not shakeable. It +is grimy with red ore." + +"We will shake all the same, lad." + +They did so, the president holding to Steve's hand as he gazed keenly +into the manly face of the boy, Steve returning his gaze, respectfully +but steadily. + +"I am glad to see you, Rush." + +"Thank you, sir. And I want to thank you also for giving me the +opportunity that you did. This is my companion, Bob Jarvis." + +The superintendent stepped forward at that juncture, presenting the boys +to each member of the party in turn. There were vice-presidents, +secretaries and directors--more titles than the boys could remember. To +their surprise these big men greeted them as if they were equals. + +"I hear you already have made a record for yourself, Rush," said Mr. +Carrhart. + +"I don't know about that, sir. I am just beginning to realize that I +have a lot to learn." + +"I hear also that you have had some exciting experiences. You must learn +to safeguard yourself, and remember another thing, make your mine safe +for your men and you will always get results. You and your friend are in +charge of the tracks?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I am pleased to see them in such splendid condition. It is almost like +riding on a rock-ballasted railroad, they are so smooth." + +Bob threw his shoulders back ever so little as he heard this. + +"My, but those fellows must have eyes all around their heads the way +they take things in," muttered Jarvis. "No wonder they are millionaires! +They can see what the fellow behind them is doing as well as they can +what's going on in front. You can't beat that kind of a game." + +"I hope he doesn't see that turned rail there over the chute," thought +Rush. + +"I noticed only one bad rail in the entire system, the one there by the +chute. I see you have caught that, however." + +"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered Bob under his breath. "I +never heard anything like it." + +"Yes, sir; but that rail has gone bad within the last twenty-four hours. +It was in apparently good condition yesterday. Perhaps I did not examine +it closely enough on my last inspection, though." + +"No; you can't avoid those things now and then. There might have been a +defect in the steel, a blow hole or something of the sort. The principal +thing is not to let them get away from you. Catch the deterioration in +time, before it causes more trouble--that is all we can expect of you. +Gentlemen, this is the young man who invented our gravity system. +Perhaps you heard the superintendent speak of it just now. And, let me +tell you, he will bear watching. One of these days, if you do not keep +your eyes open, he is likely to be found sitting in the chair of one of +the other of you, either in Duluth, or Pittsburgh, or New York." + +The gentlemen joined in Mr. Carrhart's laugh, much to Steve's +embarrassment, though one would have never known, by looking at him, +that he was experiencing any such emotion. + +"You are doing well, very well; but do not be in too big a hurry and +don't get a swelled head. It is fatal to progress." + +"No, sir. If it does not get smashed, I am sure I shall be able to keep +it from swelling," replied Steve, with a faint smile, bringing a laugh +from the assembled company. + +"Where did that accident occur?" asked the president, turning to Mr. +Penton. + +"Right where Mr. Gary is standing now." + +The gentleman referred to, a vice-president of the company, promptly +stepped back, glancing at the floor almost apprehensively. This brought +another laugh from the visitors. + +"Come here, gentlemen," said Mr. Carrhart, "and I will show you where +this young man fell in. I do not think we should be alive now had we +been through that experience." + +The president threw open the door leading into the skip shaft. The +others had stepped up to him, but as the skips thundered past them, +leaping for the surface, faintly outlined monsters as they shot by, the +members of the party instinctively drew back, casting wondering glances +at the keen-faced boy who stood calmly, almost indifferently, looking +into the shaft. + +Mr. Carrhart was explaining to them how the accident had occurred. + +"Excuse me," said Mr. Cary. "I think I should prefer to be run over by a +touring car on Broadway." + +"And so should I," chorused the others, with the exception of Mr. +Carrhart, who smiled grimly. + +A lunch had been prepared for the guests and they were to eat in the +mine, on the platform by the tally-boards and the chutes. Tables were +being set, and by the time the visitors had turned away from the shaft +opening they were invited to be seated on the benches drawn up for the +purpose. + +Steve and Bob stood talking with Mr. Carrhart, the president asking many +questions. + +"Come, Carrhart," called one of the others. + +"I will be with you in a moment. Don't wait for me. Rush, how would you +like to come to headquarters at the end of your year in the mines?" + +"You mean to take a position there?" + +"Yes." + +The lad reflected for a moment. + +"Would you advise me to do that, sir?" questioned Rush, looking Mr. +Carrhart squarely in the eye. + +"So you are putting it up to me, are you, you young rascal?" laughed the +president. + +"You know best, sir." + +"The question is, would you like to come into the offices?" + +"I am afraid I should not be worth much there. I think, sir, that I like +the activity of this life better, so long as you have asked me. It is a +rough, hard life, but I am happy here and I hope to learn the business +so well that in time I shall be fit for a higher position." + +"I don't think there is any doubt about that, my lad. By all means +remain here. I shall have an eye in your direction, as I have had ever +since I sent you up here. Good afternoon, boys; the gentlemen are +waiting for me." + +While this conversation was in progress an Italian was making his way +down level seventeen. Over his back he carried a bag, the ends of which, +fashioned into a loop, had been fastened in front of him, passing around +his neck. The fellow was plodding half sleepily along, his boots +slopping in the water beside the track as he staggered under his heavy +burden. + +When near the chute a man suddenly appeared behind him, paused an +instant, then walked swiftly away. A few seconds more and the Italian +appeared passing the chute. + +"Look!" exclaimed Bob. "Great goodness! Look at that!" + +Steve Rush did look. One look was enough. With a sudden exclamation he +sprang for the slow-moving Italian, leaping the chutes at the risk of +his life. The lad knew that the lives of every man there were in peril. +By quick work only could he save them, and perhaps not then. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +FACING A GREAT PERIL + + +Bob Jarvis was after him with a bound. + +The lads had seen a little tongue of flame creeping up the sides of the +bag on the back of the Italian. + +Mr. Penton saw it also, as did the president of the company. The two men +understood the situation as fully as did the lads themselves, but the +others of the company were laughing and chatting, unmindful of the dire +peril that was threatening them. Mr. Carrhart and Mr. Penton half rose +from their seats, their faces blanching noticeably. + +Steve by this time had reached the Italian burden-bearer. Stretching +forth his hands, he grasped the bag, giving it a powerful tug. The +Italian toppled over backwards, the loop slipping over his head, leaving +the sack and its contents in the hands of Steve Rush. + +In the meantime the attention of the visitors had been attracted. They +discovered all at once that something unusual was taking place. + +"Hello, what's this--a fight?" cried Mr. Cary. + +Those who knew did not answer. They stood with pale faces, wide-eyed, +watching the efforts of the Iron Boys. + +No sooner had Steve gotten possession of the bag than the Italian leaped +to his feet. With an angry imprecation, he sprang at Steve, knife in +hand. + +But Jarvis was watching him. The boy made a leap, landing a powerful +blow with his fist on the back of the Italian's head. The man collapsed +in a heap. Bob was down on his knees beside his companion in an instant. +Steve had thrown the burning bag into the gutter extending along the +track, where there trickled a little stream of water that had been +turned a dull red by the iron ore. There was little water there, but +Rush was scooping up what there was of the water and mud, and with it +patting out the fire in the sack. + +Bob began doing the same, but now little flames were starting up all +over the bag. + +"Beat it out with your hands!" cried Steve. "It's getting the best of +us. If it reaches the fuses, we're done for!" + +"Skip, Steve; let me do it." + +Rush did not answer. He was beating a tattoo on the bag, now and then +grabbing up a handful of mud and water to soothe the hands which were +already quite badly burned. + +"It's out," announced Bob at last. + +The Iron Boys' prompt action had prevented the fuses from igniting. All +this had occupied but a few seconds. Instinctively the visitors realized +that something was wrong, but they did not understand what that +something was. + +Steve rolled the bag over two or three times, soaking it as well as he +could with the little water at hand. He then opened the mouth of the +sack, emptying the contents into the gutter and soaking that with water. +This done, he threw the sack away and straightened up, his face flushed +from his exertions. + +The Italian was just getting to his feet unsteadily, but there was an +angry light in his eyes. + +Steve pointed to the sack. + +"How did that happen?" demanded the lad. + +"Me not know," was the answer, with a shrug of the shoulders. "Why you +hit me?" + +"Why did I hit you?" repeated Bob. "If I hadn't you'd been sailing +skyward by this time." + +The Italian started away, muttering sullenly. Steve stepped forward, +laying a restraining hand on the man's arm. + +"Wait a minute. I want to talk with you." + +Mr. Carrhart sat down on the bench rather heavily, wiping the +perspiration from his forehead. + +"Now, Carrhart, perhaps you will tell us the meaning of this remarkable +scene," said Mr. Cary. "Something is up. I have a suspicion." + +"Yes, you are right; something is up--or _was_. Do you gentlemen know +what was in that bag that you saw on fire just now?" + +"No." + +"It was dynamite," said the president in an impressive tone. + +"Dynamite!" exclaimed the visitors in one voice. + +"Yes. How much was there in the bag, Mr. Penton?" asked Mr. Carrhart. + +"I should judge there were a dozen charges; about fifty pounds, I should +say." + +The blanched faces of the visitors evidenced their understanding. + +"Enough to blow us into kingdom come," added the superintendent. + +"Then--then those boys have saved our lives?" + +"They have," said Mr. Penton. + +"Yes, and that act of theirs is sufficient to earn for them the Medal of +Honor. I never knew of a braver act," added the president. "Rush, come +here! Jarvis, I want you, too." + +The boys obeyed the command, Steve leading the unwilling Italian around +the chutes to the platform, where he stood him against the wall. + +"You stay there until you are wanted!" ordered the boy, at which Mr. +Penton nodded his approval. + +The visitors crowded forward, expressing their admiration at the bravery +of the Iron Boys, at the same time plying them with eager questions. + +"How did you ever have the courage to do it?" questioned one man. + +"Because I didn't want to be blown up," answered Steve simply, at which +the tension was relieved and everyone laughed. + +"What I should like to know," exclaimed Mr. Carrhart, "is how this +affair occurred--how did that bag of dynamite chance to catch fire?" + +"From the Italian's candle, of course," said Mr. Cary. "I always have +considered those open lights dangerous, especially where high explosives +are used. We should have enclosed lights, the same as they do in the +coal mines." + +"What do you think about it, Rush?" asked the president, turning to the +young man inquiringly. + +"It did not catch from the man's candle, sir," answered the lad +confidently. + +"You think not?" + +"I am sure of it, sir." + +"What makes you think it did not?" + +"Because the candle was on the front of his cap. It is there now, as you +can see for yourself. The fire, when I first saw it, was burning at the +bottom of the bag on the man's back. I do not see, by any stretch of the +imagination, how the candle could have fired the cloth." + +"You're right." + +"Mr. Penton, would you like to question the man?" asked Steve, nodding +toward the Italian. + +"Yes. Come here, Dominick." + +The Italian obeyed with sullenness. + +"How did this thing happen, Dominick?" + +"Me not know." + +"You did not have your candle in your hand at any time, did you?" + +"Me have candle in hat." + +"Was it there when you picked up the bag?" + +"Yes." + +"You are sure of that?" + +"Me sure." + +"May I ask a question?" inquired Steve. + +"Certainly." + +"Did you pass or meet anyone just before you reached the chutes here?" + +"Me not meet any one." + +"I don't understand this at all," said Mr. Penton. "Dominick is +trustworthy, so far as I am aware. At least no charges ever have been +made against him." + +"He seemed to me to be pretty handy with his knife," suggested the +president. "I shouldn't want to trust a man very far who acted that way, +would you, Rush?" + +"Well, no, sir; but I shouldn't accuse him of setting fire to a bag of +dynamite, then calmly shouldering the bag and marching off. At least, +not unless he was determined to commit suicide." + +There was a hearty laugh, this time at the expense of the president. + +"There's good logic in that, at any rate," agreed Mr. Carrhart. + +Steve was studying the face of the Italian keenly. This Mr. Carrhart +observed and nodded significantly to Superintendent Penton. But Steve +could not make up his mind that Dominick was in any way to blame for +what had barely missed being a great disaster. + +Both lads were puzzled. They could not understand it at all. + +"Perhaps a spark dropped from the trolley wire, thus firing the bag," +suggested the superintendent, after briefly turning the question over in +his mind. + +"That is a plausible explanation," said Mr. Carrhart, "and for want of a +better one we shall have to let it go at that. Yes, I think that must be +the explanation." + +The party decided that they had seen enough of the Cousin Jack for one +day. Some of the officials were more anxious to get out of the place +than they cared to admit. They were not used to having their luncheons +interrupted by fifty-pound sacks of dynamite catching fire. + +Each, before leaving, stepped up and shook hands with the Iron Boys. + +"I want to see you before I leave the range," said Mr. Carrhart as he +bade Steve good-bye. + +"Yes, sir," answered the boy, touching his hat, as he stepped to one +side to permit the visitors to pass around the chute. + +"We must do something for those boys," said Mr. Cary to the president. + +"Yes," agreed Mr. Carrhart. + +"They are doing something for themselves, gentlemen," returned the +superintendent. "They are not lads to need much help. They are the kind +who carve out their own futures." + + * * * * * + +"Well, they've gone," announced Bob, stamping the dirt from his shoes. +"What do you think of it?" + +"Of the fire--the burning bag, you mean?" + +"Yes." + +"I think it was a mighty queer occurrence." + +"So do I," agreed Jarvis, "and it's my opinion that it will bear looking +into." + +"Where's Dominick?" + +"He sneaked away when the others left. But he is of no use to us. He +knows nothing about this affair, beyond what we all saw. We must look +beyond him for the cause of the fire. Well, I'm off." + +The lads separated for the time being and went off about their duties. +But the thought of the fired bag kept recurring to Steve Rush. He turned +the matter over and over in his mind, yet without being able to reach +any definite conclusion regarding it. + +"I wish I knew," he mused. "It is not my business, however, to inquire +into the affair unless I have orders to do so." + +He was to receive his orders sooner than he imagined, and his +investigations were eventually to develop some startling facts +concerning conditions in the Cousin Jack Mine. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +INTO A BLACK GULF + + +While the Iron Boys were trudging through the mine, completing their +weary rounds of miles with their eyes fixed keenly on the tracks, a +meeting had been called at the office of the superintendent. All of the +gentlemen who comprised the party of visitors at the mine were at the +meeting. + +Maps of the mines on the range were spread out on the table before them, +and they were going over and discussing these maps in detail. Business +was transacted with a speed that would have made most of the business +men in that remote region dizzy headed. + +Having disposed of the matters before them, the conversation turned to +their recent narrow escape in the Cousin Jack Mine. The visitors were +fully convinced now that the fire had been caused by a spark from the +trolley wire, and Superintendent Penton, if he thought otherwise, did +not say so. He had made up his mind, however, to push his inquiry a +little further. He wanted to make sure that the suggestion was the +correct one. + +From the subject of the fired bag the men turned to a discussion of +Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis. This ended in Mr. Cary's making a +proposition. After a little discussion it was put in the form of a +motion and passed with enthusiasm. + +Of all of this, of course, the lads tramping along the levels far +underground knew nothing. It was destined to come as a great surprise to +them when they learned of the action taken by the officials of the +company in the interest of the two plucky boys. + +That night the officers boarded their private car and went on to visit +other of the company's mines further up the range. Early on the +following forenoon Superintendent Penton visited his own mine, and while +there looked up Steve Rush. + +The superintendent asked Steve what he thought about the theory of a +spark from the wire having fired the dynamite bag. + +"I don't take any stock in it," answered the boy promptly. "Do you, +sir?" + +"I have had my doubts, but how else could it have started?" + +"I will answer that question by showing you that it could not have +started from a wire spark. The fire started on the underside of the bag. +Did you notice that?" + +"No; it had spread over the bag when I caught sight of it. But I was +reasonably certain there was more to it than we imagined when you asked +Dominick if he met anyone in the level just before reaching the chutes." + +Steve nodded reflectively. + +"What do you infer from the fire starting on the under side of the +dynamite bag?" + +"That someone had either accidentally or by design shoved a candle under +the bag while Dominick was carrying it. That is the only way I can see +that the fire might have started." + +"I think you are right about that. But it surely was an accident. No one +would be willing to take such terrible chances. Why, it might have blown +everyone up within a wide radius." + +"Yes, it would have done so." + +"And yet you were down on your knees, with your nose right over the +stuff, as if it were so much clay. I have steady nerves myself, but I +don't believe I should have had the pluck to do that. At least, I know I +should have turned my head away." + +Steve laughed. + +"I am afraid that would not have helped you much if the stuff had gone +off." + +"Rush, if you suspect anything keep your eyes open; that's all I have to +say. What you don't see will not be worth the seeing." + +"Very well, sir; I will do as you request, but I have not much hope of +getting at the truth." + +"I'll risk that. I am going to the lower level. There is some difficulty +with the pumps there, the engineer tells me," said the superintendent, +proceeding on his way. + +Steve had not very much to do, so he walked back to his old post on the +seventeenth level to wait until Bob Jarvis should come along. Steve and +the superintendent had no sooner left the spot where they had been +talking than a figure slunk from a deserted drift near by, glanced up +and down the level, then hurried away. The man's hat was pulled down, +and the candle above aided in throwing his face into deep shadow, but +the full beard was not hidden, had anyone been near by to observe it. + +Steve had been sitting on the platform at the chutes for about thirty +minutes when the level's telephone rang. + +"Mr. Penton wants to see you on the lower level," said the telephone +boy. + +"Where is he?" questioned Steve. + +"He says he'll meet you near the suction pipes." + +"Very good," answered the lad, rising. "If Mr. Jarvis comes along tell +him where I have gone. If I get through in time I will meet him here and +go up with him." + +Rush hurried over, signaled the cage tender that he wished to descend, +and a short time afterwards was being plunged deeper into the mine. + +He left the cage at the sub-level just above the last level. The last +level was flooded with water some twenty feet deep. All the water from +the mine was drained down into the last level and from there pumped to +the surface and thus disposed of. + +There were naturally no mining operations carried on down on the last +level. + +Steve had been down there on numerous occasions and every inch of the +ground was familiar to him. Upon leaving the cage he made his way +through the dark, damp tunnels, whistling as he stepped briskly along. +He could not imagine what Mr. Penton could want of him down there, for +if anything were wrong with the pumping system it was a matter for the +engineering department and not for a track inspector. + +Turning the last bend in the sub-level, Push began to move with more +caution. A moment more and he caught sight of the big water pipes +winding up through the roof of the level. + +"I wonder where Mr. Penton is?" muttered the lad, stepping out on a +plank platform. + +As he did so a wave of dampness that almost chilled him swept up from +the dark depths of the last level. An open space extended from the +floor down to the level itself and from this soundings were occasionally +taken to determine the depth of the water. The lead line hung from a peg +driven into a crevice in the rock. Steve noted that the line was dry. + +"That is curious. Mr. Penton evidently has not made a sounding. I should +have thought he would have done so if he had reason to think the water +was not being pumped out as fast as it should be." + +Rush raised his voice and called out the name of the superintendent. +Only the echo of his own voice came back to him. + +"That's queer," decided Steve. "But, of course, he did not telephone me +from here. He probably is on one of the levels above this. I will wait." + +Resuming his whistling, the lad began pacing back and forth on the +planking, having stuck his candlestick back on his miner's hat. + +The young inspector had been waiting for fully half an hour, but not a +sign of the superintendent did he see. + +"Well, this is getting rather tiresome," he said, pausing to listen to +the rhythmic click of the pumps that his ears could faintly catch. "I +think I will amuse myself by sounding the water level." + +The lad took down the rope, to one end of which a piece of lead had been +attached, spun the weighted end a few times about his head, letting it +fly out into the darkness, listening intently as the line ran swiftly +through his hands. + +A distant splash followed a few seconds later, whereupon the line gave +out not quite so rapidly. + +"It's down," nodded Steve. He leaned over the edge to pull the line in +without drawing it over the edge of the planking, so that he could the +better see that mark of the water on the rope. + +"Gracious, I should hate to take a swim in that hole," said the Iron +Boy, with a laugh. + +He stopped suddenly. Steve thought he had heard something behind him. + +"Is that you, Mr. Penton?" he asked, turning and peering into the +darkness. + +There was no reply. + +"I must be getting the creeps," said Steve, beginning to whistle as he +hauled in the line. "Wha--what--here, let go of me. Let----" + +Some invisible force behind had put a sudden pressure upon Steve Rush. +He was being rapidly shoved toward the edge of the platform. + +All at once Steve felt the flooring drop from beneath his feet; and, +without making a sound, the lad plunged over into the darkness. + +A loud splash followed, then all was still. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOY + + +Bob Jarvis waited a long time at the chutes for his companion, but Steve +did not return. This did not cause Bob any particular worry, as Steve no +doubt had been called to some other part of the mine. So Bob deciding to +wait no longer, strolled away. + +At the close of the day's work, however, when Steve was not at the mouth +of the shaft waiting for him, Bob began to wonder. He waited about the +shaft for half an hour, then went on to his boarding place. Steve had +not returned. + +"Where's Rush?" demanded the boarding boss, knowing Steve's habit of +punctuality. + +"That is what's bothering me. I haven't seen him." + +It was the business of the boarding boss to look quickly into any +absences and report them to the superintendent or the mine captain. He +got busy at once. Calling up the time-keeper's office, he inquired if +Steve Rush had checked in. + +The information came back a moment later that Steve had not come up from +the mine yet; or, if he had, he had failed to report himself. + +"Then something has happened to him," was Jarvis' emphatic conclusion. +"He left word for me to meet him at seventeen, but when I got there he +had gone. I haven't seen him since." + +The boarding boss agreed so strongly that he telephoned to the +superintendent. The latter had not yet arrived home from his office, so +the mine captain was communicated with. + +But Bob Jarvis already was out of the house, headed for the shaft at top +speed. + +"Has Steve Rush come up yet?" he demanded of the cage-tender. + +"Haven't seen him." + +Bob hesitated. He realized the futility of wandering about the mine not +knowing in what part of it he should look for the missing Steve. He then +hurried to the time-keeper's office, learning that nothing had been seen +of the missing boy. + +Bob did not know which way to turn. But by the time he had reached the +shaft again Superintendent Penton was there, together with the mine +captain, preparing to go below. The cage had just come up and the men +were stepping aboard when a boy from the boarding house where the Iron +Boys lived came running up out of breath. + +"Wait!" cried Bob. "Here comes a boy from our hashery. Maybe Steve has +gone home." + +"What is it, boy?" called the superintendent. + +"Boss wanted me to tell you that the telephone man who lives with us +says Mr. Rush got a telephone message from you to meet him at the lower +level this afternoon. He says Rush didn't come back." + +"I didn't send for him to meet me anywhere," answered the +superintendent. "We'll go to the lower level. Shoot us down as fast as +is safe," he added, addressing the cage-tender. + +The bottom of the car seemed to be dropping from beneath their feet, so +rapid was their descent. + +Bob, holding to the support rod above their heads, was thinking fast and +hard. + +"I knew something had happened to Steve," he said. "Something has +happened to him." + +Mr. Penton had not spoken since the cage started. He, too, was thinking +deeply. There was something about all this that he could not understand, +though he was unable to clearly define what really was in his mind. If +someone had called Steve Rush to come to the sub-level above the lower +level, and had done so in the name of the superintendent, it must have +been done either as a joke or for some other purpose that could only be +surmised. + +"Why should anyone have resorted to such a subterfuge?" wondered Mr. +Penton. + +Very much the same thoughts were running through the mind of Bob Jarvis. +So engrossed was each with his own thoughts that neither man seemed to +realize the dizzy rate of speed at which they were descending. Finally +the cage began to slow down gradually, then finally came to an easy +stop. + +There was no light in that sub-level, but the occupants of the cage knew +exactly where they were. They knew the place as well as though the +sub-level had been ablaze with light. + +"All off," ordered the superintendent. "The cage will wait for us here." + +He had given orders that the cage was to remain below until he signaled +the tender to hoist. If the latter found it necessary to raise the cage +before that he was to ring a certain signal on the gong, each level and +sub-level being provided with one. + +"All hands keep their eyes open," directed the leader of the searching +party. "I haven't much hope that we shall find him here, however." + +The group moved along the sub-level, glancing about them keenly as they +did so, until they reached the turn or bend in the tunnel, where they +paused to listen. The sub-level was as silent as a tomb. They could not +even hear the rush of the water as it dashed into the lower level, some +of it coming all the way from the surface. + +"Shall I call out?" asked Bob. + +"Yes." + +"Steve!" Bob's voice did not seem to carry far. It sounded weak to him. + +"Oh, Steve! Steve Rush!" shouted the superintendent. + +There being no response, he repeated the call several times, but with no +better result. + +"I guess it is useless, boys. I am afraid we shall not find him here. In +fact, I can't believe that he came down here at all." + +"The boy said you had telephoned to Steve to come down, didn't he?" +asked Jarvis. + +"Yes; but I did nothing of the sort. The telephone man must have made a +mistake in the message--or else----" Mr. Penton checked himself sharply. +"We will look further, though I am sure we are wasting time. We shall +probably find that he has fallen somewhere on one of the upper levels +and hurt himself. If that is so, one of the watchmen is sure to discover +him and report the matter at once. We will go out to the platform, then +on up to the next level. I'll have all the watchmen notified at once to +take up the search." + +The searchers walked out on the planking where Steve had stood a couple +of hours before. Mr. Penton peered down into the black pit, while the +others stood a little back from him. + +"He is not here. It is as I thought. He has not been here, in all +probability. We shall have to go on up, boys. I----" + +Bob suddenly jerked his candle from his hat, holding the light to the +floor. As he did so, he uttered a half-smothered exclamation, at the +same time grabbing something from the planking and holding it up to the +light. + +"Look!" cried the lad. "Look! He hasn't been here, eh?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +WHEN THE WATERS CLOSED OVER HIM + + +Steve did not cry out when he found himself plunging into the water, +principally for the reason that he was too plucky to make an outcry when +his safety was imperiled. In the second place, his mind was working so +rapidly that he did not have time to cry out. + +He struck the water with a splash, broadside on, quickly sinking beneath +the surface. Steve was too good a swimmer to swallow any water, however, +and began holding his breath even before he struck the water, knowing as +he did what was about to happen. The result was that he had propelled +himself to the surface before many seconds had elapsed. He came up +shaking himself like a water dog, but was careful to make as little +noise as possible. + +As soon as he succeeded in getting the water out of his eyes, he looked +up, expecting to see a light on the platform on the sub-level. All was +inky blackness there, and not a sound could be heard save the rush of +water. + +Young Rush began swimming. He did not know whether there was a ladder +extending down into the level or not, so he swam about for some time, +feeling along the wall in search of something by which he might pull +himself up. But he did not find a projection of any kind. The rocks +forming the wall were smooth and slimy and felt like ice to the touch. + +He was beginning to feel chilled. Steve tried to recall what the map of +the lower level looked like, but try as he might he could not recall a +single detail of the map filed in the engineer's office. By this time he +did not know where he was. He had lost all sense of direction. + +"I guess I am a goner. They've got me this time," he said aloud. "I hope +that Mr. Penton will find out how it happened." + +The boy was now shivering violently. His teeth were chattering and he +began to wonder if he were freezing to death, for the sense of feeling +seemed to have left his legs and arms. A numbness was slowly creeping +over him. + +"I must keep going, or I shall surely be drowned," he cried, once more +striking out and swimming as fast as he could, hoping thereby to restore +his circulation to its former condition. But the water was too cold and +the young miner's efforts grew weaker as the moments passed. + +Though he did not know it, the drift of the water on the lower level was +toward the large pipes, where it was being sucked to the surface by the +powerful pumps above. + +As Steve reached over and over in a slow over-hand stroke, which now and +then he varied by falling into the frog stroke, he forged slowly ahead +until his hands suddenly struck some object that was not the rocky side +of the level. The lad grasped it quickly. + +"A plank. Thank goodness!" he cried. + +The plank had floated off either from the platform or from the lagging +somewhere on that level. It made no difference to the swimmer where it +had come from. He threw both arms about the plank and lay there resting +for some time, breathing heavily. Finally he pulled himself over on the +plank, stretching out lengthwise on it. The piece of wood held him up +very well. Now and then he would paddle a little with his hands, +propelling himself in one direction until it bumped against a wall, +floating off with the current again. + +While the lad realized that the chances were against his ever getting +out of the level alive, he felt little fear. He was one of those rare +beings in whom the emotion of fear had not been fully developed. + +All the time the numbness was growing upon him. Instinctively realizing +that he was likely to lose control of his muscles, Steve wrapped both +arms and legs about the plank so that he might not fall off and drown. + +At last he became so benumbed and dazed that he could not help himself +at all. A warm glow seemed to be spreading itself over his body. He had +never felt more comfortable in his life, and a short time afterwards he +gave way to his drowsiness. + + * * * * * + +It was a few moments later that Superintendent Penton and his searching +party entered the sub-level in search of Steve. Rush heard them call out +his name, but he was too sleepy to answer. Then he heard no more. + +When Bob Jarvis cried out "look," Mr. Penton and the mine captain had +turned sharply. + +"What is it?" they demanded eagerly and in one voice. + +"A hat! It's Steve's hat!" + +"Are you sure?" + +"Yes. Here's his name inside the crown. We wrote our names in with ink +at the same time. You can see mine is the same--the same kind of +ink--purple." + +As the two men started toward Bob the mine captain stumbled over the +sounding rope that lay on the platform. He stooped to pick it up, and as +he did so he, too, uttered an exclamation. + +"This line is wet, Mr. Penton," he said excitedly. + +"Then Steve has been casting it. He has been sounding the level, +probably to pass away the time while he was waiting for me." + +Once more the superintendent raised his voice, calling out the name of +Steve Rush. As before there was no response. + +"Boys, I see--I understand. Steve has fallen into the level and drowned. +No doubt he fell in while casting the lead, for part of the line is +dangling over the edge there now. Too bad, too bad. But----" + +"He may not be drowned. Let's do something," begged Bob. + +"What would you suggest?" + +"Why, look for him, of course. I'll go over myself and look for him." + +"Lad, it would be suicide. You would drown, even if you were not too +chilled to swim after you got into the water. You----" + +"I'd like to see any water that could drown me," answered Bob. + +"We must have help, and at once. Jim, run up to the next level and +telephone for help. Have them send down several men. Be quick about it." + +"Ask them to bring ropes," interjected Bob. + +"Yes, have them bring down ropes," repeated the superintendent. + +Bob began ripping up the planking on the platform. His active mind had +thought out a plan and he did not wait for permission to put it into +operation. + +"What are you doing there, lad?" + +"I am making a raft. We have got to have something which will float on +the water. We can fasten it together when the men get here with ropes. +I'll be ready before they can get here." + +Jarvis was working with desperate haste. Perhaps his companion was not +yet dead. At least Bob would know that he had done his best. + +"Hark!" + +"What is it?" whispered Bob. + +"I thought I heard someone call. I am sure I did. Rush! Oh, Steve!" + +A faint "here," that sounded far away reached their ears. + +"He's alive! I tell you, he's alive!" cried Bob Jarvis. + +Grabbing the end of one of the planks that he had torn loose, Bob began +dragging it toward the edge of the platform. + +"What are you going to do, lad?" + +"Do? Why, sir, I'm going after him." + +"Wait; let the men do that. I cannot have you going in there," objected +Mr. Penton. But Bob did not stop. He hauled the plank over, and, +snatching the rope, made one end of the latter fast about the plank. He +then began letting the plank over the side, end first. It nearly got +away from him, the rope burning the skin from his palms as it spun +through his hands. + +"Let me help you." Mr. Penton sprang forward, throwing himself on the +fast running rope. + +"The plank is on the water. It can't get away from us now," said Bob, +beginning to strip off his jacket, first having stuck his candlestick in +a niche in the rocks. + +"You are not going over!" + +"Yes, sir, I am going over. We haven't a minute to lose." + +"I advise you not to do so." + +The superintendent was far from being a timid man, but he knew the +danger; he felt that his responsibility was too great to permit the boy +to enter that black hole. + +"You hold the rope. Nothing can happen to me. I am not afraid of ice +water, nor any other kind. Maybe I shall be able to find him by the time +the men get here. We shall gain some precious minutes in that way." + +Next the boy's heavy boots came off, leaving him in his stocking feet. +He passed the end of the rope to the superintendent. + +"Will you please hold your candle over the edge, so I can see where the +plank is, sir?" + +Mr. Penton did so. + +"Be careful, Jarvis; do be careful," he urged. "I ought not to let you +do this. If anything happens to you I shall feel that I am directly +responsible." + +"Do not fear; nothing will happen to me." + +Bob peered down into the dark waters, where, after a moment, he made out +the plank floating slowly toward the spot where the pipes disappeared +beneath the surface. + +"Now, please hold the light up high, so that I can see what I am doing." + +The lad poised a moment, then leaped far out into the darkness. Instead +of making a dive, head first, Bob chose to go down feet first. His body +straightened, and as he neared the water he clasped his hands above his +head. He took the water cleanly, making only a slight splash as he +disappeared beneath the surface. + +As soon as he felt the water closing over him the Iron Boy threw out +both hands to stay his progress and began treading water vigorously. He +soon regained the surface. + +Jarvis came up blowing and puffing, shaking his head and making the +water fairly foam about him as he struck out with hands and feet. + +"Are you all right, Jarvis?" called Mr. Penton in an anxious tone. + +"Yes, where's the plank?" + +"To the right of you. A little more to the right. There, it is directly +ahead of you now." + +A few powerful strokes and Bob had grasped the plank. He pulled himself +partly up on it and looked about him. + +"Can't you let a candle down to light up this hole?" he called. + +"I have nothing to let one down with. Do you see anything?" + +"Nothing that I want to see. Ho, Steve!" + +"Here," sounded the faint answer that seemed to come from several +different directions at the same time. + +"Did you hear that?" demanded Bob excitedly. "Where did the sound come +from?" + +"It sounded to me as though he might be over to the left. Have courage, +Steve; we will have you out in a few minutes. I have sent for help. Can +you keep up?" + +Their ears failed to catch any answer. + +"I'm coming, Steve," roared Jarvis. "Keep shouting if you can, so I'll +know where you are." + +"Stay where you are, Jarvis!" commanded Mr. Penton sternly. + +"Do you think I'm going to stay here and let him drown?" demanded the +lad. There was a splash as Bob Jarvis left the plank and began ploughing +through the water at racing speed. + +"He'll be drowned; they both will be drowned!" exclaimed the +superintendent. "Such pluck, such pluck! Hurry up, men; hurry!" he +shouted as he caught the sound of voices off in the darkness of the +sub-level. + +Half a dozen men, headed by the mine captain, came running toward him. + +"Look out! Look out for the hole in the floor. Have you ropes?" + +"Yes." + +"Then tie a few planks together. Make a raft and let it over the side. +Work fast, for once in your lives! There are two men down there and they +may be drowning." + +"Oh, Steve!" + +They could hear Bob's voice calling to his companion. The voice sounded +far away, for Bob had plunged ahead, beating his way courageously +through the waters in the black darkness. + +"I hear him. He's ahead of me," Jarvis shouted. + +"Can you hold out?" called Mr. Penton. + +"Yes--_as long as there's water to float on_!" the answer came back +faintly. + +In the meantime the men were ripping up the planks. Several of these +they lashed together and let carefully down over the edge of the +platform, or what was left of it. They had made ropes fast at both ends, +in order that the raft might make a landing platform. + +"Now you men let me down," commanded the superintendent. + +"You had better let me go, sir," advised the mine captain. "I am lighter +than you." + +"It's my place to go; do as I tell you. While I am down there rig a +sling to pull us up on. Jim, you take charge of the operations at this +end and see that there is no slip anywhere." + +"I will, sir," answered the mine captain. + +Superintendent Penton grasped the rope that had been made fast to a +shore post on the sub-level and let himself down. He was a strong man, +used to emergencies and well able to take care of himself anywhere in +the mine. Shortly afterwards he was standing on the platform or raft +below, steadying himself by holding to the rope and the side wall. + +"Are you all right, Bob?" he shouted. + +"Yes." + +"If he happens to get into a drift, they're both lost. Pass down some +candles from above, Jim." + +Several were let down on a rope and these Mr. Penton stuck into the +wall, lighting up the scene fairly well. + +"They're calling you, sir," cried Jim. + +"What is it?" roared the superintendent. + +"I've got him." It was Jarvis' voice, and Mr. Penton breathed a sigh of +relief. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +A THOUSAND FEET OF LADDERS + + +After what seemed an endless wait, the watchers heard a great splashing +far out on the water. It was Jarvis paddling toward the raft. He had +found Steve, the latter unconscious. Just as Bob reached the plank on +which the other boy was hanging Steve slipped off into the water. + +Bob dived for his chum without an instant's hesitation and when he came +up he was gripping the half-drowned Steve. The latter had relapsed into +unconsciousness. By this time the plank had floated away several yards. +Bob had a hard struggle to reach it, but at last he succeeded, and after +great effort managed to place Rush partly on it, so the latter's head +would be out of water. + +Bob pulled himself upon one end of the plank, so that the other end +would be clear of the water, and began paddling. The water fairly flew +under his efforts, the swimmer now and then using his feet to help steer +the awkward craft. + +"I can't see the light. Where are you?" Jarvis cried. + +"Here!" shouted Mr. Penton. + +A bend in the rocky wall hid the light of the candles from the raft. +After several minutes of paddling Bob caught the faint light ahead of +him. + +"I'm all right now, if Steve is only all right." + +"Is he alive?" called Mr. Penton, as he made out the strange craft +bearing slowly down upon him. + +"Yes, but he's unconscious." + +"Then hurry as fast as you can." + +"I am hurrying. This isn't a speed boat." + +The plank drew up alongside the raft after some difficult manoeuvring +on the part of Bob Jarvis. Mr. Penton grasped the limp form of Steve +Rush, hauling him to the raft. + +There was a splash and a choking exclamation. The plank had turned +turtle, landing Bob in the water on his back. The boy was almost +exhausted, but he righted himself and swam to the raft, to which he held +for a moment to rest himself. He then clambered to the raft. He had +barely enough strength left to support himself. + +The superintendent was tying Steve in the sling that the men had made. + +"Haul away, above there!" he roared. "Be as quick as you can, but be +careful. Look out, there! What are you trying to do?" + +Steve's body had hit the rocks with a resounding bump, but the boy did +not feel the shock. + +"Let the sling down at once. Two of you get at Rush and rub him. Don't +be afraid of rubbing too hard. Start his circulation." + +The sling was dropped over the side again, while two of the miners set +to work on Steve. + +"Get in," commanded Mr. Penton, as the sling came down to them. + +"You first, sir," said Bob. + +"Get in, I said!" The superintendent's voice had a note of authority +that was not to be disputed. + +Jarvis reluctantly took his place in the sling. + +"Haul away," he called, and Bob was quickly drawn to the platform, where +he dropped on his knees by Steve's side, pushing one of the men away, +and began slapping the unconscious boy's feet, from which the boots and +stockings had been removed. Steve was scarcely breathing. + +The sling had been lowered quickly after bringing Jarvis up, and the +superintendent took his place in it. The men began hauling him up, but +with great difficulty, for Mr. Penton was a heavily built man. + +All at once the men sat down. A splash followed almost instantly. + +"The rope's broken!" cried one, as Bob bounded to his feet. + +"Are you hurt?" he cried, running to the edge. + +There was no reply. + +"He's fallen into the water!" shouted another of the men. + +Once more Bob Jarvis leaped from the platform, but this time he dived +head first. Like a flash he realized that, having struck the platform, +Mr. Penton undoubtedly had been stunned and was unable to help himself. + +Such was the case. Coming to the surface almost at once, Bob swam about +for a minute or so before discovering Mr. Penton's whereabouts. The +superintendent was beginning to struggle, but he was too much dazed to +help himself. + +Jarvis was by his side with a few swift strokes. He did not wait to +inquire whether the superintendent were hurt or not, but, grabbing the +man by the collar, Bob began kicking himself toward the platform. By the +time they had reached there Mr. Penton was able to help himself a +little, but the boy had a hard tussle to get the superintendent on the +platform. + +Mr. Penton lay down for a brief moment, then sat up. + +"Are you able to try it again?" asked Bob. + +"Yes. What happened?" + +"The rope broke. You got a pretty hard bump." + +Another sling had been quickly rigged, and this being let down, Mr. +Penton was drawn up again, Bob waiting below, but standing to one side, +so that in case another accident occurred he should not be carried down, +too. + +The next trip Jarvis was drawn up. He found the superintendent a little +dazed, but holding himself together firmly. + +"Thank you," he said shortly, flashing a look at Bob. "We must get Rush +up at once where he may have care. Carry him over to the cage. Leave +everything as it is here. We have no time to attend to anything but the +boy." + +The men picked up the lad and bore him through the sub-level. Steve was +still limp and unconscious. + +Reaching the cage, Mr. Benton gave the signal to hoist. The car did not +move, whereupon the superintendent, with an impatient exclamation +reached out, giving the signal lever another pull. + +"What does this mean?" He rang again to hoist the cage. "Bob, run up to +the telephone on the next level and find out what's the matter. The Evil +One himself seems to have taken possession of this mine of late." + +Jarvis came running back a few minutes later. + +"Well, what is it?" + +"The cage-tender says the machinery has broken down." + +"Did he say what the trouble is?" + +"He said the engineer had sent word that the big cog wheel had stripped +itself. They can't move the cage, and probably will not be able to do so +for some hours. They are taking the old wheel off now, preparatory to +putting on the spare wheel." + +Mr. Penton clenched his hands to keep from expressing himself as he +would like to do. + +"We must get this boy somewhere where we can warm him up, or he will die +on our hands. The only place I know of is the pump station and----" + +"Then we will carry Steve up the ladders," interrupted Bob. + +"But, boy, it is nearly a thousand feet from here to the pump station. +We can't get him up there by hand." + +"I'll show you whether we can or not. One of you go ahead and light the +way. Help me through the manholes at the platforms and we'll get him up +there in short order. Mr. Penton, will you have somebody follow close +behind me to help a little?" + +"Do you think you will be able to do it?" + +"I don't think! I know!" + +"Then I will carry him myself." + +"No, sir; I will carry him. You are not able. You are still suffering +from the bump you got." + +Without further words Jarvis picked up the limp form of his companion. +He staggered a little as he swung Steve over his shoulder, the boy's +head drooping over on Bob's left breast. Then began a climb that is +talked of to this day in the Cousin Jack Mine. Up ladder after ladder +staggered Bob Jarvis with the form of his companion over his shoulder. +Now and then he would pause on a landing for a breathing spell, where, +with heaving chest, he would lean against the rocky wall with eyes +closed and everything swimming dizzily about him. Mr. Penton and the +searching party followed him up the ladder, but he would let none of +them relieve him of his burden. + +"Had--hadn't you better telephone for a surgeon to meet us at the pump +station?" asked Jarvis. + +"Yes, but how will he get down?" + +"Let him climb down the ladders. I guess he can climb down if we can go +the other way." + +"It shall be done at once." Mr. Penton gave the order and the mine +captain left them at the next landing to telephone to the company's +hospital. + +After a long struggle they reached the level where the pump station was +located. Even here Bob Jarvis refused to give up his burden. He +staggered down the level to where the big pumps were working, tenderly +laying Steve down on a blanket that the engineer had thrown down. Then +Bob settled down in a heap. + +Illustration: Bob Staggered Up the Ladder With His Burden. + +"Strip the boy," commanded Mr. Penton. "If you have any warm blankets +here, wrap him in them. If not, use some of your waste. You have barrels +of that on hand." + +Steve's wet, clinging clothes were quickly removed. There being no other +blankets, waste used for wiping the engines was wrapped about him, the +rubbing process having been resumed. + +Nearly an hour elapsed before the surgeon, red of face, puffing from his +exertions, came hurrying down the level. + +He was quickly made acquainted with the situation and got to work at +once. + +"Do you think his condition is serious?" demanded the superintendent. + +"No, not unless pneumonia sets in. That is the great danger, and he will +be lucky if he escapes it. Is there any chance of getting him up +to-night?" + +"I can't say. I am going on up as soon as I hear something definite from +you regarding the boy's condition." + +"I shall be able to give that to you very soon, for his circulation has +already started." + +The color was returning to the lad's lips and cheeks, and his breath was +coming more regularly. Half an hour from that time Steve had fully +recovered his senses and announced himself as ready to get up and dress. + +The surgeon advised him not to do so, finally ordering the patient to +remain as he was. Rush accepted the order with poor grace. His clothing +was being dried out by the pump engineer, the garments being ready very +shortly afterwards. + +Jarvis had wholly recovered from the strain that he had been under, +except that he was still a little weak in the knees. + +"We owe our lives to your friend Jarvis," said Mr. Penton, after Steve +had been made as comfortable as possible. "But what I wish to know is +how you happened to get into the lower level. Did you fall while +sounding with the line?" + +Rush hesitated, then glancing up at the superintendent, replied: + +"No, sir; I did not fall." + +"I don't understand." + +"I was pushed in, Mr. Penton." + +"You don't mean that--surely you cannot mean that, Rush!" exclaimed Mr. +Penton in amazement. + +"Yes, sir; I was." + +"Who pushed you?" + +"That is what I should like to know." + +"This is really incredible, Rush. Are you quite sure you are not +mistaken?" + +"I am not mistaken." + +"Tell me about it." + +"When you sent for me----" + +"I did not send for you. That was a mistake. And that is what puzzles +me. I am told you thought you received a message from me to meet you on +the sub-level above the lowest level." + +"Yes, sir; that was the message I received." + +"Well, I never sent it. I haven't been down there recently. I had +started to go there to-day when some other matters came up calling me +back to the office." + +"You did not send for me?" + +"I certainly did not." + +"Then whoever did send that message must have done so for the purpose of +getting me down there to do me up. I begin to understand." + +"But, Steve, who could bear you such ill will?" + +"I don't know." + +"It isn't Steve alone they are after," interjected Jarvis. "The rascals +seem to have it in for the mine, too. Take, for instance, the cage. +They've put that out of business." + +"The villains! I should like to catch them--I should like to get my +hands on the man who pushed me in this afternoon." + +"You did not finish telling me of the occurrence," said Mr. Penton. + +Steve related the story of his adventure, the others listening with +grave faces as the narrative proceeded. + +"Now, tell me how you found me," he said in conclusion. + +"Jarvis missed you. But did you not get sight of the man at all?" + +"No, sir." + +"You do not know whether there was more than one?" + +"I do not. I didn't know there was one until he placed his hands against +my back and pushed me in. When I came up, after the first plunge, I +tried to see who was on the platform, but I neither saw nor heard +anyone. I can't understand why he didn't hit me." + +"The scoundrel probably wanted it to appear to be an accident. He +thought you would not get out of that hole very easily," said Bob. + +"Nor should I, in all probability, had it not been for you." + +"Rush, we must go into this matter very thoroughly. The man who let you +through the trap on number seventeen is no longer with us. He has not +been with us for several months, but the attacks on you have been +renewed. Next thing we know damage will be done to the company's +property. I don't want to confess that we are beaten and send for +detectives." + +"You leave it to us--we'll catch him," spoke up Bob Jarvis. "I have an +itching at my finger tips and I won't do a thing to him when I get them +on him." + +"That is exactly what I want you boys to do--find the man or men guilty +of this outrage, and I shall not be as lenient as I was in the other +affair." + +Steve lay with half-closed eyes thinking deeply. Instinctively there +appeared to his mental vision the picture of the bewhiskered man whom he +had seen several weeks before, and who made such an unfavorable +impression upon him. + +"Yes; I shall be very glad to do what I can," he said, glancing up at +Mr. Penton. "I am ready to begin at once. Doctor, don't you think it is +about time you were letting me get up?" + +After taking Steve's temperature and thumping him upon the chest, the +physician decided to let the lad get up and dress. He did, however, most +emphatically protest against Rush climbing the ladders all the way to +the surface. + +Steve found himself a little weak from his experiences, and it was +decided that he should remain in the mine for the rest of the night, or +until the cage machinery had been repaired so he could ride up. The +surgeon sat nodding in the pump-man's chair, and the men who had +assisted in the rescue returned to their duties in other parts of the +mine. + +Mr. Penton had been in communication with the surface by telephone. He +learned that all was being done that could be done to repair the +hoisting apparatus in the shortest possible time, so there was no +necessity for him to climb the rest of the way up. + +"I think I'll stay down here with you boys for the rest of the night," +he said. "Everything is quiet. I see the surgeon has put the engineer +out of house and home, so I think I shall lie down on the work-bench and +get a little sleep." + +"Yes, it is quiet enough," began Steve, when suddenly there came a dull, +muffled report. The ground beneath their feet trembled perceptibly, then +silence reigned. + +Mr. Penton sprang from the bench where he was just composing himself for +a sleep. + +"Did you hear that!" + +"Yes, sir; we heard it," answered Rush. + +"What was it?" questioned Bob, his head inclined in a listening +attitude. + +"It sounded like an explosion," said Steve. + +"It _was_ an explosion. That was dynamite, boys. Something is going on +here. There should be no blasting in the mines to-night." + +Mr. Penton ran to the telephone to find out what the explosion meant. + +"It looks as though our work were cut out for us, Steve," said Jarvis in +a low tone. + +"I am beginning to think so myself," answered Steve, after listening +intently for a moment. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +"What was it, Mr. Penton?" called Steve, as he saw the superintendent +approaching. + +"I shall have to leave you," returned the superintendent. "Jarvis, if +Rush does not need you, you may come with me." + +"Is there any trouble, sir?" questioned Steve. + +"Yes; there is trouble. Someone has dropped a charge of dynamite down +the cage shaft. They tell me the cage is wrecked. Of course that doesn't +amount to much, if there is no further damage, but there is no telling +where this business is going to end. I must get up to the surface, and +at once." + +"Then I am going with you," announced Steve with emphasis. "I am +perfectly able. There is nothing the matter with me except inactivity. I +am anxious to be doing something. But, Mr. Penton, that charge of +dynamite surely was not dropped in from the surface, was it?" + +"No; that would not be possible." + +"That means that someone in the mine has dropped it from one of the +levels." + +"Yes, yes." + +"Then I would suggest telephoning to the top of the shaft to have the +ladder hole leading to the open watched, and no one to be allowed to +leave the mine unless able to give a good account of himself." + +"Your idea is an excellent one. I will give the order at once." + +The superintendent did so; then the men started upward. At Rush's +suggestion the party divided. The mine captain had been picked up in the +meantime, and the four men divided themselves into two parties, each +party taking a level through which it moved, visiting every place where +men were at work, questioning each sharply as to whether any of their +shift had left their work during the last hour. + +The search was fruitless. There were not many men working on the night +shift, and beyond considerable ladder climbing, the two parties had +finished their search within a few hours. + +The four men met on the surface shortly after midnight. + +The Iron Boys had nothing to report; neither had Mr. Penton nor the mine +captain met with any better results. The mystery was still unexplained. + +"Rush, you usually have ideas on most subjects. What do you think about +this affair?" + +"I hardly know what to think. I have an idea, however, as to where the +charge was dropped from." + +"From where was it dropped?" demanded the superintendent sharply. + +"From the first sub-level below the surface. You see, it would be very +easy for anyone to go down that ladder there at night, without +attracting attention. He could have dropped the charge down through the +shaft and been out and away long before you telephoned up here." + +"That is very true. It may explain that part of the affair." + +"We found a fuse on the first sub-level near the shaft, but of course +that doesn't prove anything. It may have been dropped there by any one +of fifty different men." + +The superintendent's face was stern as he pondered over the matter that +was disturbing them all. + +"Rush, I want you boys to devote your time, during the next few days, to +working on this case. I know of no one else better qualified to do it. +If you can't get to the bottom of the mystery, I know of no one who can. +In the meantime I shall be pursuing some investigations of my own." + +"Very well, sir; do you wish us to drop our work?" + +"As a matter of fact, yes; but you need not appear to have done so. +Pretend to make your rounds, but devote your time to running down this +mystery. The officials will be back here within the next few days. I +want this affair cleared up before they get here, so work fast. You have +my authority to go to any length necessary to solve the mystery and to +discover the guilty ones. Now, show me what you can do." + +"It is a pretty big contract you have given us, sir, but we will do the +best we can. We have personal reasons for wanting to succeed, as you can +understand." + +"We have," affirmed Bob Jarvis grimly. + +The boys bade the superintendent good night and went to their boarding +place. The following morning found Rush suffering from a severe cold. He +could barely speak, but he went to the mine, nevertheless. The cage was +not yet ready for use, but the superintendent had had the ore skips +rigged to carry men down, which was done at greatly reduced speed, but +at the usual time the mine was in full operation. + +All that day the two boys tramped about the mine, part of the time in +company and at other times pursuing their investigations separately. +They talked with the men, working in various subtle ways to obtain hints +that might start them in the right direction. + +Night came, but when they compared notes they found that they had made +no progress. + +"I would go back to-night," said Steve thoughtfully, "but to do so would +attract attention. They know we do not work at night and someone might +become suspicious." + +The next day was a repetition of the previous one so far as results were +concerned. Not a clue did either boy find. This went on for three days, +during which time they had not seen Mr. Penton. He was giving his two +track inspectors a clear field, unhampered by any directions from him, +and this put them on their mettle, perhaps more keenly than would +otherwise have been the case. + +"To-morrow will be Saturday. Don't you think it would be a good time for +us to camp on the trail steadily?" asked Jarvis on Friday night as they +were going home. + +"I have been thinking of that. I'll tell you what I want you to do +to-morrow. Go to the pay clerk and time checker and find out who is left +in the mine after all hands who are going to do so have checked in and +drawn their wages. When you get the list bring it below to me. I will +meet you somewhere near the chutes on seventeen. I want only the names +of those who belong on the shift working Saturday afternoon. There will +not be many of them." + +Jarvis carried out his instructions and brought the list to Rush on the +following day. The two boys scanned the list keenly, after which they +made tours of the working drifts, finding all the men at their stations +and no one in the mine who did not belong there. + +"I'm coming back to-night," decided Steve with emphasis. "I am satisfied +that the people we are looking for are not on the day shift. We will +come down about eight o'clock, by way of the ladders, and prowl quietly +about. We will use our candles only when we get in drifts where there is +no one at work." + +"We won't catch anyone. They're too sharp for us." + +"Perhaps not to-night, but we'll get them if it takes a year to do it. +I'll never give up till I have won this game of hide and seek. When you +go after a thing, Bob, make up your mind you're going to get it. You'll +land somewhere near the mark if you follow that policy." + +"I've got the dynamite report here for you." + +Steve examined the report carefully. He had done a very shrewd thing. He +had held the keeper of the dynamite stores responsible for a complete +list of all the sticks of dynamite given out to the miners each day, and +then had visited the drifts to find out how many charges had been fired +and how many sticks had been used. As dynamite is never issued, except +for immediate use, there could be none left over after the day's work +was done. By the time the holes are drilled a messenger is on hand with +just enough sticks of the deadly stuff to fill the holes. + +After checking up, the young inspectors found that twelve sticks of the +explosive were unaccounted for. They had been drawn from the stores, but +not used. + +"We are beginning to get somewhere, old chap," Steve said, nodding to +his companion. + +"That means that someone--some unauthorized person--has drawn some +dynamite from the stores, does it not?" questioned Jarvis. + +"That is the way I figure it out. It may mean nothing, so far as our +case is concerned, and it may mean much." + +The boys remained in the mine as usual until the shift went up at six +o'clock. At the appointed hour, eight o'clock, they made their way back +to the shaft, but instead of going down on the cage they slipped into +the ladder hole and began their descent in this way. It was decided that +Bob should begin at the upper levels and work down, while Steve was to +make his way to the bottom of the shaft and work up. When they met they +would compare notes. Each had a list of every man who had business in +the mine that night, so that they could find out, by asking a man's +name, whether or not he had a right to be there. + +Steve had gone directly to the bottom and covered every level up to that +where the pump station was located, about half way up the shaft. He +started along this level, keeping out of sight as much as possible, +which had been the policy of each lad, as agreed upon beforehand. + +Steve had not proceeded far when he discovered that someone was walking +along the level ahead of him. At first he thought it was Jarvis, as the +man's hat held no light, and Bob should be somewhere about at that time. + +Steve quickened his steps, intending to overhaul the man and speak to +him. All at once the fellow turned abruptly off from the main level, +entering a drift that ran to the south, but as he passed under the +electric light at the turn Steve Rush made a discovery. + +The man was heavily bearded and Steve recognized him instantly. + +"It's the man Klink," he muttered. "What is he doing in that drift at +this time of night?" + +Consulting his list, the boy saw that Klink did not belong to the night +shift of that particular night. He moved up, intending to follow Klink +into the drift, when the man suddenly emerged. Steve flattened himself +on the ground and waited, while the other glanced cautiously up and +down the level. Satisfying himself that no one was about, Klink turned +and walked on. + +The watcher lost no time in following, but Rush kept at a safe distance, +dodging when he had to pass an electric light, now and then throwing +himself beside the track flat in the mud and water of the gutter when he +thought Klink was about to look back. In this way he avoided discovery. + +Klink continued on until he neared the pump station, when he slackened +his pace. Fortunately for Steve, there were no lights in that part of +the level, so that he had little difficulty in keeping out of sight. +Klink kept on walking until nearly opposite the pump station, when he +suddenly disappeared. For a moment Rush was puzzled; then he discovered +that his man had stepped in between two posts that held up the lagging +at the side of the tunnel. + +The boy's eyes gleamed. + +"Now, my fine gentleman, we'll find out what is going on here! I believe +I have landed the man I am looking for. I----" + +It was just midnight, and the pump man had left his machinery to go for +water to drink with his lunch. Steve understood this, and evidently the +man who was pressed close up against the lagging did also, for he +quickly stepped out, glanced about him, then ran to the square opening +cut in the rocks in which the pump machinery was located. + +Rush ran up on tiptoe to within about twenty yards of the pump station. +He was watching Klink narrowly. The latter snatched something from +inside his coat, thrusting the object under the plunger of the largest +of the pumps. Next came something long, slender and white that looked +like a large string. + +Almost holding his breath, Steve crept nearer. + +"He is attaching a fuse. That was dynamite that he put under the +plunger. He's going to blow up the pumps and flood the mine!" + +Klink struck a match and applied it to the end of the fuse. + +It was now Steve Rush's time to act. Seconds were precious. The boy +seemed scarcely to touch the ground as he sprinted forward. He was upon +the man before Klink saw him. One swift kick from Steve's heavy boot +toppled the man over on his side. + +The Iron Boy snatched the burning fuse from the stick of dynamite and +hurled it from him. + +By that time Klink was on his feet. With blazing eyes he rushed at the +boy. Steve believed, and with good reason, that Klink intended to murder +him. But the boy stood calmly awaiting the onslaught. The man was large +and powerful, but this did not daunt the plucky lad. + +Klink was now more than three feet from him when, suddenly, Steve's +right foot flew out, catching the fellow fairly in the pit of the +stomach. The man uttered an exclamation, at the same time pressing both +hands to the spot where the heavy boot had landed. + +Rush fairly leaped into the air, his fist catching Klink directly +between the eyes. Klink toppled over backwards, and Rush, having lost +his balance, fell prone on top of him. + +The fellow's arms and legs instantly clasped the boy in a tight embrace. +But in that one close look into the fellow's eyes, Steve had recognized +him. + +"I know you! You're Spooner, and I've got you, you villain!" breathed +the lad, writhing and twisting to get his right knee up where he could +use it to advantage. + +Spooner, for it was the same man who had let the trap down under Steve +on the tally-board platform, did not answer. He pressed the boy to him +with a force that made the lad think his ribs were going to be crushed +in. At the same time the man was trying to turn over and get Rush under +him, where he would have quickly settled his young antagonist. + +All at once the Iron Boy jerked his knee up, planting it in the other's +abdomen. Now the more Spooner hugged Rush, the harder did the knee +press against him. With a mighty effort the rascal threw himself on his +side. But in doing so he had relaxed his grip. Steve's right arm was +jerked loose, and like a flash the Iron Boy delivered two short-arm +jolts on the side of his opponent's jaw. + +The blows half stunned the big man. Steve struck him in the nose with a +blow that was intended to reach the jaw and complete the work. + +At that instant there was a shout from down the level. Bob Jarvis came +charging upon the scene. + +Steve recognized the voice of his companion. + +"I've got him, Bob!" shouted the lad with what little breath he had +left. "I've got him down and out!" + +But Spooner was not quite "down and out" yet. He began fighting again in +sheer desperation. His one thought now was to free himself from the grip +of those young arms of steel. + +Bob grasped Spooner by the collar, and after a few violent tugs jerked +the fellow free from Steve's embrace. Spooner staggered to his feet. + +Bang! + +Bob smote him a terrific blow on the jaw, and Spooner dropped in a heap. +He was going to strike the man again when Steve stopped him. + +"Get a rope, quick! I'll take care of him. There's some rope over there +by the pumps." + +Steve threw the prisoner over on his face, twisting the man's hands +behind his back, and a few minutes later they had the fellow's hands +securely tied behind his back. + +About that time the pump-man came running up. + +"Telephone to the superintendent that we have the man," commanded Steve. +"Hurry, now! Don't stop to ask questions. Tell him we are bringing the +fellow up in the skip." + +Spooner by this time had recovered sufficiently to walk with an Iron Boy +on each side of him. In that formation they made their way to the skip. + +"None of your funny business now, unless you want another thump on the +jaw," warned Jarvis threateningly. + +Mr. Penton had not arrived when they reached the surface, so they took +their prisoner to the dry house, leaving word with the skip-tender to +send Mr. Penton over there at once. + +The superintendent was not long in reaching the shaft, whence he hurried +to the place indicated. + +"Mr. Penton, we have caught the guilty man," announced Steve. "There he +is." + +"What--who is he?" demanded the official half unbelievingly, peering +sharply at the prisoner. + +"On the pay roll he is John Klink. His other name is Spooner. He is +stouter and has grown a beard since you saw him last." + +The superintendent uttered an exclamation of amazement. Steve briefly +related all that had occurred. Under pressure, Spooner made a confession +before they left the dry house that night of the whole miserable +business. It was he who had dropped the dynamite into the shaft. But he +declared that it was his partner, Marvin, also working in the mine under +an assumed name, who had lured Steve Rush to the lower level and pushed +him in. It was Marvin, too, who, by thrusting a monkey wrench into the +machinery, had stripped the gear and put the cage mechanism out of +business. + +That night the villainous and revengeful Spooner slept in a cell, where +he was destined to remain until his trial and eventual sentence to a +long term in prison. + +Marvin somehow got wind of the capture of his associate in crime and +fled. He was never heard from in those parts again. + +On the following Monday morning the private car of the visiting +officials once more drew up at the railroad station. Later in the day +the Iron Boys were again summoned to the office of the superintendent. +They supposed it was for a discussion of the Spooner case with Mr. +Penton. They were surprised to find the officials of the company there +awaiting them. + +After greeting the lads, Mr. Carrhart made a little speech in which he +paid a glowing tribute to the brave boys, and at its conclusion he +placed a packet in the hands of each. + +At the meeting of the officials there, a few days previous, it had been +decided by vote to make the lads a present. The packets contained these +presents. The lads protested, but Mr. Carrhart was almost sternly +insistent. + +Upon arriving home Steve and Bob each found in his packet shares of +stock in the big steel company amounting to one thousand dollars. It was +a small fortune for them, yet they had earned it. At least the officials +of the steel company considered that they had. + +The Iron Boys had done their full duty. But they were as yet merely at +the beginning of their career. There were stirring days ahead of them, +as well as other promotions for work well and faithfully done. + +The story of their further exciting experiences and advancement in the +great industrial world are told in the next volume of this series, +entitled, "THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill +Shift." + + + THE END + + + + +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S + +CATALOGUE OF + +The Best and Least Expensive Books for Real Boys and Girls + + +Really good and new stories for boys and girls are not plentiful. Many +stories, too, are so highly improbable as to bring a grin of derision to +the young reader's face before he has gone far. The name of ALTEMUS is a +distinctive brand on the cover of a book, always ensuring the buyer of +having a book that is up-to-date and fine throughout. No buyer of an +ALTEMUS book is ever disappointed. + +Many are the claims made as to the inexpensiveness of books. Go into any +bookstore and ask for an Altemus book. Compare the price charged you for +Altemus books with the price demanded for other juvenile books. You will +at once discover that a given outlay of money will buy more of the +ALTEMUS books than of those published by other houses. + +Every dealer in books carries the ALTEMUS books. + + +Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price + +Henry Altemus Company + +507-513 Cherry Street, Philadelphia + + +The Motor Boat Club Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + +The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully +entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. No boy +will willingly lay down an unfinished book in this series. + + 1 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OF THE KENNEBEC; Or, The Secret of Smugglers' + Island. + + 2 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT NANTUCKET; Or, The Mystery of the Dunstan + Heir. + + 3 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB OFF LONG ISLAND; Or, A Daring Marine Game at + Racing Speed. + + 4 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AND THE WIRELESS; Or, The Dot, Dash and Dare + Cruise. + + 5 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB IN FLORIDA; Or, Laying the Ghost of Alligator + Swamp. + + 6 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB AT THE GOLDEN GATE; Or, A Thrilling Capture + in the Great Fog. + + 7 THE MOTOR BOAT CLUB ON THE GREAT LAKES; Or, The Flying Dutchman + of the Big Fresh Water. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Range and Grange Hustlers + +By Frank Gee Patchin + +Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of life on great +ranches in the West? Any bright boy will "devour" the books of this +series, once he has made a start with the first volume. + + 1 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS ON THE RANCH; Or, The Boy Shepherds + of the Great Divide. + + 2 THE RANGE AND GRANGE HUSTLERS' GREATEST ROUND-UP; Or, Pitting + Their Wits Against a Packer's Combine. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Submarine Boys Series + +By Victor G. Durham + +These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life aboard submarine +torpedo boats, and with the adventures of the young crew, and possess, +in addition to the author's surpassing knack of story-telling, a great +educational value for all young readers. + + 1 THE SUBMARINE BOYS ON DUTY; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo Boat. + + 2 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' TRIAL TRIP; Or, "Making Good" as Young + Experts. + + 3 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE MIDDIES; Or, The Prize Detail at + Annapolis. + + 4 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SPIES; Or, Dodging the Sharks of the + Deep. + + 5 THE SUBMARINE BOYS' LIGHTNING CRUISE; Or, The Young Kings of the + Deep. + + 6 THE SUBMARINE BOYS FOR THE FLAG; Or, Deeding Their Lives to Uncle + Sam. + + 7 THE SUBMARINE BOYS AND THE SMUGGLERS; Or, Breaking Up the New + Jersey Customs Frauds. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Square Dollar Boys Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + +The reading boy will be a voter within a few years; these books are +bound to make him think, and when he casts his vote he will do it more +intelligently for having read these volumes. + + 1 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS WAKE UP; Or, Fighting the Trolley + Franchise Steal. + + 2 THE SQUARE DOLLAR BOYS SMASH THE RING; Or, In the Lists Against + the Crooked Land Deal. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Pony Rider Boys Series + +By Frank Gee Patchin + +These tales may be aptly described as those of a new Cooper. In every +sense they belong to the best class of books for boys and girls. + + 1 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ROCKIES; Or, The Secret of the Lost + Claim. + + 2 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN TEXAS; Or, The Veiled Riddle of the + Plains. + + 3 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN MONTANA; Or, The Mystery of the Old Custer + Trail. + + 4 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE OZARKS; Or, The Secret of Ruby + Mountain. + + 5 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE ALKALI; Or, Finding a Key to the + Desert Maze. + + 6 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN NEW MEXICO; Or, The End of the Silver + Trail. + + 7 THE PONY RIDER BOYS IN THE GRAND CANYON; Or, The Mystery of + Bright Angel Gulch. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Boys of Steel Series + +By James R. Mears + +The author has made of these volumes a series of romances with scenes +laid in the iron and steel world. Each book presents a vivid picture of +some phase of this great industry. The information given is exact and +truthful; above all, each story is full of adventure and fascination. + + 1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the + Shaft. + + 2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +West Point Series + +By H. IRVING HANCOCK + +The principal characters in these narratives are manly young Americans +whose doings will inspire all boy readers. + + 1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the + Cadet Gray. + + 2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory + of the Soldier's Life. + + 3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for + Flag and Honor. + + 4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the + Gray for Shoulder Straps. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Annapolis Series + +By H. IRVING HANCOCK + +The spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted in +these volumes. + + 1 DAVE DARRIN'S FIRST YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Plebe Midshipmen + at the U. S. Naval Academy. + + 2 DAVE DARRIN'S SECOND YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Two Midshipmen as + Naval Academy "Youngsters." + + 3 DAVE DARRIN'S THIRD YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Leaders of the Second + Class Midshipmen. + + 4 DAVE DARRIN'S FOURTH YEAR AT ANNAPOLIS; Or, Headed for Graduation + and the Big Cruise. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Young Engineers Series + +By H. IRVING HANCOCK + +The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High School Boys +Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry Hazelton prove worthy of +all the traditions of Dick & Co. + + 1 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN COLORADO; Or, at Railroad Building in + Earnest. + + 2 THE YOUNG ENGINEERS IN ARIZONA; Or, Laying Tracks on the + "Man-Killer" Quicksands. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Boys of the Army Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + +These books breathe the life and spirit of the United States Army of +to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described by a master pen. + + 1 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE RANKS; Or, Two Recruits in the United + States Army. + + 2 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS ON FIELD DUTY; Or, Winning Corporal's Chevrons. + + 3 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS AS SERGEANTS; Or, Handling Their First Real + Commands. + + 4 UNCLE SAM'S BOYS IN THE PHILIPPINES; Or, Following the Flag + Against the Moros. + +(_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Battleship Boys Series + +By Frank Gee Patchin + +These stories throb with the life of young Americans on to-day's huge +drab Dreadnaughts. + + 1 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS AT SEA; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle Sam's + Navy. + + 2 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS' FIRST STEP UPWARD; Or, Winning Their Grades + as Petty Officers. + + 3 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN FOREIGN SERVICE; Or, Earning New Ratings + in European Seas. + + 4 THE BATTLESHIP BOYS IN THE TROPICS; Or, Upholding the American + Flag in a Honduras Revolution. + +(_Other volumes to follow rapidly._) + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +High School Boys Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + + In this series of bright, crisp books a new note has been struck. + + Boys of every age under sixty will be interested in these + fascinating volumes. + + 1 THE HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMEN; Or, Dick & Co's First Year Pranks and + Sports. + + 2 THE HIGH SCHOOL PITCHER; Or, Dick & Co. on the Gridley Diamond. + + 3 THE HIGH SCHOOL LEFT END; Or, Dick & Co. Grilling on the Football + Gridiron. + + 4 THE HIGH SCHOOL CAPTAIN OF THE TEAM; Or, Dick & Co. Leading the + Athletic Vanguard. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Grammar School Boys Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + + This series of stories, based on the actual doings of grammar + school boys comes near to the heart of the average American boy. + + 1 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS OF GRIDLEY; Or, Dick & Co. Start Things + Moving. + + 2 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS SNOWBOUND; Or, Dick & Co. at Winter + Sports. + + 3 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN THE WOODS; Or, Dick & Co. Trail Fun + and Knowledge. + + 4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make + Their Fame Secure. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Circus Boys Series + +By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON + +Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life. + + 1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the + Sawdust Life. + + 2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on + the Tanbark. + + 3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the + Sunny South. + + 4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show + on the Big River. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The High School Girls Series + +By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M. + +These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader +fairly by storm. + + 1 GRACE HARLOEW'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings + of the Oakdale Freshman Girls. + + 2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of + the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. + + 3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in + the Sororities. + + 4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of + the Ways. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Automobile Girls Series + +By LAURA DENT CRANE + +No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all complete +unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books. + + 1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade. + + 2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost + Man's Trail. + + 3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in + Sleepy Hollow. + + 4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy + Odds. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + + * * * * * + + Transcriber Note + + + Minor spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Iron Boys in the Mines, by James R. 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Mears - A Project Gutenberg eBook. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} +.p6 {margin-top: 6em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +hr.tb {width: 25%;} +hr.chap {width: 65%} +hr.r15 {width: 15%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +hr.r65 {width: 65%; margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 3em;} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + + .tdl {text-align: left;} + .tdr bloc{text-align: right;} + .tdc {text-align: center;} + + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + color: #a9a9a9; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} + + /* page numbers */ + + +.blockquote { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.right {text-align: right;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.extraspacetop2 {margin-top: 2em;} + +.extraspacetop5 {margin-top: 5em;} + +.extraspacebot2 {margin-bottom: 2em;} + +.extraspacebot5 {margin-bottom: 5em;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + text-align: center; +} + +.figleft { + float: left; + clear: left; + margin-left: 0; + margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-right: 1em; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; +} + +.figright { + float: right; + clear: right; + margin-left: 1em; + margin-bottom: + 1em; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-right: 0; + padding: 0; + text-align: center; +} + +/* Drop Caps */ + +p.cap:first-letter { float: left; clear: left; + margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; + padding:0; + line-height: .9em; font-size: 250%; +} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Iron Boys in the Mines, by James R. Mears + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license + + +Title: The Iron Boys in the Mines + or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft + +Author: James R. Mears + +Release Date: March 9, 2012 [EBook #39083] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES *** + + + + +Produced by Dianna Adair, Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, +Dave Morgan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team +at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter extraspacebot2"> +<img src="images/iron1cover.jpg" width="300" height="477" alt="Cover" title="Cover" /> +</div> + +<div class="figcenter extraspacetop5 extraspacebot5"> +<img src="images/iron1pic1.png" width="350" height="548" alt="" /> +<span class="caption"><br /><br />Steve Gazed With Wonder Upon the Busy Scene.<br /> + +<i>Frontispiece.</i></span> +</div> + + + + + +<h1>The Iron Boys in the Mines<br /> +<br /> +<small>OR</small><br /><br /></h1> + +<h2>Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft +<br /><br /> +<small>By</small><br /></h2> + +<h3>JAMES R. MEARS</h3> + +<p class="extraspacetop2 center">Author of</p> +<p class="extraspacetop2 center">The Iron Boys As Foremen,</p> +<p class="extraspacetop2 center">The Iron Boys on the Ore Boats,</p> +<p class="center">etc.</p> +<p class="extraspacetop5 center">Illustrated</p> +<p class="extraspacetop5 center">PHILADELPHIA</p> +<p class="center">HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY</p> + + +<p class="extraspacetop5 extraspacebot5 center"> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1912, by<br /> +Howard E. Altemus</span><br /> +</p> + + + + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="6" cellspacing="2" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left"> <span class="smcap">Chapter</span></td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Page</span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">I. <span class="smcap">Securing a Job Under Difficulties</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_7">7</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">II. <span class="smcap">Handling the Red Ore</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">III. <span class="smcap">Two Thousand Feet Under Ground</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_32">32</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">IV. <span class="smcap">Steve Shoots the Chutes</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_42">42</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">V. <span class="smcap">The "Missed Hole"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_49">49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">VI. <span class="smcap">In the Powder-Wrecked Drift</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_61">61</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">VII. "<span class="smcap">Is Anyone Alive in There?</span>"</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_70">70</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">VIII. <span class="smcap">Bob Makes Good His Word</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">IX. <span class="smcap">Young Gladiators Meet</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_89">89</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">X. <span class="smcap">In a New Job</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_97">97</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XI. <span class="smcap">Rush Makes a Discovery</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_106">106</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XII. <span class="smcap">The Boys Expose a Plot</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_115">115</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XIII. <span class="smcap">Straightening the Crooked Ones</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XIV. <span class="smcap">Laying the Trap</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XV. <span class="smcap">Borne Skyward on a Skip</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_147">147</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XVI. <span class="smcap">What Was Found in the Shaft</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XVII. <span class="smcap">Their First Promotion</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_171">171</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XVIII. <span class="smcap">The Visit of the Officials</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XIX. <span class="smcap">Facing a Great Peril</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_193">193</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XX. <span class="smcap">Into a Black Gulf</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_202">202</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XXI. <span class="smcap">The Search for the Missing Boy</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_209">209</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XXII. <span class="smcap">When the Waters Closed Over Him</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XXIII. <span class="smcap">A Thousand Feet of Ladders</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">XXIV. <span class="smcap">Conclusion</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_242">242</a></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<hr class="r65 extraspacebot5" /> + +<h1>The Iron Boys in the Mines</h1> + + +<hr class="r15 extraspacetop5"/><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">SECURING A JOB UNDER DIFFICULTIES</p> + + +<p class="cap">"IS Mr. Carrhart in?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe he is, and maybe he isn't," +answered the office boy, grinning sardonically. +"Who are you?"</p> + +<p>"My name is Stephen Rush and I wish to see +Mr. Carrhart, the president of the mining company," +answered the first speaker, a lad of some +sixteen years, dark-haired, dark-eyed and slight +of build.</p> + +<p>"What do you want to see him about?"</p> + +<p>"That is what I have come to tell him," replied +young Rush, directing a level gaze at the +boy, who was half a head taller and much more +stocky of build than was Steve. "May I speak +with the president?"</p> + +<p>"No; you may not speak with Mr. Carrhart."</p> + +<p>"Why not, please? It is quite important."</p> + +<p>"Because I won't let you."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You won't let me?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Will you not take my name in—tell him I +shall not detain him?"</p> + +<p>"<i>No!</i>"</p> + +<p>For a moment Steve Rush stood looking at +the office boy, undecided and disappointed. He +had not thought there would be any difficulty +in getting a few words with the man he had come +to see.</p> + +<p>"Go on—skip!"</p> + +<p>The office boy, without giving the caller an +opportunity to obey his command, sprang forward, +and, pressing both hands against Steve's +chest, began shoving the lad out into the corridor. +Steve was stepping backwards so fast +that he was unable to free himself from the belligerent +office boy.</p> + +<p>All at once young Rush took advantage of a +momentary pause of his antagonist, and sprang +lightly to one side. The next instant his fingers +closed over the wrists of the office boy, shutting +down with a grip that made the other writhe.</p> + +<p>"Leggo my hands!"</p> + +<p>The office boy shook himself free, then swung +a vicious blow at Steve's head. To the former's +surprise his blow landed on thin air, but ere he +could square himself for another swing the grip +of young Rush had once more fastened on his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> +wrists. And this time there was no breaking +away. Tighter and tighter grew the pressure on +the office boy's wrists.</p> + +<p>"Leggo! O-u-c-h! Leggo, I tell you!" cried +the latter, raising his voice so high that office +doors were quickly opened along the corridor, +heads popping out, their owners demanding to +know what the uproar was about.</p> + +<p>"Will you take my name in to Mr. Carrhart?" +demanded Steve in a low, firm tone.</p> + +<p>"No, I won't. I'll trim you for this. I'll——"</p> + +<p>Steve, with a strength that would not have +been believed of him, calmly began leading his +prisoner back into the office.</p> + +<p>"Young man, I think I shall take you to Mr. +Carrhart. We shall see what he has to say +about you. I do not believe he will be pleased +when I tell him how you have acted. I——"</p> + +<p>Just then a door opened and a young man +stepped out.</p> + +<p>"Here, here, here, what does this mean?" demanded +the newcomer sharply.</p> + +<p>"He's hurting me; he's——"</p> + +<p>Steve quickly released the hands of the office +boy, and removing his hat, stepped forward respectfully.</p> + +<p>"Are you Mr. Carrhart, sir?"</p> + +<p>"No; I'm his secretary. What is the meaning +of this disturbance?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I was trying to see Mr. Carrhart——"</p> + +<p>"You have a most peculiar way of going about +it, I must say," was the sharp reply. "What did +you wish to see him about?"</p> + +<p>"I want to get a job."</p> + +<p>"At what?"</p> + +<p>"Anything—preferably in the mines."</p> + +<p>The secretary laughed.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry, young man, but the president +is a very busy man. And besides, this is not +the place to come for a situation in the mines. +You will have to apply to one of the superintendents +at the mines. However, I believe you +are too young and——"</p> + +<p>"But I am quite strong, sir. I am sure I shall +be able to do a day's work. I am anxious——"</p> + +<p>"You will have to apply as I have just suggested. +You cannot see the president," announced +the secretary shortly, turning on his +heel and reëntering his own office.</p> + +<p>"Yah, yah!" jeered the office boy. "Now, Mr. +Smarty, will you get out or shall I put you out?"</p> + +<p>"Neither."</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>"You will not put me out, and I propose to +remain here until I get a chance to see your +employer," announced Steve in a low, firm tone. +He calmly seated himself on a bench just outside +the door of the office reception room.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<p>The office boy's eyes narrowed angrily. He +took a step toward Rush, then, apparently thinking +better of it, strode back to his little square +desk and threw himself into a chair, where +he sat glowering at the calm-eyed boy out in +the corridor.</p> + +<p>Steve sat gazing steadily at the door of a +room on which was written the word "President." +Now and then he caught sight of a +shadow within, through the ground-glass partition, +and now and again the sound of voices +reached him.</p> + +<p>"Are you going to move?" demanded a voice +at his side.</p> + +<p>Steve glanced up, finding the office boy standing +close to him, a threatening scowl on his face.</p> + +<p>"I told you I was waiting to see the president."</p> + +<p>"You are, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"How are you going to see him?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to wait here until he comes out."</p> + +<p>"If you don't get put out before that."</p> + +<p>"Then I shall wait out in the lobby by the +elevator. You can't put me out, for I am not +in your office."</p> + +<p>With a grunt the office boy returned to his +desk. At about that time Rush caught sight +of the figure of a man behind the glass of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> +door leading into the president's room. The +lad was all attention at once.</p> + +<p>After a moment the door swung open and a +man stepped out into the corridor and started +for the elevator.</p> + +<p>"I beg pardon, sir, are you Mr. Carrhart?" +questioned Steve.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Carrhart?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Why, no, my lad; what made you think I +was?"</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon, sir. I saw you come out +of the president's office and I wanted to see him +very much," stammered the lad.</p> + +<p>"Then why don't you go to see him?"</p> + +<p>"I'm going to," answered Steve in a resolute +tone. "Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>With that the lad turned, walking rapidly +back. He did not stop when he had reached the +bench just outside the reception room. Instead, +he stepped firmly up to the door of the president's +office. His hand was upon the door knob.</p> + +<p>"Here, you, where you going?" cried the office +boy, bounding after him.</p> + +<p>Steve made no reply, whereupon the office boy +started for him again. But the latter was not +quick enough. Rush opened the door to the +private office and stepped within. The office boy +prevented his closing the door, and a second<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +later had bolted in after the visitor. Then things +began to happen with surprising quickness. +Rush went down in a heap, the office boy landing +on his back. Over and over the two lads rolled, +clasped in a tight embrace.</p> + +<p>"Here, here! What does this mean?" demanded +the president, gazing with amazement +at the rough-and-tumble battle going on at his +very feet.</p> + +<p>Neither lad appeared to have heard him, for +the rolling and floundering continued a few seconds +longer. All at once Steve got a firm grip +on the wrist of his antagonist. The office boy uttered +a yell as the wrist was bent backwards. +Rush swung him over on his face and sat down +on him somewhat out of breath.</p> + +<p>"Is this—is this Mr. Carrhart, sir?" stammered +Steve.</p> + +<p>"It is. But may I inquire what this remarkable +performance means?"</p> + +<p>"I came to see you, sir."</p> + +<p>"You go about it in a very peculiar manner. +Get up!"</p> + +<p>"I can't, sir; the boy will want to fight me +again."</p> + +<p>"I will attend to the boy. Get up at once!"</p> + +<p>Rush rose to his feet. As he had predicted, +the office boy made another dash for him, but +this Steve avoided by stepping to one side.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oscar, that will do!" said Mr. Carrhart +sternly. "You have done your duty as you saw +it. You may leave the room."</p> + +<p>The office boy obeyed, casting an angry glance +at the unruffled countenance of Steve Rush as +he closed the door behind him.</p> + +<p>"Now, what is it you want, young man?" +questioned the president. "State your business +briefly, for I have no time to waste."</p> + +<p>"I am looking for a position, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Carrhart was about to make a sharp reply, +when, chancing to glance into the face of +the lad before him, he saw something there that +arrested the words he was about to utter. The +boy's face showed an earnestness of purpose, a +stubborn determination that led the mining +president to modify his tone.</p> + +<p>"You wish a position?" he asked not unkindly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"What position are you looking for?"</p> + +<p>"I wish to go into the iron mines; I wish +to learn the business, sir. I am stronger than +I look——"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have just had evidence of that fact. +But why do you come to me?"</p> + +<p>"Because you are the head of the mines. +Should I not go to the head when I am looking +for a position?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Perhaps you are right at that, my lad. What +is your name?"</p> + +<p>Steve gave his name and his age, also adding +that he had completed half his course at the high +school in Duluth.</p> + +<p>"Why did you not continue with your school? +You should be in school at your age, rather than +going to work."</p> + +<p>"I should like to be, sir, but circumstances +have arisen that make it necessary for me to +go to work."</p> + +<p>"What are those circumstances?"</p> + +<p>"My father died four weeks ago, and I must +work to help support my mother," answered the +lad, a slight flush suffusing his cheeks.</p> + +<p>"Does your mother work?"</p> + +<p>"She is not able to take a position, sir. She +does some sewing, and, with what I shall be +able to earn in a little while, we shall get along +very nicely."</p> + +<p>"Hm-m-m!" mused the president. "You are +very confident."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Because I am willing to work."</p> + +<p>"Have you tried to get a position in town? +I should think that would be better for a lad +of your age than to work in the mines."</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I have always wanted to be a miner. +I want to start at the bottom and learn the business."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am afraid you could not stand it, my lad," +answered Mr. Carrhart after brief reflection. +"And, besides, as you understand, all the hiring +is done by the officials at the mines."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. But you need have no fear that +I shall not be able to do a man's work. I was +one of the best athletes in the high school. I +was quite frail when I began going to school, +but by systematic exercise I have built myself +up. I can stand a much greater strain than +you would imagine to look at me. If I do not +make good they will not keep me. Won't you +please give me a chance to try, sir?"</p> + +<p>"How would you like to come in the office +here?"</p> + +<p>"I should like it, of course, sir; but, as I have +already said, I prefer to begin at the bottom and +work up."</p> + +<p>"My lad, you are of the right stuff. You will +get on in the world. Not much of anything matters +in the face of such determination as yours. +The work in the mines is very hard. You will +find rough men there and you will meet with +more or less temptation, but I believe you are +strong enough to keep yourself above it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I am sure of that, sir."</p> + +<p>By this time Mr. Carrhart was busily writing. +Steve watched him, not quite certain +whether or not the interview was at an end.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You—you will give me a chance, sir?" asked +the lad after a moment's silence.</p> + +<p>"Yes; here is a letter to the general superintendent +of the Cousin Jack Mine. I have asked +him to give you employment at the earliest possible +moment. I shall hope to hear good reports +from you, Rush. Remember what I have said +to you. I shall keep an eye on you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, thank you, sir; thank you! I cannot tell +you how I appreciate your kindness."</p> + +<p>"Purely a matter of business, my lad. I see +in you the making of an excellent man for the +company. We are looking for young men with +your determination and grit."</p> + +<p>As Steve passed out through the reception +room the office boy stepped in front of him.</p> + +<p>"I'll lick you the first time I catch you outside," +announced the guardian of the door.</p> + +<p>"Please don't," answered Steve. "Somebody +might get hurt. Besides, I am not a fighter. +Good afternoon."</p> + +<p>Rush hurried out to carry the good news to +his mother.</p> + +<p>"That boy has the making of a great man," +mused Carrhart, as he stood with hands clasped +behind his back, gazing down into the street. +"Yes, he will be heard from some of these days, +unless I am greatly in error."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> + + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">HANDLING THE RED ORE</p> + + +<p class="cap">"WHY, boy, you couldn't stand up for an +hour down below ground."</p> + +<p>Ike Penton, general superintendent +of the Cousin Jack Mine, smiled indulgently +into the eager face of Steve Rush.</p> + +<p>"It's a man's work, not a boy's work. Mr. +Carrhart's letter gives you a fine endorsement. +He seems to think you have the making of a +miner in you, and acting on his judgment, I +shall of course give you a chance."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. You will try to place me +down in one of the mines, will you not?"</p> + +<p>"No; I shall not take the responsibility of +doing so just at the present moment. I shall +use you above ground for a few days, until I +see what you are best fitted to do, and then—but +mind you, I am not making any promises—I +will see what can be done for you."</p> + +<p>The superintendent smiled indulgently. He +was a man of kindly impulses and he had boys +of his own. Then, too, he remembered the day, +many years before, when he, also, had sought +employment in the iron mines. By sheer pluck +he had worked his way up from the ranks, until<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> +now he was the head of an army of more than +five thousand men, distributed among the various +mines.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will see what can be done for you," +repeated the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir; but I wish you might find +a place for me down in the mines."</p> + +<p>"Why are you so anxious to get below ground, +my lad?"</p> + +<p>"So that I may begin my apprenticeship at +once."</p> + +<p>"When will you be ready to go to work?"</p> + +<p>"I am ready now," answered Steve promptly.</p> + +<p>"The day is well along. Report here at seven +o'clock to-morrow morning, and I will place you +at something. Your pay, to begin, will be a +dollar a day. Here is the address of a boarding +house that I should advise you to put up at, +unless you already have made arrangements."</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Very well. Report to the boarding house +boss some time to-day and he will see that you +are taken care of. There are very good boys +there, and you will learn considerable about the +business of mining from them. Let me advise +you, however, not to mix in too much with the +foreign element. Let them alone and you will +find they will do the same with you. Pay strict +attention to duty, be punctual and work, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +you will get along. Our discipline is strict, but +we have the interests of our men at heart. In +so far as they will let us, we make their well-being +our first care. Here is a copy of the +rules governing the conduct of men in all departments. +Study it well to-day and come back +here to-morrow morning at the hour named."</p> + +<p>Briefly thanking the superintendent, Steve +left the mine office at Iron Mountain and proceeded +to the boarding house. There he was +assigned to a room in which were cots for two +men. The place was neat and clean, though extremely +plain. There were no evidences of +luxury in the furnishings, and when he sat down +to his first meal there he found the food plain +but wholesome; the miners mostly silent and in +a great hurry to have done with their meal. +Considering how they bolted their food, Steve +did not understand how any of them managed +to keep out of the hospital.</p> + +<p>"It's a wonder they don't all have chronic +indigestion," he thought.</p> + +<p>No one paid any attention to the quiet youth, +after the first careless glance at him, as the men +took their places at the table. The lad did not +care particularly. He was rather glad that they +did leave him wholly to himself until he should +become better acquainted with his surroundings.</p> + +<p>What Steve was curious about, however, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> +who his roommate was to be. When he asked +the boarding house boss about this the boy was +told to wait until night, when he would see for +himself. After that Steve asked no more questions.</p> + +<p>After dinner young Rush went out to wander +about and get acquainted with his surroundings. +Iron Mountain, the town in which was located +the mine where he was to work, was a village +of about seventeen hundred inhabitants, nestling +between two high ranges of mountains. The +timber had been cut off, and wherever the eye +chanced to rest it was met by a forest of black +stumps, with here and there the shaft of an +iron mine rising dark and gloomy.</p> + +<p>It was the most cheerless scene that Steve +Rush had ever gazed upon. The buildings in +the village proper were mostly mere shacks, the +public school being the only building worthy of +a name in the entire community.</p> + +<p>The streets of the town were deserted, but +beneath them, far down in the earth, men toiled +and burrowed by day and by night, penetrating +deeper and deeper into the earth in their quest +for Nature's riches.</p> + +<p>The lad was lonely. He would have been +homesick had he not been possessed of the grit +to keep his emotions in check. But as he strolled +over toward the towering, gloomy mine shafts<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +he began to realize that he was at the very fountain +head of the greatest steel industry in the +world. From the quiet of the little mining village +he had come upon a scene of work the like +of which he had never seen before.</p> + +<p>As he gazed, the great ore cars shot up from +the mines with a roar. Leaping to the top of +the high shaft, they hurled their cargoes of red +ore into waiting dump cars, then dropped back +below ground with a speed almost too great for +the human eye to follow. Men red with the +metal they were handling were laboring on the +surface, their faces streaked with perspiration, +their rolled-up sleeves and open-necked shirts +displaying the brawn and muscle without which +the great steel company would quickly lose its +greatness.</p> + +<p>Shrieking railroad engines were dashing into +the yards, dragging from them loads of ore that +would be rushed to waiting ore boats on the +Great Lakes, to be conveyed thence to the great +steel mills in the east. The cars were being +loaded by machinery and with such speed as to +cause the watcher to gasp with amazement.</p> + +<p>"This is wonderful," Steve cried, carried +away by his enthusiasm. "This is the life for +me! I never dreamed it was so splendid."</p> + +<p>It was, indeed, a world pulsating with opportunities +for him who possessed the pluck to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> +fight his way to the front. In a vague sort of +way, Steve Rush seemed to realize this.</p> + +<p>"Some day I shall be at the head of one of +these great industries!" he breathed. "I, too, +will be a captain of industry! I'll never give +up until I am—until I have learned all that can +be learned about this wonderful industry."</p> + +<p>The afternoon drew to a close all too soon for +Steve, and not until the whistle blew at six +o'clock and the miners in their oilskins came +streaming up from their underground haunts, +did the lad make up his mind to leave. With a +sigh, he turned away, starting thoughtfully for +the boarding house.</p> + +<p>Just before sitting down to supper he was +introduced to a Cornishman, who, he was told, +was to be his roommate. When Steve had taken +his place at the table he found himself sitting +opposite a boy whom he judged to be about his +own age. This boy, however, was taller and +much more rugged looking than was Steve.</p> + +<p>The latter saw the lad eyeing him inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"What's your name, boy?" finally demanded +the larger of the two, pointing a spoon at Steve.</p> + +<p>"Stephen Rush."</p> + +<p>"Rush?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"That's a funny name. Do you hear that, +fellows?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I do not see anything so very funny about +it," replied Steve, his face flushing ever so little. +"What is your name?"</p> + +<p>"Mine? I'm Bob Jarvis. But, judging from +your name, you must be one of those fellows who +is always in a hurry. Does your mamma know +you're here?"</p> + +<p>"She does," answered Steve gravely.</p> + +<p>"Is she a Rusher, too?"</p> + +<p>"Her name is Rush, if that is what you +mean."</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of that? His +mother's Rush and she's a Rusher, too. That +must be a pretty lively family," scoffed Jarvis. +"Why, I'll bet——"</p> + +<p>"You will please leave my mother's name out +of your talk," commanded Steve quietly, directing +a level gaze at Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Touchy, eh? Do you hear that, fellows?"</p> + +<p>If the miners did hear they were much too +busy with their suppers to give the matter much +attention.</p> + +<p>"Little Miss Hurry-up is going to get in a +huff. But never mind, Rusher, I guess you're +right at that. I had a mother once myself, but +that don't stop me from saying whatever I want +to you."</p> + +<p>"Say what you wish to, so long as you confine +your talk to myself," replied Steve. "What you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +say about me doesn't matter much, anyway. For +that matter, I do not think your remarks are +of very great consequence, whatever subject you +may be discussing."</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p> + +<p>"I think you heard what I said."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, young fellow?"</p> + +<p>"If you don't understand, I shall try to make +it plainer. I mean to say that you act like a +rowdy. I shouldn't be surprised if you are +one."</p> + +<p>Bob Jarvis half rose from his chair. The +smile had left his face, giving place to an angry +scowl.</p> + +<p>"So, you—you are looking for fight, eh?" he +demanded, thrusting his chin forward belligerently.</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I am not." Steve did not even look +up as he made the reply, but calmly proceeded +with his supper.</p> + +<p>"Well, you've got to fight, whether you are +looking for it or not. I'll show you that you +can't hand out a line of talk like that to Bob +Jarvis," growled the larger boy, starting for +the head of the table, around which he would +have to go to reach Steve.</p> + +<p>"Stow your scrapping and give us a chance +to eat our suppers," growled one of the miners.</p> + +<p>"Yes, we'll throw both of you out first thing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> +you know," added another. "If you want to +fight, why don't you have it out before you come +to the table?"</p> + +<p>Jarvis gave no heed to the warnings. He was +bent on punishing the boy on the other side of +the table who had defied him. Just as he was +passing the head of the table, a heavy hand +gripped his collar, sending Bob spinning back +toward his seat.</p> + +<p>"Sit down!" bellowed a voice.</p> + +<p>The boarding boss straightened up threateningly. +It was he who had checked the pugnacious +Bob Jarvis, and just in time to prevent a lively +fight in the miners' boarding house. Bob fell +rather than sat down in his chair.</p> + +<p>"If you want to fight, go out doors. But if +you do fight, I'll report you both to the superintendent," +warned the boss, resuming his seat.</p> + +<p>Bob sulked in his chair, while Steve Rush, appearing +to take not the least bit of interest in +the disturbance, went on with his supper unmoved.</p> + +<p>"I'll make you take that back when I catch +you outside, one of these fine days, Miss +Hurry-up," threatened Bob in a low tone, leaning +over the table with one eye on the boarding +house boss.</p> + +<p>"Yes?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I will. I dare you to meet me over by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> +the dry house after supper. I promise you I +will take it out of your hide."</p> + +<p>"No, thank you," replied Steve dryly, with +a slight shrug of the shoulders.</p> + +<p>"You won't?"</p> + +<p>"No, I will not."</p> + +<p>"Afraid, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; afraid I might lose some sleep. I am +going to bed after supper. I have work on hand +to-morrow and I don't care to spoil my chances +by getting into a row to-night. Besides, I am +not a fighter. I am here for business."</p> + +<p>"Fellows, I told you he was a missie. I see +I've got to take you in hand, Rush. You'll never +make a miner until you've been properly +trimmed, and I'm the boy who's taken the contract +to do the job. I——"</p> + +<p>"Jarvis, that will be about enough for the +present," warned the boarding house boss from +the head of the table.</p> + +<p>"Can't a fellow have a little fun without being +called down?" demanded Bob in a tone of disgust.</p> + +<p>"Yes; have all the fun you want, but don't +pick on a boy who isn't your size. You, boy +down there, what did you say your name is?"</p> + +<p>"Stephen Rush."</p> + +<p>"Well, Steve, don't be afraid of Jarvis. His +bark is much worse than his bite."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am not afraid of him, sir."</p> + +<p>"If he bothers you here, let me know. If +you have any trouble outside, report it to the +superintendent or to your foreman. Where are +you going to work?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir. I have not been assigned. +I thank you, but I think I shall be able to take +care of myself without reporting to anyone," +added Rush, flashing a significant glance at Bob +Jarvis. The latter started to make some reply, +but checked himself sharply.</p> + +<p>From that time on the meal proceeded without +further disturbance. Just as they were leaving +the table, however, Jarvis edged over to +where Steve was standing, waiting for those +ahead of him to pass through the narrow door.</p> + +<p>"I hope you get in my shift," he whispered +in Steve's ear.</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because I'll have a chance to teach you a +few things."</p> + +<p>"Then I hope I do," answered the lad in +his soft voice. "I want to learn all I can, you +know."</p> + +<p>Bob's face wrinkled into a scowl. He was not +certain whether Steve really meant what he said +or whether he was poking fun at him.</p> + +<p>Early on the following morning Steve reported +to the office of the superintendent. To<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +his disappointment he was assigned to the ore +dump. This is a great pile of ore dumped on +the surface by a tram car as the ore is brought +up from the mine in a skip, or ore elevator. +Steve's particular duty was to stand at the +outer end of the track and shovel the ore away +from the track after each carload had been +dumped.</p> + +<p>It was not a comfortable place to stand, for +a misstep would precipitate him down the sloping +end of the ore dump to the ground some +forty feet below.</p> + +<p>On this dump the ore car was pushed by hand, +whereas on others it was operated by electricity. +Steve had received his instructions from the +dump boss, so, with a shovel in his hands, he +stood awaiting the first carload of ore.</p> + +<p>At last it came on with a bump and a crunch, +groaning and threatening to jump the rails with +each revolution of its wheels.</p> + +<p>Steve sprang to one side as he saw the car approaching, +believing for the minute that the tram +was going to run him down and plunge over the +end of the dump. Should such be the case, the +tram would surely carry him down with it, so +he had lost no time in getting out of the way.</p> + +<p>"Hi, there! Look out where you are going! +You'll run off the track!" shouted the lad in a +warning tone.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span></p> + +<p>But the tram did not run off. It came to a +slow stop; then, instead of discharging its cargo +over the end of the pile, the end of the car's box +suddenly swung around toward Steve. There +followed a quick, sharp, metallic clang. Steve +Rush went down with the contents of the car +falling all about him in a red, suffocating shower, +burying him nearly to his neck. Some of the +ore rolled down the side of the dump, and the +lad would have followed had he not been held +fast by the dirt about him. His body was +bruised in spots where unbroken chunks had +bombarded him; his hair, mouth, eyes and nose +were full of the stuff, and he found himself +scarcely able to breathe.</p> + +<p>For a moment the boy was at a loss to understand +what had happened. By industrious +blinking and rubbing of his eyes he managed +presently to take account of his surroundings.</p> + +<p>Steve struggled with all his might to free +himself. He was unable to do so.</p> + +<p>"He—help!" he shouted. "I—I'm bu—buried +up to my chin and I'm getting in deeper +all the time. Help me to get out of this!"</p> + +<p>"Hello, there! What's the matter?" questioned +a jeering voice. "Why, upon my word, if +it isn't Little Miss Rush."</p> + +<p>Steve recognized the voice as belonging to +Bob Jarvis.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It's you, is it, Jarvis? Well, help me out +of this and I will talk with you. I shall have a +few things to say to you, too, when we get a +chance to talk——"</p> + +<p>"Why, sure, I'll help you out. How did you +happen to get in the way of that dump?"</p> + +<p>"Never mind how. I believe you did that +on purpose, Bob Jarvis, and you will have to +answer to me for it," declared Steve Rush in a +resolute tone.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">TWO THOUSAND FEET UNDER GROUND +</p> + + +<p class="cap">JARVIS sprang forward and with shovel in +hand began throwing the dirt in all directions.</p> + +<p>"If you don't mind, please don't pile any +more of this red stuff on my head than you can +help. I have plenty as it is," said Steve.</p> + +<p>"That's so; I was throwing it your way, +wasn't I?" chuckled Bob, laughing good-naturedly.</p> + +<p>Steve found time to study the other boy while +the latter was digging him out. In spite of +Jarvis' meanness to him, Rush felt certain that +the lad possessed a good heart, and it was a +strong, resourceful face that Steve found himself +studying as the digging progressed.</p> + +<p>"Bob," he said finally, "have you ever been +thrashed?"</p> + +<p>"Thrashed? Licked, you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, not since my dad gave me a walloping +last," laughed the boy.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think a good, sound thrashing +would do you a whole lot of good?"</p> + +<p>Bob grinned broadly. By this time he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> +dug down around Rush until the latter was able +to clamber from the pile of ore.</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't know about that."</p> + +<p>"I do, and I know you've got to have one +before very long," announced young Rush with +strong emphasis.</p> + +<p>"I will, eh?"</p> + +<p>"You will," affirmed Steve, brushing the dirt +from his clothes.</p> + +<p>"And who's going to give me this licking, +Little Miss Hurry-up?" demanded Jarvis +threateningly.</p> + +<p>"I am," replied Steve in a quiet tone.</p> + +<p>Jarvis began to take off his coat.</p> + +<p>"Not now, Bob," spoke up the other quickly. +"This is the company's time. We should both +be discharged if we were to be caught fighting +here and now. We will settle our difficulty some +other time."</p> + +<p>"So you were only bluffing, eh? I knew you +didn't have the spunk to fight anything."</p> + +<p>Steve pointed off to the mine shaft.</p> + +<p>"There comes the skip with a load of ore. +You had better get your car back there or you +will have trouble enough without a fight."</p> + +<p>Jarvis, with an exclamation, began pushing +the tram car back over the top of the dump, +Steve picking up his shovel and beginning his +work of clearing the end of the tracks.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span></p> + +<p>All day long the lad toiled industriously. It +was hard work and his back ached, yet he kept +to his task. When night came Steve had the satisfaction +of being told that he had done a man's +work that day.</p> + +<p>A truce had been declared between the two +boys, so far as fighting was concerned, though +Jarvis continued his nagging at every opportunity. +Steve took the other's scoffing good-naturedly, +turning Bob's jibes with soft answers. +For a full week both lads had labored +far up on the ore dump. They had been too +busy to think of their personal grievances for +any great length of time. Saturday night had +arrived, and when Steve left the dump to start +for his boarding house he was told that the general +superintendent wished to see him.</p> + +<p>"I guess he is going to discharge me," thought +the boy. "Well, I have done the best I could."</p> + +<p>His surprise was great, therefore, when the +superintendent said, as the lad came to a halt +in front of the official's desk:</p> + +<p>"You have done very well, Rush."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>"Do you still think you would like to work +below ground?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you may begin on Monday."</p> + +<p>"On what shift?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The day shift, going down at seven o'clock. +The best I have for you now is a contract job +run by a man named Spooner. You will find it +pretty hard work. You see, these contracts are +given out for so much per ton and the men who +take the contracts propose to get as much out +of their workmen as possible. You will be +worked to your full capacity."</p> + +<p>"I can stand it, sir."</p> + +<p>"If you do, you should be able to endure anything +we have to offer in this business. I have +arranged for Spooner to take you on as a +miner's helper. Your wages will be a dollar and +a quarter a day. Be very careful and guard +yourself from accident. Carelessness may cost +you your life, for there is danger everywhere +below ground."</p> + +<p>"I will be very careful, sir."</p> + +<p>Steve hurried away full of anticipation. He +was to be a real miner; he was to start his career +as a miner on a level two thousand feet below +the surface. The lad had never been below +ground before and he was full of anticipation of +what awaited him on the following Monday +morning.</p> + +<p>Acting on the suggestion of the boarding-house +boss, the lad had purchased a suit of yellow +oilcloth, rubber boots, oilcloth hat and candle +holder. This latter, as used by the ore miners,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> +is a piece of steel, one end coming to a sharp +point, the other having an opening for the candle +itself. The whole fastens securely to the hat. +When necessary the candle holder may be carried +in the hand, or driven into a crevice of +rock or ore.</p> + +<p>This, with pick and shovel, comprises the +miner's outfit and was the outfit of Steve Rush +when he presented himself at the mouth of the +shaft on the following Monday morning. There +were about five hundred men to go down in the +cage, the car that carries the miners and other +passengers down to the various levels, and Steve +found himself pushed aside, so that he was +among the last to get aboard the steel cage.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell me where the Spooner contract +is located?" he asked of the cage-tender before +getting aboard.</p> + +<p>"Seventeenth level."</p> + +<p>"Does the car stop there?"</p> + +<p>"If it doesn't, you're a goner."</p> + +<p>Rush leaped aboard, grasping the rod that +he saw above his head to steady himself. The +protecting bars in front of the cage fell in place +with a noisy clang.</p> + +<p>"All clear," announced a voice.</p> + +<p>The support beneath the lad seemed to drop +from under him. With a rush and a roar, a +grinding and crunching the steel cage dropped<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> +from sight. Instantly everything was plunged +in inky darkness.</p> + +<p>"Do—do they always go like this?" asked the +young miner of a man standing beside him.</p> + +<p>"This isn't going much. He has slow speed +on this morning because the cage has a bigger +load than usual. Afraid, are you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I am not afraid. I was wondering what +would happen if the man forgot to shut off his +power when we reached the bottom."</p> + +<p>The miner laughed.</p> + +<p>"We'd punch a hole in the bottom of the +shaft," he said.</p> + +<p>"How deep is the shaft, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Two thousand feet to the bottom—fifty feet +less than that to the last working level. The +bottom level is used to drain off the water from +the other levels. From there big steam pumps +pump the water to the surface."</p> + +<p>The two could scarcely hear for noise.</p> + +<p>"The Spooner contract is on the seventeenth +level, is it not?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, on the sub-level above the seventeenth. +Is that where you are going to work?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; for Mr. Spooner."</p> + +<p>"Then I feel sorry for you."</p> + +<p>"Why so, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Because he is a slave driver. Every man +in the mines knows him and none of them wants<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +to work for him. I guess he hasn't a white man +on the contract."</p> + +<p>"I didn't know there were any colored men +employed here."</p> + +<p>"There are not. We call a white man one +who is not a foreigner," laughed the miner.</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>Now and then the car would halt with a jolt; +two or three men would leap off and disappear +in the darkness, after which the cage would drop +down another level or so.</p> + +<p>"Here is your level," announced the miner. +"Jump off, or you will be carried by."</p> + +<p>Steve jumped off.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he called, but the miner did +not hear him, for the car had dropped quickly +out of sight.</p> + +<p>Water that had dripped down through the +shaft from the surface and the upper levels was, +by this time, running from the oilskins of the +young miner in tiny rivulets. Dampness was +everywhere. A blast of hot, damp air smote +him in the face as he turned to look about +him.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where I am to go?" muttered +Steve.</p> + +<p>A heavy fog hung over everything, electric +lights glowing dimly through the haze, so that +one was able to see but a few feet ahead.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where is the Spooner contract?" called +Steve to a passing miner.</p> + +<p>The man jerked a hand over his shoulder, +whereupon the lad made his way cautiously +down the level or tunnel, which is the main avenue, +and from which other tunnels, called drifts, +run off into the ore beds.</p> + +<p>By this time the mine was in full operation. +Strange sounds smote the ears of the young +miner. The roar of the electric tram cars as +they dashed by him, now and then narrowly +missing running him down, the thunder of the +skips, huge black objects hurling themselves +surfaceward loaded with iron ore, the bang, bang +of the drills and the detonations of many dynamite +explosions, filled the heart of Steve Rush +with awe and wonder.</p> + +<p>The lad was confused. He did not know which +way to turn, nor what second he might step into +an opening and plunge downward. Had he but +known it there was little danger of such an accident +so long as he kept to the main level. +There were many dangerous holes—ore chutes—but +these ordinarily were protected so that there +was little chance of one's falling through them. +Such accidents, however, had been known to +occur.</p> + +<p>At last Steve saw a man who looked as if he +might be a person in authority, and to this one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +he appealed to direct him to the Spooner contract.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" demanded the man sharply.</p> + +<p>"My name is Rush. May I ask who you are?"</p> + +<p>"I am the mine captain. Do you work with +Spooner?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to do so if I can find the way +to his place."</p> + +<p>"Come this way. I will show you how to get +there. You are late."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I was not able to find my way and +I guess I was among the last ones to come down +in the cage."</p> + +<p>"This is your first experience below ground?"</p> + +<p>"It is, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then let me give you some advice; never +get careless. There is danger everywhere about +here."</p> + +<p>"So I have already discovered, sir."</p> + +<p>"There is no excuse for men getting hurt, +however, if they do not get careless. That is +why so many get hurt, and why some lose their +lives. We do everything we can to look out +for the safety of our people, but we cannot guard +against everything."</p> + +<p>"I shall try to follow your advice, sir."</p> + +<p>The captain strode along rapidly through +dark drifts, turning here and there with perfect +confidence. Steve felt sure that he never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +should be able to find his way about in that +labyrinth without getting lost, and he asked the +captain how he should do so.</p> + +<p>"Follow the crowd," was the brief answer. +"There, do you see that ladder?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Climb it. It is a forty-foot ladder. The +top of it is the sub-level, where the Spooner contract +is located."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir," answered Rush, beginning +his long, dark climb up the slender ladder to +the unknown regions above him.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">STEVE SHOOTS THE CHUTES</p> + + +<p class="cap">REACHING the sub-level, as he supposed, +Steve found it enshrouded in inky blackness. +He was in a side drift, but he +did not know it.</p> + +<p>"I guess I am as badly off as I was before. +I haven't the least idea where I am, so I guess +there is not much danger of getting lost."</p> + +<p>Removing the candle from his hat, the lad +held it before him, lighting the shadows sufficiently +to enable him to see where he was stepping. +After a time he came out into a larger +tunnel, which, he decided, must be one of the +main levels, for there was a narrow track extending +along it. Steve decided to follow this +track and trust to luck. He had gone along for +perhaps fifteen minutes when he made a discovery.</p> + +<p>"I've lost the track!" he exclaimed. "I +wonder where it could have gone to?"</p> + +<p>The lad retraced his steps, but search as he +might he was unable to find the steel rails again. +For what seemed hours to him the youthful +miner wandered here and there. The fact that +he had neither seen nor heard anyone led him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +to believe that he must be far from where the +work was going on.</p> + +<p>Steve was beginning to get disheartened. He +was thankful that he had his dinner pail with +him, in case he failed to find his way out before +the day's work was done.</p> + +<p>At last, however, he reached a drift or level, +he did not know which, where he could not stand +upright. The rocks overhead had been shored +up with heavy timbers. It was a dangerous spot. +Steve understood that without being told, so he +crawled quickly through. At the far end of +the low drift he encountered another ladder.</p> + +<p>Deciding that it must lead to an upper level, +the lad began climbing. He had gotten a little +more than half way up when all at once his +candle slipped from his hand, falling clear to +the bottom, where it went out, leaving Steve in +darkness.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's too bad. I must get it again before +I dare go on any further."</p> + +<p>Steve hurried down and began searching about +on the ground for the lost candle. After a little +he found it, but the candle was useless. In +tramping about he had crushed it under his +heavy boots, flattening the candle out hopelessly.</p> + +<p>"Only a grease spot," muttered Steve. +"Well, I can't be much worse off than I have +been, so I am going back up the ladder. I surely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +must find someone if I keep on hunting about. +There are more than five hundred men in this +mine right now, and unless they are all hiding +from me I am bound to run across some of them. +I am afraid I am not much of a success as a +miner. At least my first day below ground has +been a sad failure so far."</p> + +<p>Steve was on his way up the ladder once more. +It was a long climb, much longer, it seemed to +him, than the other ladder had been. He began +to climb faster, when all at once he received a +shock that wrenched his hands loose from the +rungs of the ladder. Before the lad could regain +his balance he toppled over backwards and +plunged downward.</p> + +<p>Steve's head had come in contact with the +rocks above, that left but a small space for a +man to crawl through to reach the upper level. +He had bumped his head with such force as to +cause him to let go.</p> + +<p>Grasping frantically for something to stay +his flight, the lad went tumbling down. He landed +on the ground at the bottom, flat on his back, +bruised and breathless.</p> + +<p>For a moment Steve lay where he had fallen. +But shortly he got up, rubbing his bruises gingerly +and trying to collect his thoughts.</p> + +<p>"Tumble number one," muttered Rush. "I'll +try it again."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> + +<p>This time he met with better success, for he +managed to get through the manhole above without +striking his head against the rocks. But +once on the upper level the question arose as +to what to do next. There was the same dense +blackness over all, the same deep silence that the +lad had found below.</p> + +<p>After considering a moment, he decided to +feel his way along as best he could. An investigation +had told him that his dinner was still +safe, though the tin pail had been battered all +out of shape.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet there is some scrambled egg in the +bottom of the pail," said Steve, with a short +laugh.</p> + +<p>Once more he took up his journey through +the dark tunnels, feeling cautiously with feet +and hands before he took a step forward. He +had gone along in this way for some time when +he halted abruptly, leaning forward in a listening +attitude.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" he muttered. "I know! I +know what it is; it's a drill. I would recognize +that 'bang, bang, bang' anywhere. That +means I am close to some operations. The next +thing is to find where the sound comes from. +It must be ahead of me somewhere, for I can +just hear it, whereas a few moments ago I +could not."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> + +<p>Again he began cautiously working forward. +After a while the sounds came to him more +clearly. Steve had swerved to the right and entered +a new drift, though he was not aware of +the fact and whereas he had been proceeding +directly east, he was now headed south.</p> + +<p>The bang, bang of the compressed air drill +was getting louder and louder as the moments +passed. After a time the boy halted again. The +sounds seemed to come from directly beneath +him.</p> + +<p>"I believe that is on the level below this," he +decided. "How am I to find the way down +to it? If I go back I shall be lost. I'll call +and see if I can attract attention from any of +them."</p> + +<p>The lad shouted at the top of his voice, but +only his own echoes came back to him in hollow +tones.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a twinkling light appeared far down +the level. The lad recognized it at once as being +a candle on a miner's hat.</p> + +<p>"Hello, there!" he called.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?" came the answer.</p> + +<p>"I am lost."</p> + +<p>"Go find yourself, then. Don't bother me."</p> + +<p>Steve did not propose to let it go at that. +He ran forward to where the miner was about +to descend a ladder to the lower level.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Won't you please help me, sir. I am in a +fix."</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you want?" demanded the +miner in a surly tone, pausing a few rungs down +the ladder.</p> + +<p>"I am looking for the Spooner contract. Will +you please direct me to it?"</p> + +<p>"Follow this level around to the left until +you come to three drifts. Take the middle one +to the end, and then go down the ladder you +will find there."</p> + +<p>"Thank you. Can you spare me a candle?"</p> + +<p>"No; I can't."</p> + +<p>The man grasped the side pieces of the ladder, +letting himself down in a rapid slide. Steve +Rush found himself once more left in darkness. +At least he had his directions now, and he +thought he could find his way to the contract for +which he was looking.</p> + +<p>So the lad pressed on with more confidence +than before. After proceeding some distance +he found by groping about that he had reached +the place indicated. He took the middle drift, +as directed, and hurried along this. He had +no idea what time it was, but Steve imagined +that it must be near noon. It seemed as though +a long time must have passed since he entered +the mine with the day shift, whereas, in truth, +not quite two hours had elapsed.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> + +<p>The lad was thinking over his misfortunes, +smiling grimly to himself—for Steve Rush was +not a boy to whine, no matter how great his adversity—when +all at once the ground seemed to +drop from under his feet.</p> + +<p>On all levels there are "rises," small chutes +which extend from one level to another. These +are in addition to the regular ore chutes and +considerably smaller. They are used for filling +cars below, when necessary, as ore is always +dumped downward into a lower level, from which +it is hoisted to the surface, thus saving the labor +of loading. It was one of these rises into which +Steve had stepped. To do so he had swerved +from the tunnel through which he was passing, +stepping into an open pocket in the rocks, believing +that he was following the wall, on which +he had kept one hand constantly.</p> + +<p>The lad uttered no cry, but he threw out both +arms with quick instinct, hoping thereby to catch +and hold himself. The force was too great, however, +and Steve Rush shot down through the +narrow opening, bound for the lower level. He +did not know this; he did not know where he +was going to land, but he fully expected that this +last disaster would be the end of him and he +shut his teeth tightly together, bracing himself +to meet the shock that he knew must come within +the next few seconds.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">THE "MISSED HOLE"</p> + + +<p class="cap">ON the seventeenth sub-level of the Cousin +Jack Mine the Spooner contract gang +was working at high pressure. Two +diamond drills were banging away like a battery +of Gatling guns; men were rushing here +and there, some were pushing small cars of +red ore out through the drift to the level, where +the electric trams would pick up the cars and +rush them to the ore chutes. The pick men +were breaking off the loosened pieces of ore +dislodged by the last blast, while others were +shoveling the ore into cars as if their very existence +depended upon keeping up the pace.</p> + +<p>Spooner himself, clad in a suit of oilskins, +was shouting at his men, nagging, urging, threatening +and directing in a perfect volley of explosive +words.</p> + +<p>A car had just been pushed out from the end +of the drift where the drillers were working. +It had reached a point directly underneath the +rise and there it stuck, held fast by a piece of +rock that had dropped to the track.</p> + +<p>Spooner leaped forward with an angry roar.</p> + +<p>"Out with it! I'll fire you both, you lazy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> +good for nothings!" he bellowed. "You ain't +fit even to be swampers behind a pair of lazy +mules. Push, I tell you! Push! Something +will be doing here in a jiffy if you don't get that +car out of the way!"</p> + +<p>His words were prophetic in a measure, for +something did happen a few seconds later, +though Spooner was not the author of it. +Rather was he the victim.</p> + +<p>With a crash the trap door at the bottom of +the rise burst open with a sound like a dynamite +explosion in a new drift. A dark object +was hurled out into the level, landing squirming +on the soft ore in the car.</p> + +<p>"What—what——"</p> + +<p>Spooner did not finish what he was about to +say. The dark object bounded from the ore car, +landing with great force against the angry contractor. +Spooner toppled over backwards, the +breath pretty well knocked out of him, collapsing +in the gutter at the side of the track.</p> + +<p>Steve Rush had found the Spooner contract +at last. The lad was not much the worse for his +exciting slide, though he had been somewhat +bruised when he burst through the wooden trap +door at the lower end of the rise.</p> + +<p>Steve was up in a twinkling. He looked about +him and in a half laughing voice demanded:</p> + +<p>"Where am I?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I reckon you're on seventeen," answered one +of the miners.</p> + +<p>"Where's the boss?"</p> + +<p>"He's down there under you somewhere. I +guess you knocked the daylight out of him. +I hope you did. If it wasn't for my wife and +family I'd a done it long time ago."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I'd give a year's wages for the privilege +of turning the diamond drill on him," +added the head driller.</p> + +<p>"Did I hit a man?" asked Steve anxiously.</p> + +<p>"No; you hit an apology for a man," was +the quick reply.</p> + +<p>By this time young Rush was bending over, +looking down into the shadows that hung over +the gutter along the side of the track. He made +out the figure of a man lying there.</p> + +<p>"Help me get him up, men," he cried. "Don't +you see that he is hurt?"</p> + +<p>"Serve him right if he is," growled the trammer, +the workman who pushed the cars of ore +out into the main level.</p> + +<p>"I tell you he is hurt. Lend a hand here!" +commanded the boy sternly.</p> + +<p>Something in his tone led the others to obey +his order promptly. They gathered up Contractor +Spooner and carried him over to where the +light from the candles could be thrown on his +face.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Douse him with a pail of water," suggested +the drill-man.</p> + +<p>Someone quickly adopted the suggestion, with +the result that Spooner sat up almost at once, +choking, roaring and threatening between his +gasps for breath.</p> + +<p>"Who—who did it? Who did it?" snarled +the contractor, struggling to his feet. "Who +hit me?"</p> + +<p>The man's hat had fallen from his head, and +for the moment Steve did not answer. He was +too fully absorbed in gazing at the harsh face +of the man before him.</p> + +<p>Balanced on Spooner's tall, angular body was +a round, bullet-like head, with a rim of reddish-gray +hair. His lips were protruding, sagging +at each corner, while the lids over his prominent +eyes blinked as though trying to run a +race with each other.</p> + +<p>"Who did it, I say?" roared the contractor, +fixing his angry eyes upon the face of Steve +Rush.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I am the guilty one, sir. But +it was an accident. I will tell you how it occurred. +I——"</p> + +<p>Spooner gave the lad no opportunity to explain. +Instead, the contractor, with an angry +imprecation, started for Rush.</p> + +<p>Steve's mind worked quickly. He was not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> +afraid; he was considering whether it were best +to run or to stand his ground, and he decided +upon the latter.</p> + +<p>"Stand back! Don't you touch me! I tell you +it was an accident!" shouted the boy.</p> + +<p>The contractor was too enraged to listen to +reason, and as he sprang for Rush he thrust +forth his long arms to grab the boy.</p> + +<p>Spooner got a blow on the nose that sent him +staggering backward, but Steve did not follow +up the advantage he had gained. He could not +expect to prove a match for the powerful miner, +and perhaps he would not have been able to hit +the latter as he did had the other been looking +for anything of the sort. Spooner was more +surprised than hurt.</p> + +<p>"If you will wait, sir, I will explain. I am +sorry I fell on you and sorry I had to hit you, +but you mustn't lay your hands on me. You +must——"</p> + +<p>All work in drift seventeen had been suspended +for the moment, and even the diamond +drills had ceased their bang, bang, bang. Every +man in the drift, save Spooner himself, had uttered +a yell of delight when he saw the young +miner's sturdy punch.</p> + +<p>"Look out, lad; he's coming for you again. +Spooner, remember he's a boy; don't do anything +you'll be sorry for. You'll be——"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + +<p>The contractor had started for young Rush +again.</p> + +<p>"Get out of here!" roared the man. "Out +of here before I wring your miserable neck!"</p> + +<p>Steve snatched up an iron bar that the trammers +used to fasten the catches on the cars. He +raised the bar over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"If you try to touch me I'll hit you, sir," +said the lad in a tone so polite and pleasant that +Spooner paused in amazement, then uttered a +hoarse guffaw. Nevertheless he halted where +he was, for he saw an expression in the eyes +of the boy before him which spelled trouble. +Furthermore, Spooner knew how strict the rules +of the mine were, and now that he had had an +opportunity to get control of himself he decided +not to throw the young man out bodily.</p> + +<p>"Get out of here before I help you, then. I +can't stand everything. Go to work, you lazy +louts! What do you mean by standing around +on my time? I'll dock every man of you an +hour's pay. Start those drills. Trammers, off +with you. Are you going, boy?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"You're not going?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I am going to work here."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you are, eh? Well, I think I shall have +something to say about that. You're not going +to work here, and I should like to know what<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> +you are doing down in this mine, anyway. I'll +have the mine captain put you out. It's my +opinion that you are not here for any good, +and you're lucky if he doesn't turn you over to +the mine police."</p> + +<p>"I have been assigned to work in this drift. +The superintendent ordered me to report to +you, sir. I am ready to go to work."</p> + +<p>The contractor gazed at the boy with a puzzled +expression on his face.</p> + +<p>"You, a boy like you, work here? Pooh! +What do you think this is, a kindergarten?"</p> + +<p>"I am able to do a day's work; besides, it is +the superintendent's orders, sir."</p> + +<p>Spooner knew the boy had the best of him +there. The superintendent's orders were to be +obeyed, no matter if Spooner was mining on a +contract agreement.</p> + +<p>"Very well; if you want to work you shall +have all the work you can do. I'll see the superintendent +about your case when I go up to-day +noon."</p> + +<p>"What shall I do?"</p> + +<p>"Do? Don't you see anything to do?"</p> + +<p>"I see some things I should like to do," answered +Steve Rush in a significant tone, eyeing +the contractor steadily.</p> + +<p>"Get hold of that shovel. I can't break your +head as I ought to do, but the shovel will break<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +your back before you get through with this +day's work."</p> + +<p>Steve grasped the shovel and began throwing +the ore into the waiting car.</p> + +<p>Spooner eyed the lad narrowly for a few moments. +He was obliged to admit that Rush +handled the shovel as well as any man he had +ever had in his gang.</p> + +<p>"You ought to be in the bull gang," jeered the +contractor. "Yes, sir, you are wasting your +talents working in an ore drift."</p> + +<p>"What is a bull gang?" questioned the lad +between shovels.</p> + +<p>"That is the gang that shifts the timber down +into the mine," answered the man shoveling +by Steve's side. "The timber-men below take +the stuff and build the supports and the lagging +to keep the levels from caving in, you know."</p> + +<p>"Where's your candle?" demanded Spooner. +"You're a nice sort of a miner to come to work +without a candle in your stick!"</p> + +<p>"I lost it. You see, I lost my way and had +a time getting here," explained Steve.</p> + +<p>"Get one when you go up to-day noon. And +remember you get only two hours' pay for the +forenoon. If you're ever late like this again +you are through right then and there."</p> + +<p>Steve did not answer. He shoveled with all +his might.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ready for the powder," called the head drill-man.</p> + +<p>All the men save Steve and the powder-man +laid down their tools and moved off. The boy +continued at his work, his shovel making a +steady scrape, scrape as he threw the ore up +into the car.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the powder-man was adjusting +a charge of dynamite in each of the holes +in the ore made by the drills.</p> + +<p>"Well, boy?" called Mr. Spooner.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to stay there and have your +fool head blown off?"</p> + +<p>"Why——"</p> + +<p>"Don't you see, they're going to fire a charge +of dynamite. Get out of that!"</p> + +<p>"Stand c-l-e-a-r!" called the powder-man in +a sing-song tone.</p> + +<p>All hands ran back so as to be well out of the +way, and now that Steve understood what was +being done, he shouldered his shovel and moved +leisurely off in the direction taken by the others.</p> + +<p>"That's the worst of a fool kid," grumbled +the contractor. "They don't know enough to +come in out of the wet——"</p> + +<p>"The fuse is fired! Look out!" warned the +powder-man, starting away from the scene on +a run.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve watched the sputtering, squirming fuse +far down the drift as the flame neared the +charge of dynamite, six pounds all told. It +seemed to him that all of them were in a dangerous +position, but not being familiar with +blasting, he supposed the miners knew their own +business best.</p> + +<p>It is always an anxious moment in the mines +when, gathered in an expectant group, the workers +underground stand waiting for the charge +of dynamite to explode. It is seldom that anyone +speaks during this brief period of suspense +until the flash comes, followed by a puff of white +smoke, a heavy report and a rain of rock and +ore.</p> + +<p>In this instance the wait seemed unusually long. +The flash did not come.</p> + +<p>"Missed hole," announced Spooner in a tone +of disgust. "Five minutes of valuable time lost. +That's the way the money goes in this gang. +Get in there and attach a new fuse, powder-man. +Don't be all day about it, either. If I wasn't +around here to watch things we wouldn't get +half a dozen tons a day out of this drift. First +thing you know we'll all be out of a job. Come, +are you going to get in there?"</p> + +<p>"It ain't safe," answered the powder-man, +shaking his head, sending a shower of grease +from his candle into the face of Steve Rush.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I see I've got to do it myself," exclaimed +Spooner, grabbing a handful of fuses from the +shoulders of the man who handled the dynamite.</p> + +<p>The powder-man reached for his fuses, but the +contractor already had them in his hand and +was striding toward the drift.</p> + +<p>The powder-man hesitated, then started after +him on a trot.</p> + +<p>"It's again' the rules, sir, to go in until ten +minutes after firing the fuse when there's a +missed hole," he warned.</p> + +<p>"Rules!" jeered the contractor. "I'm the +rules. I guess I'm running this drift."</p> + +<p>By this time both men had reached the dome-like +space where the drift ended, which included +a very rich vein of iron ore.</p> + +<p>Steve Rush shaded his eyes and, stooping over, +peered into the drift. He was looking between +the two men who at that moment were arguing +excitedly. They appeared to have forgotten +that they were treading on dangerous ground, +but long familiarity with high explosives had +made them careless.</p> + +<p>The lad saw something a few feet beyond them +that caused his heart to leap. A tiny spark had +sprung up from the darkness, then as suddenly +died out.</p> + +<p>"Look out!" shouted the young miner, now +keenly alive to the danger of the men ahead.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Keep that kid still, or throw him down on +the next level!" called Spooner over his shoulder. +"I expect he'll have an attack of hysterics +when we fire the blast."</p> + +<p>"I tell you it isn't a missed hole!" cried the +boy.</p> + +<p>"Don't be a fool," jeered the head trammer.</p> + +<p>Steve did not hear him. The boy had started +off with a bound. His hat dropped from his +head and his shovel fell clattering to the ground. +"Come back, I tell you!" shouted Rush.</p> + +<p>A few seconds more and he was right upon +them. Without wasting further words of warning, +he grabbed the contractor, and with surprising +strength for one of his build, Steve hurled +Spooner far out into the drift, that official bellowing +his rage at the indignity.</p> + +<p>Steve reached for the powder-man. His hands +had just been laid on the man's shoulders when +there came a blinding flash, a detonating report, +a rending and tearing of rocks, then a shower of +ore and stone.</p> + +<p>Darkness settled over the drift and all was +still.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">IN THE POWDER-WRECKED DRIFT</p> + + +<p class="cap">FOR a moment those outside the end of +the drift stood in awed silence. The +candles on the hats of the miners had +been extinguished by the explosion.</p> + +<p>Nothing will cause an underground miner to +lose his head quicker than being plunged into +sudden darkness. Several of them set up a terrified +yell.</p> + +<p>"Hold your tongues!" bellowed the contractor. +"You haven't been hurt. Don't you know +enough to light your candles? That's the best +way I know of to get rid of the darkness."</p> + +<p>Spooner lighted his own candle, holding it in +his hand above his head as he looked about. +He stepped forward toward the place where his +men had been drifting in the ore.</p> + +<p>"Just as I expected," he growled. "More +time wasted."</p> + +<p>The timbers that had supported the roof of +the drift had crashed downward, carrying with +them a few tons of rock and ore, blocking the +passage completely.</p> + +<p>"Are—are the men in there killed?" questioned +a trammer in unsteady tones.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How should I know?" growled the contractor. +"I do know that we are losing a lot of +valuable time. If that fool powder-man hadn't +been in such a hurry we should have been spared +all this delay. Get busy with your shovels and +picks here."</p> + +<p>There were ugly scowls on the faces of the +miners as they sprang forward to obey the order +of their employer. They knew full well that it +was not the fault of either the powder-man or +Steve Rush, but of Spooner himself. It was +he who had insisted upon going into the drift to +examine the missed hole, and had it not been for +the bravery of Steve the contractor would now +be lying dead behind the mass of rock.</p> + +<p>The men spoke no word, but their hearts were +full of indignation. They cared not for the loss +of time, nor for any other loss that their employer +might have suffered. They did care for +the unfortunate man and boy buried in the drift.</p> + +<p>In the meantime word had been conveyed to +the mine captain that an accident had occurred +in number seventeen. With a force of men he +was already hurrying to the scene as fast as an +electric tram could carry him. The word he +had received was to the effect that several men +had been killed. The company's surgeon had +been sent for and all preparations were made +to care for the wounded.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> + +<p>During all this time brave little Steve Rush +lay inside the drift, half buried under rock and +red ore. He had toppled backwards when the +explosion came, half turned and had fallen face +downward, his arms crossed under his forehead +so that his nose and mouth were free. Otherwise +he undoubtedly would have smothered before +help could reach him.</p> + +<p>Steve stirred uneasily, coughed and tried to +raise himself. He could not do so. He found +himself held down by an oppressive weight. +Some little time elapsed before his return to +consciousness, and even then he was still dazed. +At first he tried hard to recall what had happened, +and at last it all came back to him.</p> + +<p>"There was another in here with me—the +powder-man. I wonder if he is dead?" muttered +the lad.</p> + +<p>After some difficulty the lad got his hands +free of his head and began feeling about him. +He made a discovery that thrilled him through +and through. The body of the powder-man lay +across his own, holding the lad firmly to the +ground.</p> + +<p>Yet under these trying conditions the lad did +not lose his steady nerve for an instant. As his +mind became clearer he began weighing the possibilities +of getting out of his predicament. He +reasoned that he and his companion must have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> +been imprisoned in some way by the explosion. +All the time he was carefully twisting his body +this way and that in an effort to free himself +without hurting the man who was lying across +him.</p> + +<p>At last Rush succeeded in crawling from under +his human burden and the weight of ore and +rock that hemmed them both in.</p> + +<p>Steve's first act was to stretch forth a hand +to his companion. The hand wandered from +the face of the prostrate man down over the +heart, where it paused.</p> + +<p>A faint, irregular beating of that organ rewarded +Steve's effort.</p> + +<p>"He's alive," cried the lad, scrambling to his +feet. "He's——"</p> + +<p>A severe fit of coughing cut short the young +miner's words. A dense cloud of suffocating +powder smoke hung over the drift like a pall.</p> + +<p>Steve dropped to the ground, pressing his +face close to the earth, where he found the air +better. After a few long breaths he began +searching for a candle. He knew there had been +one on the powder-man's cap when the explosion +came. A search, however, failed to locate the +candle.</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew what to do for him," muttered +the lad. "He surely will die here unless +they get us out pretty soon, and I wouldn't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +give much for my own life if I had to stay in +this awful air very long."</p> + +<p>Steve uttered a long shout, which ended in a +fit of coughing.</p> + +<p>"No more shouting for me," he muttered, +wiping the tears from his eyes—tears not caused +by fear or grief.</p> + +<p>He next tried shaking the powder-man, which +drew a groan from the man, whereupon the lad +quickly desisted.</p> + +<p>After a moment's reflection, the boy stuffed a +handkerchief in his mouth, permitting it to cover +his nose, to keep out the full strength of the +powder smoke. This done, he got to his feet +again, and began feeling his way about the +chamber in which the accident had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Ah, this is it!"</p> + +<p>His hands paused when they came in contact +with a heap of crushed timber, and his feet +struck a mass of ore piled against the foot-wall +of the drift.</p> + +<p>For a moment Rush stood motionless, reflecting +on the situation. He could hear no +sounds on the outside.</p> + +<p>"Either they are all killed out there, or else +we are buried so deep that I cannot hear them. +I do not know which it is, but I think it must +be the latter," the boy decided. "We are imprisoned +in the drift; that is certain."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> + +<p>The lad, after some searching about, found +a shovel, and with this he began throwing the +dirt back from the place where the opening had +been. The effort was too much for him. Strong +as he was, the shock of the explosion had weakened +him and the powder smoke choked him +until he went off into another fit of coughing. +To relieve himself he lay down again.</p> + +<p>The fresh air along the floor of the drift +strengthened him somewhat, and once more he +turned his attention to the powder-man. He +lifted the miner's head gently, placing it in his +own lap, after which he chafed the man's hands +and forehead. The miner drew a long, deep +sigh and stirred uneasily. Perhaps something +of the lad's tender sympathy touched his inner +consciousness.</p> + +<p>"Poor fellow!" murmured Steve, forcing +back the lump that rose in his throat. "This +is not a life for the weak or the timid. It is a +man's work and I'm going to be a man."</p> + +<p>Steve continued to stroke the face and hands +of the powder-man until, becoming dizzy from +inhaling the powder smoke, he lay down again +until somewhat revived.</p> + +<p>"I must try to attract the attention out there," +decided the lad finally.</p> + +<p>Choosing a piece of rock large enough to answer +his purpose, he began thumping on the +broken timbers. The attempt was not very successful, +for he seemed to make no noise at all. +Then something else occurred to him.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter extraspacebot2"> +<img src="images/iron1pic2.png" width="345" height="536" alt="" /> +<span class="caption"><br />Seizing the Shovel, Steve Began Beating the Timbers.</span> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> +<p>"The shovel!" he cried. "Why did I not +think of it before?"</p> + +<p>Grabbing up the tool, he began beating the +timbers with it in wide, swinging strokes.</p> + +<p>Bang, bang, bang, went the shovel, the lad +now and then pausing to listen. Once he thought +he caught an answering blow from the opposite +side, but he did not hear it again. Then he set +up a piece of rock, the largest he could find, and +began hammering on this.</p> + +<p>Steve's ears were ringing by this time, and +during the intervals when he ceased hammering +on the timbers or the rock he was overcome by +a roaring sound as if a great flood had been suddenly +let loose. He did not understand what this +meant. The silence of the underground prison +had become a chaos of noises, the lad's blows became +weaker and at longer intervals apart.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what—what is the matter with +me. I'm getting sleepy," he muttered.</p> + +<p>A few more blows and the shovel dropped +from his nerveless fingers. Steve staggered, +then collapsed unconscious across the body of +the powder-man.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">"IS ANYONE ALIVE IN THERE?"</p> + + +<p class="cap">"ORDER the timber-men in here! Get a +pair of jacks and raise the timbers +bodily. Get a move on you, men! +We may be able to save them yet!"</p> + +<p>Superintendent Penton, of the Cousin Jack +Mine, had been summoned by telephone at the +first sign of trouble. In his miner's outfit, with +a green candle stuck in the holder on his hat, +he had hurried down into the mine and made his +way quickly to the sub-level where the accident +had occurred. He needed no guide to reach +the place, for he knew the maze of tunnels of +that underground hive of industry so well that +he could have followed them to any given point +with his eyes shut.</p> + +<p>A few brief, pointed questions had brought +out the full story of the accident, but Mr. Penton +had not addressed Spooner; he had made his +inquiries from the men who had been working +on that level and in the drift where the explosion +had happened.</p> + +<p>"Shovelers, here! Throw that rock back! Be +careful that you do not undermine the lagging +and let the roof all the way down. It's lucky<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +the explosion blew ore enough out to hold the +timbers off the ground, or our work would be +much more difficult."</p> + +<p>The superintendent had taken full charge of +the operations. His long experience had told +him exactly what to do. The official showed no +trace of excitement; instead, his every faculty +was centered on the work in hand. His tones +were stern, his orders sharp and incisive.</p> + +<p>By this time the jacks had been brought. At +the superintendent's direction a heavy timber +had been placed as a support under those that +had been broken and the jacks set to work. Little +by little, creaking and groaning, the wrecked +lagging was raised inch by inch.</p> + +<p>"Steady, there! Hold it, men!"</p> + +<p>Those at the jacks stopped work.</p> + +<p>"Let half a dozen shovelers get in there," +Penton directed. "Throw out some of that dirt. +We must get an opening as soon as possible to +let air in. Throw away the larger pieces first."</p> + +<p>In the meantime the superintendent had ordered +a fresh drill brought up, the one belonging +to that shift being in the wrecked drift. A +line of pipe had been laid to the nearest connection +to furnish the compressed air with which +to operate the drill.</p> + +<p>As soon as the rock had been removed sufficiently, +the official ordered the drill set in place.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> +He indicated where the drilling was to be done +and a moment later the steady "bang, bang" +of the diamond drill filled the air to the exclusion +of all other sounds.</p> + +<p>"She's through, sir," announced the drill-man, +nodding to the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Withdraw the drill."</p> + +<p>The official placed his nose to the hole thus +made, and shook his head.</p> + +<p>"You haven't reached it. Try a hole above +the shoring. We must get air in there."</p> + +<p>Again the powerful drill began its work. +Gathered in a closely massed group were the +other miners waiting, silent, anxious, the flames +of candles on their caps flickering and swaying +from side to side in the faint draft that swirled +through the long, dark cavern. Attention was +divided between the working drill and the calm-faced, +strong, resourceful man who was directing +the operations. He was master and the +men knew it.</p> + +<p>"All right." announced the drill-man again.</p> + +<p>The superintendent nodded. The drill was +withdrawn. Following it came a little puff of +white, nauseating smoke.</p> + +<p>"We've hit it," announced the executive +calmly. "Now, bore another hole on the same +line but about six feet to the left, so we shall +get a draft through the enclosed drift."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>This was promptly done.</p> + +<p>The superintendent, as soon as the noise of +the drill had ceased, placed his lips close to the +hole thus made.</p> + +<p>"Hello, in there! Is anyone alive in there?"</p> + +<p>No answer came from the closed drift.</p> + +<p>"They're dead. What's the use in bothering +about them?" growled Spooner.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton shot a withering glance at the contractor.</p> + +<p>"We will proceed on the theory that they are +alive until we have learned that they are not," +replied the superintendent coldly.</p> + +<p>"Shall we go on raising the lagging?" asked +the timber-man.</p> + +<p>"No; wait until the powder smoke is out of +the drift and some fresh air has taken its place. +The two men in there will be suffocated unless +we free the place of powder fumes. Remove the +drill from the pipe and force a little air through +the vent holes. Not too much; just enough to +dislodge the smoke and force it out. It won't +stand much pressure. There, that will do. Now, +jackmen, get to work. Keep on shoveling below +there."</p> + +<p>Giving his orders calmly and encouragingly, +the work proceeded with great success. The +diggers were gradually boring in under the +timber that the jacks were raising.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> + +<p>After a time their shovels and bars poked a +hole through the débris into the drift. It was +a small hole, so small that the average man +would have difficulty in getting through it.</p> + +<p>Among those who had hurried to the scene +was Bob Jarvis. He had been using a shovel industriously, +and when the opening had been +made he stepped up to the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"I think I can crawl in there now, if you will +let me. I want to get that Hurry-up kid out," +added Bob.</p> + +<p>"Go in, if you think you can get through," +nodded the superintendent. "Better tie a rope +to one foot before you start, so we can pull you +out if you get wedged in."</p> + +<p>While Bob was making ready, the official got +down on his hands and knees and examined the +opening in the attempt to satisfy himself that +it would be safe for a man to go through.</p> + +<p>A moment more and Bob Jarvis was wriggling +through the little tunnel on his stomach. +There was still so much smoke in the drift that +he nearly choked as he pulled himself up and +began groping about in the darkness. Now that +he was in he lighted his candle, and there before +him lay the man and the boy.</p> + +<p>Bob gave Rush a violent shake. Steve opened +his eyes.</p> + +<p>"So you're all right, eh?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Ye—yes. Have—have you come to li—lick +me?" mumbled Steve closing his eyes.</p> + +<p>"No; I've come to get you out of this hole. +We'll talk about the licking later on. Is the +other fellow dead?"</p> + +<p>Rush pulled himself to a sitting posture at +this.</p> + +<p>"No; I think not. He was alive when I went +to sleep. He may be dead now. Come, we must +get him out. How did you get in?"</p> + +<p>"Crawled in through that hole. Come along; +I'll help you out first. You need looking after, +judging from your appearance."</p> + +<p>Steve Rush's face was ghastly white and covered +with blood in spots. He had sustained a +scalp wound where a sharp-edged rock had hit +him. It was evident, however, that the powder-man +was in much more serious condition. The +man was still breathing when Bob peered into +his face.</p> + +<p>"Yes; he's alive, but I'll help you out now," +Jarvis repeated.</p> + +<p>"You will do nothing of the sort. This man +needs attention first. I'll help you with him. +How are we going to get him through that small +opening without hurting him?"</p> + +<p>"We'll have to do the best we can," answered +Bob.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell you, Jarvis; you crawl in backwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +and I will hand him to you. Tell those +on the outside to get hold of your feet and pull +when you get far enough in. Do you think he +will go through the hole?"</p> + +<p>"No; we've got to dig away some dirt inside +here first. This end is the smaller. The other +is large enough for him. It's lucky he isn't a +fat man, or we could not do it."</p> + +<p>Together the lads labored industriously for +several minutes.</p> + +<p>"Are they alive?" called the voice of the +superintendent through the hole.</p> + +<p>"Yes, both of them. Powder-man badly injured, +I think."</p> + +<p>All preparations being made, Bob crawled +into the hole, while Steve, as carefully as he +could, thrust the powder-man in after, feet first.</p> + +<p>It was a difficult task that Jarvis had set for +himself, but he went at it with stubborn determination. +Finally, after moments of wriggling +and inch-by-inch progress, the men outside +the drift managed to get hold of his feet, +as Steve had directed them to do. The rest +was easy.</p> + +<p>It was now Steve's turn, and he crawled +through the hole as quickly as possible, though +he felt himself growing momentarily weaker. +At last he stood outside the drift. He was +swaying giddily.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Take this boy to the hospital," directed the +superintendent.</p> + +<p>"I'm all right, sir. That is, I will be as soon +as I recover from the effects of the smoke. +I'll——"</p> + +<p>"I suppose you hid behind the powder-man +to save yourself," sneered Spooner.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton turned on the man, his face flushing +hotly. It was the first time the superintendent +had shown the slightest trace of excitement.</p> + +<p>"That will do, Spooner. You cut that out. +You ought to be ashamed of yourself after this +boy has saved your life. I know all about it. +You will see to it that he gets full time while +he is laying off in the hospital."</p> + +<p>"Not at my expense he won't."</p> + +<p>"Very well; then let it be at my own. But +I shall see to it that you do not get another contract +in the Cousin Jack Mine after you have +finished with this one. I shall have something +to say to you later, also, about this accident."</p> + +<p>"Oh, of course I'll pay him if that's the way +you feel about it. I'll pay him."</p> + +<p>"I thought you would," answered the superintendent +dryly.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the powder-man had been +conveyed to the surface and removed to the +hospital in the superintendent's carriage, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +driver having received orders to return at +once.</p> + +<p>"Do you feel able to walk, Rush?" questioned +the executive.</p> + +<p>"Ye—yes, sir; I—I think so, sir."</p> + +<p>"I'll help him," spoke up Bob Jarvis quickly.</p> + +<p>"Yes; help him to the cage and go up with +him."</p> + +<p>Steve found that he was weaker than he +thought, but leaning on Bob's strong arm he +made his way to the lower level, where the lads +caught the cage a few moments later and were +conveyed to the surface.</p> + +<p>"I'll not forget this, Jarvis," murmured +Steve.</p> + +<p>"Forget what?"</p> + +<p>"Your kindness to me."</p> + +<p>"I'm kind to you for another reason. I'll +see you later. When you get well I'll have something +to say to you, Miss Hurry-up," was Bob's +parting shot, as he lifted the lad into the carriage +and turned back to the shaft to return +to his work below ground.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">BOB MAKES GOOD HIS WORD</p> + + +<p class="cap">"THE superintendent wishes to see you at +his office when convenient."</p> + +<p>This message was brought to Steve +Rush at his boarding house on the day following +the accident in the drift. The lad's wounds +had been treated, and he had been allowed to +go home late in the afternoon of the same day. +The powder-man, however, had been much more +seriously injured. It was doubtful if the man +ever would be able to work in the mines +again.</p> + +<p>Steve would have returned to work on the +following morning, had the superintendent not +given orders that he was not to do so, and the +superintendent's orders were law in the mines.</p> + +<p>The lad was somewhat surprised at the summons. +However, he lost no time in going over +to the offices. The superintendent was out at +the moment and Rush was ushered into the handsome +private office, where he was told to wait. +Steve gazed about him, nodding thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"One of these days I shall have an office like +this," he thought aloud. "Some day, in the +distant future, I shall be a superintendent, too."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So you want to be a superintendent, eh?"</p> + +<p>The boy turned to find himself looking into +the smiling face of Mr. Penton. Steve's face +flushed rosy red.</p> + +<p>"I—I guess I must have been thinking out +loud, sir."</p> + +<p>"Your ambition is a worthy one. Keep on in +the way you are going and promotion is sure. +You are now a part of one of the greatest games +in the industrial world. Realize this and you +have made a long stride forward. How are you +feeling to-day?"</p> + +<p>"I do realize it, sir, and I am proud of the +very small part I am playing in that world. In +answer to your question, I am feeling perfectly +well to-day; I am ready for work."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow will be time enough. Take the +day off. Your pay will go on just the same. +In this connection there is another little matter +that I have sent for you to adjust. You are +not of age?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, sir."</p> + +<p>"I will state what I have to say, just the same. +It is customary, when one has been hurt in +the mines, to have our claim adjuster call upon +him at proper time and make such settlement +as can be agreed upon, after which the injured +party signs a release. I have prepared a release +here with the amount left blank. You have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> +done a very brave act; I am willing to do what +is right in the matter. To what extent do you +think you have been damaged, Rush?"</p> + +<p>There was a quizzical look in the eyes of the +superintendent as he asked the question.</p> + +<p>"Have you the release?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton handed a paper to the boy. The +latter read it through carefully, then asking for +a pen, drew a line through the space left blank +for the amount and signed his name.</p> + +<p>"I am not that kind of man, Mr. Penton," +said Steve. "If you wish my mother's signature +to the paper, I will have her sign it. I +do not care to receive any money that I have +not earned."</p> + +<p>"Rush," said the superintendent, rising and +placing a hand on the boy's shoulder, "you talk +like a true man. You <i>are</i> a true man. It is not +your refusal of the money that causes me to +say that, but the principle that prompted the +refusal. I felt that you would act as you have +done. I see I was not mistaken in you. You +will get on. No boy with your spirit could help +getting on. Do you wish to be transferred from +Spooner's shift to one not so hard?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I am not looking for an easy job. +I am looking for hard work and to learn everything +there is to learn in this great industry. +When I have earned promotion I want it."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And you shall have it. Finish the week in +level seventeen and I'll see what can be done +for you in some other direction. Do you think +you will be able to work to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton shook hands with him and the +lad departed, light hearted and happy. He did +not waste the time that he was resting—not +Steve. Instead he went directly back to the +works, remaining all day in the vicinity of the +shaft watching the progress of the work and +asking questions whenever he could find anyone +willing to answer them. He visited the dry +houses, where the miners changed their clothes +and took their shower baths, a clean, comfortable +building provided with numbered lockers +for the street clothes of the employés of the +company, and where those who chose might eat +their lunches in the cold weather.</p> + +<p>Steve learned a lesson that he did not forget. +He learned it from the old pensioner in charge +of the dry houses.</p> + +<p>"Make your men comfortable, look out for +their safety and you will get fully a third more +work out of them," said the old attendant. And +this was the principle on which the company +acted.</p> + +<p>The day passed quickly, and Steve went early +to bed, in order to be up early on the following<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +morning. This time he took no chances of getting +lost in the mine. He followed one of the +trammers who worked in his part of the mine, +and reached Spooner's contract some fifteen +minutes before the hour for beginning work. +The contractor liked to have his men on the +job early, and when he could drive them into +doing so, he managed to get ten minutes or so +extra work out of them before the whistle on +the level blew the signal to begin work.</p> + +<p>Steve smiled good-naturedly when Spooner +ordered him to get in and begin shoveling. The +lad was not averse to doing so. All evidences +of the accident had been removed and once more +the drift was open and workable. A new powder-man +had taken the place of the injured man, a +quiet, self-contained young fellow on whom +Spooner's bulldozing tactics had no effect.</p> + +<p>"See here, boy, how about that shovel?" demanded +the contractor, after the lad had been +working a short time.</p> + +<p>"What do you mean, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I mean the shovel you banged up hammering +on the drift to make us hear."</p> + +<p>Rush looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"What about it, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Shovels cost money. I have to furnish the +tools on my job. I'll expect you to pay for that +one. Got any money with you?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"Well, see that you bring it to-morrow. The +shovel's worth a dollar."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. I will speak to the superintendent +about it, and if he says it is proper for me to +pay you I will do so," replied the lad wisely.</p> + +<p>"Speak to the superintendent?" shouted the +contractor. "You'll do nothing of the sort. I'm +running my business; the super isn't. If you +try that game on me I'll fire you. You don't +have to pay for the shovel if you don't want to. +But you're a cheat if you don't."</p> + +<p>"I am not a cheat," protested Steve indignantly. +"As I said before, if the superintendent +says I ought to pay you, I shall do so gladly. +You can fire me if you wish to. I am not so much +in love with number seventeen that I would shed +tears were I ordered out of it."</p> + +<p>The contractor glared, started to speak, then +gaining control of himself, turned and walked +away. Rush, in the meantime, was energetically +throwing dirt and when the long day was ended +he had shoveled into ore cars ten tons of soft ore. +The lad handed his tally slip to the contractor at +the close of the day's work.</p> + +<p>Spooner uttered a grunt of disapproval.</p> + +<p>"Only ten tons!" he groaned. "You'll have +to do better than that. Unless you can handle +twelve you're not fit to be below ground."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I understand, sir, that twelve tons a day is +the record and that only one man has accomplished +that in the last ten years," answered +the boy promptly. "But I'll equal it before I am +through here; not especially to gratify you, but +for my own satisfaction."</p> + +<p>Mr. Spooner had no more to say.</p> + +<p>"How many tons a day does he get out of +this contract?" asked Steve, as he was waiting +for the cage to ascend to the surface.</p> + +<p>"Fifty tons is the most we ever got out in +a day," was the answer from Steve's companion.</p> + +<p>"How much does he get a ton?"</p> + +<p>"That we don't know. He never tells his +business. Some contractors get less and some +more, depending upon how the ore runs, how +much paint rock there is to be thrown out in the +dirt."</p> + +<p>"Do the others run about the same?"</p> + +<p>"I reckon they do."</p> + +<p>Steve was always seeking for information, and +what he was learning in these early days was +to serve him well in the future.</p> + +<p>For the rest of the week he worked diligently, +increasing his daily output by at least a ton. +One day he fell considerably below this, as the +ore came out hard and was not delivered to the +car men as fast as they could handle it. That +was a day that Spooner was at his worst.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> + +<p>Saturday came, the day that the young miner +was to receive his first pay envelope. He had +made it a practice to carry his lunch below and +eat it there. This saved him considerable effort, +and gave him an opportunity to rest before the +whistles blew to resume work. Steve usually +chose some quiet spot in an unused drift, where, +seating himself by the side of a little stream +of water trickling from the rocks, he would stick +his candle-holder in a crevice and tuck the cover +of his dinner pail under the trickling stream to +catch water to drink with his meal.</p> + +<p>He had just settled himself down for his noon-day +meal, on this Saturday afternoon, when he +was attracted by a bobbing candle on a miner's +cap approaching him from down the drift just +off the main level.</p> + +<p>"Now, I wonder what he wants?" mused +Rush, peering out curiously. "I believe that's +Bob Jarvis. He is probably coming in here to +eat his dinner. He'll be surprised to find me +here. Hello, Bob."</p> + +<p>"Hello yourself."</p> + +<p>"I just did. Sit down and have lunch with +me."</p> + +<p>"I ain't lunching to-day. I——"</p> + +<p>"Eat some of mine if you haven't yours with +you. There is enough for both of us in my pail, +and here is some of the finest water you ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +drank. It's colder than any ice water I ever +tasted."</p> + +<p>Bob did not reply. He was standing over +Steve, peering down at the latter with a steady +gaze. Presently Rush noticed that Jarvis was +acting peculiarly. There was a constraint in +his manner that Steve had never seen there before.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter? Anything gone wrong, +Bob?"</p> + +<p>"No; nothing has gone wrong. Something's +going that way pretty soon, though."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I promised you a licking, didn't I?"</p> + +<p>"I believe you did, but that is all past now. +You saved me from the drift. I shan't forget +that, old fellow. I hope I get a chance to do you +a good turn one of these days."</p> + +<p>"You're going to get it now."</p> + +<p>"I am going to get what?"</p> + +<p>"The licking."</p> + +<p>Steve rose slowly to his feet after carefully +placing his dinner pail to one side.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean you want to fight me after having +saved my life, Bob Jarvis?"</p> + +<p>"That's what!"</p> + +<p>Rush gazed steadily at his companion of the +moment. The taller boy had assumed a pugnacious +attitude.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I don't want to fight you, Bob."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll stand for a coward; you'll be a +'missie' for certain."</p> + +<p>Steve began slowly to strip off his oilskins. +His blouse and flannel shirt came next. These +removed, he stuck his candlestick in a crevice in +the rocks high enough up to shed a fairly good +light over the drift.</p> + +<p>"How'll you have it?" he asked coolly.</p> + +<p>"No hitting below the belt; hammer in the +clinches when we can. All fair and above +board," answered Jarvis, making himself ready +for the fray.</p> + +<p>"Very well," replied Steve. "I am ready +whenever you are."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">YOUNG GLADIATORS MEET</p> + + +<p class="cap">"GOING to take off your boots?" questioned +Steve.</p> + +<p>"Sure."</p> + +<p>"Then I'll take mine off, too."</p> + +<p>He did so, tightened his belt and stepped out +into the drift well within the flickering circle of +light shed by the two candles.</p> + +<p>"How are we going to decide it, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"The fellow who gets knocked out first loses. +No second chance. Are you ready?"</p> + +<p>"I've been ready for the last five minutes."</p> + +<p>"Look out—I'm coming!"</p> + +<p>Jarvis made a rush, swinging a quick blow at +the head of his opponent. Steve ducked and +went under it, at the same time giving Bob a +jolt in the ribs that made the larger boy grunt.</p> + +<p>"Hello! You ain't such an easy mark as +you'd have me believe, eh? Been playing off, +have you? Said you couldn't fight."</p> + +<p>"I never said so. I said I wasn't a fighter. +I hope I have higher ambitions in life than that. +But is this a fight or an argument?"</p> + +<p>"It's a fight," shouted Jarvis, dancing in, +his arms working like a piston rod.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + +<p>Both boys led for the head at the same instant. +Each countered with his left, receiving +the other's blow on his arm. After a rapid exchange +of blows, none of which landed, they +backed away. But Steve, without waiting for +his opponent to take the lead, became the aggressor +now. He sprang in as lightly as a cat, and +ere the taller boy could get his guard up, had +planted a blow on Jarvis' nose that sent the +other's head back and the blood spurting from +his nose.</p> + +<p>Whack!</p> + +<p>Steve landed another on the side of Bob's +jaw. It was a glancing blow, Jarvis having +turned a little, else the boy would have been +knocked out and the battle ended then and there.</p> + +<p>Quick as a flash, Jarvis put a fist to Steve's +neck and the lad went down in a heap while Bob +stood over him exultingly.</p> + +<p>"Got your medicine that time, didn't you?" +he jeered.</p> + +<p>Steve, on all fours, was getting ready to spring +up. His eyes were on his adversary, watching +him narrowly. Rush's head was aching, but +he gave no heed to that.</p> + +<p>"You will have to give it to me in bigger doses +than that if you expect a cure," retorted Steve, +with a short laugh, as he sprang up and danced +away from the taller boy for a few seconds.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +Then he closed in like a whirlwind. For a full +minute it was give and take. Both lads were +strong, and each was handy with his fists, though +Steve Rush showed more skill than did his opponent. +This was offset by Jarvis' greater +height and weight.</p> + +<p>Many a hard blow was struck in that round, +after which the boys backed away instinctively. +Jarvis' nose had sustained several bangs. It +was somewhat larger than when the fight had +begun; Steve, on the other hand, had a half-closed +eye.</p> + +<p>"I'll put a spectacle on the other one before +I've done with you," jeered Bob.</p> + +<p>"Then I'll give you one of the same sort," +retorted Steve, planting a blow on Bob's right +eye. Bob dropped as if he had been hit with +a club. But he was up like a flash. This time +he was thoroughly angry. He charged Steve +with a roar, receiving two quick, short-arm jolts +on the side of the head that made that member +spin dizzily.</p> + +<p>For the next five minutes it was give and take +again. Then Steve struck his opponent a blow +in the ribs that brought a loud "ouch!" from +the taller boy.</p> + +<p>Rush grinned, but there was no mirth in the +grin. It was one of savage satisfaction. Now +the lad settled down grimly to his work. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> +battled with dogged determination, taking his +punishment as a matter of course, beating, hammering, +dodging, ducking, but without the slightest +trace of anger or excitement in his face. His +was a will that in the battle of life sweeps all +obstacles from its path.</p> + +<p>The battle had not been in progress long before +a miner passing the outer end of the drift +had discovered what was going on. Summoning +some of his companions, the men ran down +where the fight was in progress. They were +about to interfere, when Steve, in a momentary +lull, said:</p> + +<p>"Please don't interfere. This is a perfectly +friendly little argument. We've got to fight +it out."</p> + +<p>The men laughed uproariously.</p> + +<p>"You look the part, both of you. Go it, then, +if you've got to fight. We'll see that each of +you gets fair play."</p> + +<p>But the boys did not hear. They were at it +again and with a savageness that had not marked +their fighting before. Two blows delivered at +the same instant landed both boys on their backs +on the ground.</p> + +<p>The miners yelled for sheer joy.</p> + +<p>Bounding to their feet, the combatants went +at it again hammer and tongs; and, though they +were mere lads, it is doubtful if the spectators<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +ever had witnessed a more scientific battle with +fists. The lads were side-stepping and dancing +in their stocking feet, not heeding the sharp +pieces of rock and ore that cut into their feet, +drawing the blood at almost every step.</p> + +<p>They had battled steadily for over ten minutes. +The face of each was covered with blood +and it was with difficulty that the lads were able +to see at all. They had barely one set of good +eyes between them. Jarvis was getting more and +more desperate. Try as he might his superior +strength was not equal to the task of putting +Steve Rush down and out. For every blow delivered +Bob got a return that he felt all over his +body from his head to his feet.</p> + +<p>At last Bob thought he saw an opening to deliver +a knock-out blow. He let go with all his +strength. The blow struck nothing more substantial +than thin air. Then, like a bolt of +lightning, the fist of Steve Rush shot out, catching +Jarvis under the nose, lifting the larger +boy from his feet, sending him crashing against +the shore wall of the drift.</p> + +<p>"That settles him," shouted the spectators. +"My, what a wallop! That would have knocked +down one of the mules in number seven level. +I'll bet he doesn't wake up in——"</p> + +<p>Bob Jarvis was already awake. Despite the +terrific blow under which he had gone down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +he was quickly on his feet. It was observed that +he staggered a little. Both boys were beginning +to show their weariness, though Jarvis exhibited +more of this than did Steve.</p> + +<p>"Call it a draw, lads," yelled the miners.</p> + +<p>"Not till I give him back for that last one," +roared Bob, making a vicious lunge at his companion.</p> + +<p>The blow barely grazed the left cheek of +the smaller of the lads, he having moved his +head slightly to one side to avoid the blow.</p> + +<p>"I'll hand it out to you, Bob," said Steve.</p> + +<p>Once more Jarvis was lifted from his feet +and this time he was laid on his back on the +ground, while Steve leaned against the wall of +the drift, panting heavily.</p> + +<p>"Call it off! Call it off, or we'll take a hand +in the game," warned the miners.</p> + +<p>Jarvis had staggered to his feet and Rush was +lurching to meet him.</p> + +<p>There was a slow exchange of blows and the +lads clinched, each with an arm about the other's +neck. For a full minute they stood thus, panting, +striving to collect their strength to continue +the battle.</p> + +<p>Jarvis made a feeble effort to deliver a right-hand +hook on his opponent's jaw, but there was +not enough steam in the blow to do any damage.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve retaliated with a vicious punch in the +pit of Jarvis' stomach—a blow that made the +larger boy grunt and cling heavily to the neck +of his adversary.</p> + +<p>"Have you got enough?" breathed Steve.</p> + +<p>"No!"</p> + +<p>Bob managed to land a fairly strong blow on +Steve's neck.</p> + +<p>The latter returned the compliment by a +vicious punch in the ribs that caused the larger +boy to hug his opponent closer. Then all at +once, with the last ounce of their failing strength, +the two youthful gladiators began delivering +short-arm jolts, each standing with an arm about +the other's neck, driving in the blows with all +the strength he had left.</p> + +<p>Not for a moment had either lad sought to +foul the other. It was a "square" fight, such as +is seldom seen between professionals.</p> + +<p>No more steam was left in their blows. They +had fired their last round.</p> + +<p>"Shall we call it quits, Bob?" breathed Rush +in the ear of his opponent.</p> + +<p>"I—I guess we'd better, if we expect to report +for duty this afternoon."</p> + +<p>Steve promptly released himself from the grip +of the other boy's arm, and, staggering to a +side wall, leaned against it heavily. Jarvis did +the same.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> + +<p>Just then the whistle blew three sharp blasts. +It was the signal for the miners to return to +their work. Jarvis staggered out into the centre +of the drift, extending a hand. Steve met +him half way.</p> + +<p>"Shake!" said Bob. "You're the squarest +and the pluckiest bundle of muscle that I ever +went up against."</p> + +<p>"The same to you," glowed Steve Rush, gripping +the hand of his late adversary. Then each +with an arm about the other's shoulder started +for the main level. The desperate battle that +was to be the beginning of a friendship of many +years, had ended in a draw, with Steve having +a shade the better of the argument.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">IN A NEW JOB</p> + + +<p class="cap">THAT afternoon was the longest that Steve +Rush ever remembered having put in. +Spooner saw at once that the lad had +been in a fight, and that he was well nigh spent. +The contractor took the keenest possible delight +in driving Steve, just because the lad was in no +condition to work.</p> + +<p>The Iron Boy, however, possessed too much +grit to show the white feather. In spite of his +swollen face and aching body, he summoned all +his courage and worked as he never had worked +before.</p> + +<p>With Bob Jarvis it was different. Bob worked +half of the afternoon, when the shift boss under +whom he was laboring, observing that the lad +could scarcely stand up, sent him home, and +Jarvis promptly went to bed. The shift boss +reported the circumstance to the mine captain +and the latter made a written report to the +general superintendent, Mr. Penton. Another +report showed that Steve Rush had also been +in a fight.</p> + +<p>When the superintendent had read these two +reports, he at once understood that Jarvis and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +Rush had had a battle. The rules against fighting +were very strict; therefore he sent for +the mining captain, the one directly in charge +of all the operations underground. The two men +had a long interview and when the captain +finally left the superintendent was smiling +broadly.</p> + +<p>On the following Monday morning Steve was +requested to call at the office of the general +superintendent before reporting for work in the +mine.</p> + +<p>"Bob, he's heard about our difficulty and he +is going to fine or fire me," said Steve.</p> + +<p>Bob's face took on a serious expression.</p> + +<p>"Then I'm going to see the superintendent," +he said in an emphatic tone.</p> + +<p>"What for, Bob?"</p> + +<p>"I am going to tell him that you are not to +blame—that I forced you into the fight. I'll +take whatever punishment is coming to me, but +I won't stand by and see you get the worst of +it—not for a skip full of red ore."</p> + +<p>The boys were in their room at the boarding +house, they having asked the boarding boss to +bunk them in the same room after their fight in +the mine. This had been done willingly enough +and to their mutual satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"I guess not," replied Steve firmly. "What +do you take me for?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You know what I take you for. I have +already told you."</p> + +<p>"If I remember correctly, you called me Little +Miss Rush up to a couple of days ago," answered +Steve, with a twinkle in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Forget it. I've changed your name. You're +Mr. Big Rush now. Such a walloping as you +gave me I never had before in my life. You're +a regular little cyclone. And to think that I +had picked you for an easy mark."</p> + +<p>Bob smiled as broadly as his swollen face +would permit.</p> + +<p>"We have agreed to forget that. It was worth +while, though, because it was the beginning of +our friendship," replied Rush thoughtfully. +"We shall never have another misunderstanding."</p> + +<p>"I hope not."</p> + +<p>"But we must be going. You will be late +for work. I will see the superintendent; then +I'll let you know, to-day noon, what he wanted +of me."</p> + +<p>The lads hurried out.</p> + +<p>"I wish you would let me go with you and +tell him," urged Bob.</p> + +<p>"No. Time enough when he sends for you."</p> + +<p>As the lads moved along the workmen laughed +and some of them jeered, for it was plain that +the lads were on terms of intimate friendship.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> +The story of their great battle had been circulated +until most of the men in the mine had heard +of it.</p> + +<p>Bob's face flushed angrily.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, old man," said Steve in a soothing +tone. "A lot of those fellows who are laughing +at us to-day will be shoveling dirt for you +and me before many years have passed."</p> + +<p>"I doubt it."</p> + +<p>"I do not. There are great opportunities in +this big corporation, and I am going after them. +I am after them now, and I propose to take +you along with me. You'll find the company +will be glad to help us on if they find we are +worth helping. Here we are at the superintendent's +office. I shall have to leave you now."</p> + +<p>The boys shook hands warmly, Bob turning +reluctantly and going on his way, while Steve +ran up the steps and entered the executive building. +He asked for the superintendent and was +told to go in at once. The clerks all smiled at +Steve's disfigured face, but he pretended not +to have seen their scrutiny of him.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, Rush," greeted Mr. Penton, +with a quizzical look at his caller.</p> + +<p>"Good morning, sir. You sent for me."</p> + +<p>"Yes; sit down."</p> + +<p>The superintendent was a large man, six feet +tall, big, broad and powerful, but good nature<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +shone from his round, full face, and his eyes +always appeared to be sparkling with laughter. +For all of that, Mr. Penton was a strict disciplinarian, +as a number of those who had +worked under him had reason to know.</p> + +<p>"Who was the young man with whom I saw +you shaking hands in front?" was the superintendent's +first question.</p> + +<p>"Bob Jarvis, sir. He is my roommate."</p> + +<p>"Oh, is that so?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How long have you been rooming together?"</p> + +<p>"Since Saturday."</p> + +<p>"Indeed. This is somewhat surprising. But, +Rush, what has happened to you? You look as +if you had been through an ore grinder."</p> + +<p>Steve flushed, then straightened up, eyeing the +superintendent steadily.</p> + +<p>"I have been in a fight, sir. I had a little +disagreement, but it is all right now."</p> + +<p>"My lad, did you not know that it was against +the rules of the company to fight?"</p> + +<p>"I did not at the time."</p> + +<p>"With whom did you fight?"</p> + +<p>"Must I answer that question, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I fought with Bob Jarvis," replied the lad, +after slight hesitation.</p> + +<p>"Who started the fight?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I guess I was the one most to blame."</p> + +<p>The superintendent already knew all about +the matter. He well knew who had started the +fight and why, and he knew also of the warm +friendship that had sprung up between the two +boys since the battle; but Mr. Penton was a +shrewd man—one who judged men with almost +unerring instinct. He was drawing Steve out +to verify his own impressions.</p> + +<p>"And you two are rooming together now?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. We are friends now. There will +be no more trouble between us. As a matter of +fact, our little battle was an entirely friendly +one."</p> + +<p>The superintendent leaned back, laughing +heartily. His plump sides shook with merriment, +while Steve sat calm and respectful, his +eyes fixed on the face of his employer.</p> + +<p>"You are quite sure that you two will not +fight again, are you?" questioned Mr. Penton, +after regaining his equanimity.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Who won the fight?"</p> + +<p>"Neither of us, sir, though Bob gave me about +all I wanted."</p> + +<p>"And I understand that you gave him a little +more than he wanted. Now, Rush, let me give +you a piece of advice. Never indulge in fights, +unless in self-defence, in defence of the company's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> +property or to save another person. We +have a rough element in the mines. Naturally +that cannot be wholly avoided, especially among +the foreigners, though many of them are self-respecting +citizens. It requires a strong man +to cope with them and every executive must +be equal to the task, but we cannot tolerate any +rows except for the reasons mentioned."</p> + +<p>"I understand, sir. I think you can trust +me."</p> + +<p>"I am sure of that. I want to see you get +ahead. You are both fine boys. You have the +making of men worth while—in other words, +you are 'live ones,' and this company is always +in the market for just that kind of material."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> + +<p>Steve's face glowed happily.</p> + +<p>"I am going to take you off the Spooner contract +and give you another place to work. I +have taken a keen interest in you, and I want +you to learn all about the workings of the mine."</p> + +<p>"That is what I am going to do, sir," answered +Rush in a quiet but firm tone.</p> + +<p>"I have decided to place you at the main +chute on the same level where you have been +working. Your duty will be to dump the cars +as they come in. You will be right by the tally-boards +and you will learn how we count up +there, besides many other things. It is an important<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +point, the central point of each level. +After you have become familiar with the operations +at that point, perhaps I may be able to +transfer you to some other."</p> + +<p>"I thank you very much, sir. May I ask +where Bob Jarvis is going to work? He said +he was to be transferred to-day."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have put him on the Spooner contract +to fill the place you had."</p> + +<p>Steve smiled. He could well imagine what +would happen if Spooner treated Bob as he +had treated Steve. Bob was too hot tempered +to endure the contractor's insults without resenting +them.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton seemed to understand what was +in Steve's mind.</p> + +<p>"It will be good for the boy," he nodded. +"Every boy needs a certain amount of hard +knocks. They make a man of him."</p> + +<p>"Bob is quite a man already," replied Rush, +with a faint smile.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton laughed good-naturedly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I understand. You will report at the +chute at once. Tell the mine captain to inform +the time keepers of your change of place. That +will be all."</p> + +<p>Expressing his thanks to the superintendent, +Steve left the office and made his way to the +mine, to take up his new work—work that was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +to be much less trying than that of the previous +week.</p> + +<p>After the lad's departure Mr. Penton spent a +long time in studying a bundle of reports of +the work in the Cousin Jack Mine. His eyes +soon lost their twinkle, and his forehead wrinkled +with perplexity.</p> + +<p>"This passes all understanding. This shortage +in the output is something that I cannot understand. +If I do not find the leakage soon I +shall be in trouble with the company," he muttered.</p> + +<p>Then, putting on his coat and hat, he left +the office and started for the mines.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">RUSH MAKES A DISCOVERY</p> + + +<p class="cap">STEVE'S new station was located on the +main line of the electric tram road. Long +rows of dump cars were drawn there by +an electric motor, on which sat a motor-man controlling +the speed of the car with one hand, and +with the other continually ringing a gong warning +everyone to get out of the way.</p> + +<p>In the narrow levels, there was barely space +enough for one to stand between the trams and +the wall, but the trams never stopped. Miners +were supposed to look out for themselves, according +to the code of the tram motor-man.</p> + +<p>At the chutes, however, there was a large +open space at one side, with a plank floor laid +down, and above this hung the tally-boards, a +series of boards with quarter-inch holes bored +in them. Every time cars were run over the +chutes the men on the cars would call the name +of the contractor or the drift whence the cars +had come, and the tally-boy or man, as the case +might be, would then move the peg in the board +forward as many holes as there were cars. Each +contractor had a tally-board, as had each drift +operated by the mining company's own labor.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p> + +<p>The tally-man at the chutes on level seventeen +was a man named Marvin. Steve took a violent +dislike to the man the moment he set eyes on +him, and the questions that the lad would have +asked about the working of the tally-boards remained +unasked.</p> + +<p>Rush's duty was to strike the catch on the +side of the car with an iron bar, permitting +the side board to swing out, whereupon the load +of ore would drop through the iron chutes to a +lower level. From there it was shot to the surface +in the fast-moving skips, or ore elevators, +that ran up an inclined plane.</p> + +<p>"This work is so easy that I am ashamed to +draw pay for it," muttered Steve, after an hour +or so had passed.</p> + +<p>Still he was obliged to keep a sharp lookout +for approaching trams, as every second in this +operation counted. The tram trains must unload +and get back for other cars promptly, else +miners working in the drifts would be held back +and the work of that level delayed.</p> + +<p>As soon as a car was dumped, the dumper +would call out "clear," whereupon the motor-man +would shove his train forward. Though +the work was easy, it had to be done quickly.</p> + +<p>During the forenoon Superintendent Penton +and the mine captain came swinging along the +tracks. The superintendent spoke pleasantly to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> +Steve, after which the two men took a seat on +a bench in the planked alcove close to the place +where the boy was dumping cars of ore.</p> + +<p>"This shortage is troubling me greatly Jim," +said Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>Steve could not help but hear their conversation, +his station being on that side.</p> + +<p>"It has me beaten, too, sir," answered the +mine captain. "I have been through this mine +from top to bottom, and from end to end, and +for the life of me I can't see where any such +shortage as you say the reports show could have +occurred."</p> + +<p>"You are sure the tally-boards are being properly +kept?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have looked into that. Have you any +idea that someone is tricking us?"</p> + +<p>"No; I hardly think so. I believe, rather, +that it is the result of carelessness somewhere. +The report sheets show more ore mined than +weighs up after it is put on the cars. In other +words, the output shown on our reports doesn't +check up with the company's tally-sheets at Duluth. +We are a good many tons short. It is +up to you, Jim, to put your finger on the shortage. +There is going to be trouble over this, +unless I am greatly mistaken."</p> + +<p>"Yes; there'll be trouble enough when we +find out where it is—trouble for the fellow or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +fellows who are to blame for it," answered the +mine captain.</p> + +<p>"Well, keep your eyes open. If you need any +help, let me know."</p> + +<p>"I've had the inspectors on the job for a week +now, and they are no nearer solving the mystery +than they were before they began."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton was watching Steve at work with +a thoughtful expression in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"That's a promising boy, Jim," he said.</p> + +<p>"You mean young Rush?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. This is the kind of job I should like +to turn him loose on, if he had more experience. +He's as sharp as a steel trap."</p> + +<p>"That is true."</p> + +<p>"He has that dogged persistence that would +make him hang on like a bull terrier. I'm going +to push him along as fast as seems advisable."</p> + +<p>"He's a likely youngster," admitted the mine +captain, studying Steve's back as the lad swung +his iron bar with unerring precision. "Yes, he's +a very likely lad."</p> + +<p>"I want to make an inspection of number +twelve," said the superintendent, rising. "Will +you come along?"</p> + +<p>The captain followed his superior officer, the +two men soon disappearing down the level. +Steve watched their bobbing candles until he +could see them no longer.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Something is going on here," muttered the +boy. "Reports show more ore taken out than +has really been mined. I didn't want to listen, +but I couldn't help hearing what they said."</p> + +<p>For the rest of the forenoon Steve occupied +his leisure moments in trying to study out how +such a mistake could occur. He was not thoroughly +familiar with the working of the system +as yet, but he possessed a good general idea +of the methods employed to protect the company +against mistakes and dishonesty.</p> + +<p>The time-keepers made their rounds four +times a day, and any man not at his post lost +his time until the next round. The ore was +tallied at the chutes and weighed again after it +had been placed on railroad cars for transportation +to the Great Lakes. All this Steve went +over, his mind working actively on the subject +while his hands were busy dumping cars of ore.</p> + +<p>"The mistake, if it is a mistake, must occur +somewhere between this chute and the freight +yards," was the lad's mental conclusion.</p> + +<p>In this he was right. So full of his subject +was he that, when the whistle blew, he sat down +on the bench that the superintendent had occupied +a few hours before and studied the tally-boards +as he ate his lunch. The manner of the +tally operation was clear to him. There was +nothing complicated about it.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> + +<p>Having finished his lunch, the lad strolled over +to the tally-boards, and, with hands behind his +back, began studying the names of the drifts or +contractors represented there. Spooner's was +the first to attract his attention.</p> + +<p>"I'll bet I have shoveled that board full half +a dozen times," muttered the lad, with a grin.</p> + +<p>"What do you want here?" demanded a surly +voice at the lad's elbow.</p> + +<p>Rush turned and found himself facing the +tally-man, Marvin.</p> + +<p>"I was just looking over the boards as a matter +of curiosity."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you were, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, folks' curiosity sometimes gits them +into trouble," sneered the tally-man.</p> + +<p>"There is no harm in my looking at the +boards, is there?" demanded Steve, raising his +voice ever so little.</p> + +<p>"Git out of here! Git out, I say! If ever I +catch you fooling around these boards I'll trim +you so you won't forget it," growled Marvin.</p> + +<p>Steve stepped back. Perhaps he had no business +there, but he resented the manner in which +the information was delivered to him.</p> + +<p>"I do not think it will be well for you to lay +hands on me," he retorted.</p> + +<p>"What's that?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If you don't hear well, I'll shout. I don't +think it will be well for you to lay hands on +me."</p> + +<p>The tally-man strode across the planking and +stood threateningly over the lad, who had reseated +himself on the bench.</p> + +<p>"Git off this platform!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, you don't. I have as much right +here as you have. You can't drive me away +from here, my friend. I'll stand on my rights +here. This is the place where I'm going to stick +until the whistle blows to go to work. If you +think I am not going to do so, just try to put me +off."</p> + +<p>Rush's jaw assumed a stubborn set. The man +and the boy eyed each other for a moment; then +Marvin turned on his heel and walked away.</p> + +<p>Steve grinned appreciatively.</p> + +<p>"I guess I had better look out for him. He +surely has it in for me now."</p> + +<p>The whistle blew soon after, and work was +resumed. Steve, during the afternoon, was too +busy to pay much attention to the tally-boards, +for the cars were coming fast, additional motors +having been sent out to take care of the rush. +But every time the lad glanced toward the boards +he found Marvin watching him narrowly.</p> + +<p>Once the lad observed something that set him +to thinking harder than ever. After that he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +paid no further attention to Marvin, nor to Marvin's +work. When the whistle blew at six o'clock +Rush picked up his dinner pail and made his +way to the shaft, and a few minutes later had +been hoisted to the surface by the cage. He +waited at the mouth of the shaft until Jarvis +came up, when the two boys started for home +together.</p> + +<p>"How did you get along on the Spooner contract?" +questioned Rush, with a quizzical smile.</p> + +<p>"Never did such a day's work in my life! +That fellow is a slave driver."</p> + +<p>"He is all of that," agreed Steve. "Have +any words with him?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing of consequence. I threatened to +break his head with a shovel once—that's all."</p> + +<p>"I should think once would be enough," replied +Steve, laughing softly. "Don't let him +run over you, but keep your hands off him. It's +a pretty serious thing to have an argument with +one's superior, even if he <i>is</i> a brutal contract +boss."</p> + +<p>"I'm surprised that they have a fellow like +that in the mines."</p> + +<p>"He gets out the ore, that's why," answered +Rush. "And, by the way, I want to talk over +something with you after supper to-night."</p> + +<p>"You have something on your mind, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I have something that I want you to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span> +help me with. Perhaps we may be able to do +a great service for our employers. I am not +quite sure yet. I can't be until we have tried +something."</p> + +<p>"I'm with you in anything, Steve," answered +Bob with emphasis.</p> + +<p>After supper, that night, the boys went directly +to their room, where they were soon lost +in earnest conversation. Their conversation was +carried on in whispers and the hour was well +along toward midnight when they had finished +with their plans.</p> + +<p>"Now what do you think of it?" questioned +Steve, as they started to make ready for bed.</p> + +<p>"If you've struck it right we have stumbled +on to the biggest game of crookedness in the +mines. I mean <i>you</i> have discovered it; you +didn't exactly stumble on the game."</p> + +<p>"Be very careful. Don't make any mistake. +I, on my part, will keep my eyes open if I find +I can do so without attracting attention. To-morrow +night we will compare notes."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about me. I'll have it down +pat. All ready to turn in?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>Bob blew out the light and the boys tumbled +into bed, where they were soon fast asleep.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">THE BOYS EXPOSE A PLOT</p> + + +<p class="cap">ON the following morning, when the lads +reported for work, they were full of +their new purpose. Each was silent as +to what that purpose was, but a close observer +would have noticed that the boys were keenly +watchful of everything that was going on about +them. To all intents Steve was devoting his +energies to unloading the dump cars in the shortest +possible time, and Bob to filling them again +in record time.</p> + +<p>Up to the noon hour nothing had occurred of +interest. The two boys did not meet at the +lunch hour, deeming it best not to arouse suspicion +by their actions, and thus possibly defeat +their purpose. Steve ate his lunch in silence, +not once looking toward the scowling Marvin. +In fact, Marvin had not caught the boy looking +at him during the forenoon.</p> + +<p>"I think the fun will begin before long," +mused Steve, wiping his mouth and moving over +to a trickling spring on the other side of the +level. "I have prepared the way and now we +shall see."</p> + +<p>A long train of ore cars came in a few moments<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +after the whistle blew, and the tally-man +was kept busy plugging the holes in the boards +as the cars were called out.</p> + +<p>So busy was Marvin that he did not get a +chance to turn about to look at Steve. Perhaps +he would not have done so, at any rate. Steve, +however, was looking at the tally-man, watching +the latter out of the corners of his eyes.</p> + +<p>The pegs moved skilfully and quickly from +hole to hole on the boards, then the man Marvin +sat down while the unloading progressed.</p> + +<p>Rush had seen that which sent the color to +his cheeks, and caused his heart to beat a little +faster. His sharp eyes had made a discovery. +He was as positive as it was possible to be +but there was more to be done before his case +was fully made out.</p> + +<p>The lad could hardly wait until night to see +his companion. During the afternoon Steve obtained +further evidence to strengthen his case. +By quitting time his face had taken on a look +of stern determination that had not been there +when he went to work that morning.</p> + +<p>"What luck?" demanded Bob, in a low voice, +as he joined his companion near the mouth of +the shaft.</p> + +<p>"The best," answered Steve.</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>"Not here. Wait until we get home. I do not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> +dare to speak of it now. Someone might overhear +us and then all our efforts would have been +for nothing. I'll tell you all about it before we +sit down to supper."</p> + +<p>"Well, that beats all," muttered Jarvis. "I +didn't think we should succeed so easily. What +are you going to do about it?"</p> + +<p>"I'll answer that question also when we get +home, old man."</p> + +<p>The boys did not wait until after supper that +night. Closing and locking the door after reaching +their room, Steve asked:</p> + +<p>"How many tons did the Spooner contract +turn out to-day?"</p> + +<p>"Forty by the dump cars."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. What does the tally show?"</p> + +<p>Steve leaned over and whispered in his companion's +ear, whereat Bob uttered a low, long-drawn +whistle.</p> + +<p>"You—don't—say?"</p> + +<p>"That is exactly what I do say."</p> + +<p>"This will raise a merry row."</p> + +<p>"I think it will. And there's another thing: +I will wager that this is not the only place the +same game is being worked."</p> + +<p>"Maybe you're right. What shall we do?"</p> + +<p>"Go to the superintendent. We will go to him +as soon as we finish our supper."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But he isn't at his office."</p> + +<p>"No. We will go direct to his house. I +rather think he will be glad enough to see us +when he hears what our mission is. Come, now, +we'll go to supper, but not a word at the table," +warned Steve.</p> + +<p>"I should say not."</p> + +<p>Supper finished, the Iron Boys went to their +room, returning a few minutes later and strolling +from the house as though they were going +nowhere in particular. After they had put a +block between themselves and the boarding house +they quickened their pace. Bob was excited, but +Steve was as calm and collected as if nothing +unusual had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where the superintendent lives, +Steve?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do. I make it my business to +know everything that I ought to know. 'Live +and learn' is my motto. It's a good one for you +to adopt, too."</p> + +<p>"I am beginning to think you are right."</p> + +<p>Reaching the house of the general superintendent, +Rush halted. The blinds had not been +drawn and, looking through the front room into +the dining room beyond, the Iron Boys could +see the superintendent seated at the table with +his family.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better walk up and down a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> +few times until Mr. Penton finishes his supper," +suggested Rush.</p> + +<p>"He'll be better natured if we do, I guess," +agreed Jarvis. "You have a long head on you, +Steve, but the trouble with you is that you keep +that fact so carefully concealed that a fellow +doesn't get wise to it until it's too late."</p> + +<p>Steve laughed softly. They had made their +third trip around the block when, halting once +more in front of the house, they saw that the +superintendent had finished his supper. He was +standing in the dining room, hat in hand, talking +with a member of his family.</p> + +<p>"Come on," called Steve, running up the walk, +up the steps and ringing the bell.</p> + +<p>"My, but you do bear out your name, the +way you rush about," laughed Jarvis.</p> + +<p>The door was opened by a servant. Steve +gave his name and asked to see Mr. Penton. +The latter came out into the hall a few seconds +later.</p> + +<p>"Good evening, boys. I was just on my way +downtown to the post-office. You may walk +along with me and tell me what I can do for +you."</p> + +<p>"We would rather speak with you here, sir, +in private," answered Steve earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Is it so important as that, my lad?"</p> + +<p>"It is, sir."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Come into the parlor," said Mr. Penton, +leading the way and switching on the electric +lights. "State your business as briefly as possible."</p> + +<p>The superintendent seated himself, motioning +the boys to be seated also.</p> + +<p>"By chance, I overheard a conversation between +you and the mine captain at chute seventeen +the other day," said Steve. "I did not +want to listen, sir, but I will confess that what +you said impressed me so strongly that I took a +deep interest in it."</p> + +<p>"Conversation about what?" demanded Mr. +Penton rather more sharply than was his wont.</p> + +<p>"About a shortage in the ore. You said the +mine count did not agree with the figures as reported +from the head office, sir."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton gazed shrewdly at his callers. +Then he rose, and, closing the door leading into +the dining room, returned to his chair.</p> + +<p>"Well, lads," he said. "Have you come to +see me on this subject?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you think you might be able to +solve the mystery?" This was said smilingly.</p> + +<p>"We have solved it, sir."</p> + +<p>"<i>What?</i>"</p> + +<p>"I said we have solved it; at least, enough +of it to make the rest comparatively easy."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You astound me beyond words. Will you +be good enough to tell me then the cause of this +shortage?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; the fault lies with your tally-boards."</p> + +<p>"That was my idea originally, but the mine +captain assures me that he has careful tally-men +on every board."</p> + +<p>"I think he has very careful men there, sir. +At least, they seem to me to be looking out for +their own interests pretty carefully."</p> + +<p>"You are making a most serious charge, Rush. +Are you able to substantiate this?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"Do so."</p> + +<p>"Sub-level seventeen, to-day, as you will find +by referring to your report sheet, has sixty +tons to its credit."</p> + +<p>"Wait a moment, Rush. My report sheet is +in my desk in the library."</p> + +<p>The superintendent left the room, returning +with the report sheet. He ran down the page, +placing his finger on a line, which he followed +out to the margin.</p> + +<p>"Your information is correct," he said, glancing +up. "How do you happen to have these +figures?"</p> + +<p>"I have been watching the boards for two +days."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Indeed?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, though the +tally sheet shows sixty tons as having come +from number seventeen sub-level, only forty tons +were actually mined there to-day."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton gazed at Steve Rush, who had +risen and was standing before the superintendent, +erect, steady-eyed and calm.</p> + +<p>"Again, my lad, I ask you how you come to +be in possession of these figures?"</p> + +<p>"My chum, Bob, here, got the figures from the +drift to-day."</p> + +<p>"Ah, I see. You had arranged the plan?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Bob kept a very careful tally."</p> + +<p>"Jarvis, were you absent from sub-level number +seventeen at any time during the day?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir, excepting at meal time."</p> + +<p>"Are you positive enough of your own tally +to be willing to swear to it?"</p> + +<p>"I am, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then you have rounded up the whole case. +There is nothing more to be done—nothing more +left for me to do except to act on the information +you have furnished me, which I shall do at +once."</p> + +<p>"May I make a suggestion, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"If you have any reason to believe this will +not fully account for the shortage, would it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +not be an excellent idea to have the other tally-men +inspected?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton reflected.</p> + +<p>"An excellent idea; yes, it shall be done. +Tell me how the tally-man, Marvin, worked his +end of the game. Although you have not explained +that part of it, it goes without saying +that he was in collusion with Spooner."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; so I suspected from the first. I +did not like his actions. He appeared to be +watching everyone about him. That aroused +my suspicion after hearing what I did when you +and the mine captain were there. So I watched +him without pretending to do so. In the meantime +he had driven me away from the tally-boards +while I was standing there looking at +them. While watching him I distinctly saw the +fellow juggle the pegs and give the Spooner contract +credit for more loads than were then on +the chute. I counted and kept track of the +Spooner cars, so that I could check up with Bob. +You see, I wanted to make absolutely sure that +I was right."</p> + +<p>"And your figures tallied?"</p> + +<p>"They did."</p> + +<p>"Lads, you have done the company a great +service. I have no doubt but that both of you +will receive a substantial reward. Personally, +I cannot find words to express my appreciation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> +You have relieved me from a very embarrassing +situation. I shall show my appreciation in a +more substantial manner in due time."</p> + +<p>"We do not wish to be rewarded, Mr. Penton," +returned Steve. "We are working in +the interest of the company that pays us our +wages, just the same as we should expect men +to serve us if we were employers."</p> + +<p>"And you would find that you would be sadly +disappointed in the rank and file, boys. When +I said 'reward,' I did not mean exactly a money +reward, although indirectly it will amount to +the same thing. This company is not slow to +recognize merit. It gives every man a chance +to show what sort of stuff he is made of. If +his is a low grade of ore, as we would term it +in the mines, then he stays where he is, but if +of a higher grade from which the finest steel +is made, then the man goes on up as fast as +he is fitted to hold higher positions. There is +practically no limit to the positions to which +young men in this company may aspire. Take, +for instance, the present president of this mining +company, who is now drawing a salary equal +to that received by the President of the United +States. How do you suppose he began his +career?"</p> + +<p>"I—I do not know, sir. I never heard," answered +Steve.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He began with a shovel in his hands, just +the same as you did something like a week ago, +and so did I, and so did the most of us who have +risen to the higher positions. But to return to +our subject, I will have the other tally centres +investigated secretly."</p> + +<p>"It might be a good plan for you to have +your captain watch the tally-board at level number +seventeen to-morrow. He can do so by +secreting himself in the skip shaft," suggested +Steve.</p> + +<p>"I think your suggestion is a good one. In +the meantime, of course, you lads will be discreet—you +will not mention what you have told +me?"</p> + +<p>"You may depend upon us, sir."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am aware of that. Come to see me +to-morrow. I shall want to talk with you. Good +night, lads."</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">STRAIGHTENING THE CROOKED ONES</p> + + +<p class="cap">A BRIEF investigation on the part of the +mine captain on the day following verified +all that the boys had told the superintendent. +Watching the tally-board man from +behind the partition that shut off the skip shaft, +the captain saw the man falsify the tally of the +ore cars, making it show a considerable excess +of the actual amount of ore contained in each +car.</p> + +<p>At noon Marvin was summoned to the office +of the superintendent and confronted with the +facts. After a few minutes of stubborn denial, +the rascal gave in and told the whole story. He +was to share half of the amount thus gained +with the man Spooner. Up to that time the two +men had made a substantial rake-off six days in +every week.</p> + +<p>After the tally-man had made a clean breast +of the steal the superintendent said:</p> + +<p>"Go back to your post. You will receive +further orders later in the day. But see to it +that nothing is said to Spooner until I have +seen him; then you two can talk and growl all +you wish. You will have something to growl<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +about, I promise you that. How long has this +thing been going on?"</p> + +<p>"For six weeks, sir."</p> + +<p>"How much have you cheated the company +out of thus far?"</p> + +<p>Marvin handed Mr. Penton a slip of paper on +which he had made some figures while talking, +after which the tally-man departed very much +crestfallen.</p> + +<p>Spooner was the next man summoned, and +the contractor passed the most uncomfortable +hour of his life under Mr. Penton's shrewd questioning. +Spooner had been a miner and his +contracting was of only recent date. When he +saw that the superintendent was in possession +of all the facts, he admitted that he had been +receiving pay for many tons a day more than +he had delivered to the company.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton considered the matter for some +moments, while the contractor stood before him +twisting his hat nervously between his hands, +now and then shifting his weight from one foot +to the other.</p> + +<p>"What do you think I ought to do with a +rascal like you?" finally demanded the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"I'll give up my contract and go back to +working in the drift."</p> + +<p>"You will do nothing of the sort! You will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> +keep on with your contract until you have paid +back what you have robbed the company of, +you and your partner in crime, Marvin. You +are a fine pair. By rights I ought to send both +of you to jail. Perhaps I may do that yet, but +that will depend upon what officials higher up +order me to do. For the present, however, you +will engage to pay back what you have stolen; +that is, unless you prefer to hand over the money +in a lump."</p> + +<p>"I haven't that much money—I have no +money."</p> + +<p>"I thought not; therefore two thirds of the +amount will be deducted from the money due +you each week and one third from the wages +of the tally-man."</p> + +<p>Spooner essayed to speak, but the words +seemed to stick in his throat. Finally he managed +to mumble:</p> + +<p>"All—all right, sir."</p> + +<p>"But, mind you, no more of your thieving +tricks, or I'll have you in the cooler before you +realize it."</p> + +<p>"All right, sir. I—I'd like to ask a question."</p> + +<p>"Ask it."</p> + +<p>"Who was the man who gave me away?"</p> + +<p>"You ought to know better than to ask me +that question. Frankly, it is none of your concern.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> +We have been looking for this leak for +some time, and we have found it. Had you +possessed a grain of common sense you would +have known that, sooner or later, you would +have been checked up. You're checked. The +interview is ended. Go back to work."</p> + +<p>"I'll <i>find</i> the man!" growled Spooner. "I'll +find him if it takes all the rest of my life to do +it, and when I do——"</p> + +<p>"What then?" interrupted the superintendent, +fixing stern eyes on the man before him.</p> + +<p>"I'll tell him what I think of him," answered +the contractor lamely, as he left the room.</p> + +<p>All the other contract drifts had been found +to be working regularly, so it was reasonable +that the entire shortage might be charged to +Spooner. As a matter of fact, this shortage tallied +very closely with the figures that the tally-man +had given to the superintendent.</p> + +<p>When the contractor returned to his drift he +was more subdued than any of his regular shift +had ever before seen him. They could not understand +the sudden change. There was one +there, however, who did understand. That one was +Bob Jarvis. Bob was leaning against the +"shore" just outside of the vein the men were +working. He was doing nothing in particular.</p> + +<p>Some moments passed before Spooner discovered +this.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Get in there, you, before I shove you in! +Get hold of a shovel! What do you think I'm +paying you for? What are you trying to do—hold +up the wall? The lagging will do that without +your help. Get to work."</p> + +<p>"I am working," answered Bob coolly, making +no effort to obey the order of the contractor.</p> + +<p>"You are working, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"May I inquire what you are working at?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'm working for the company. My particular +business at this moment is watching +you."</p> + +<p>"Watching me?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I am here to check you up. I am +not working for you to-day. As I said, I am +working for the company. Don't let me disturb +you, sir. I'll try not to get in the way."</p> + +<p>"Do you know why you are doing this?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; because I am ordered to do so."</p> + +<p>"Is that all you know?"</p> + +<p>"It may be, and then again it may not be."</p> + +<p>With a growl, Spooner turned and began to +abuse his men, while Bob remained leaning +against the wall, checking each car as it was +filled.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, when Marvin returned to +his station on the level below, he stepped to +the tally-board and relieved the man who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +been placed there to act during the regular +man's absence.</p> + +<p>As Marvin was looking over the boards Steve +stepped up, touching him on the shoulder. The +tally-man's face flushed angrily.</p> + +<p>"What do you want?"</p> + +<p>"Merely to say to you that I have had orders +to check you up, to see that you check every +car properly."</p> + +<p>"I won't stand it. I'll——"</p> + +<p>Steve shrugged his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"That is a matter with which I have no concern. +You will have to fight that out with the +superintendent. I shall obey my orders and +it will be better for you, I should imagine, to +submit without trying to make matters uncomfortable +for me. I shall do what I have been +told to do, just the same. When a train draws +up you will plug only when you see that I am +looking at the board, please. I'll dump the cars +after you have done that and I shall know if +you have moved the plugs when I am not looking."</p> + +<p>Marvin's face twitched nervously, but he made +no reply.</p> + +<p>There was nothing of triumph in Steve's +attitude. The lad was attending to business to +the best of his ability. He discovered, after a +time, that Marvin was watching him narrowly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +As he watched, the tally-man's face grew blacker +and blacker.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he suspects?" thought Rush.</p> + +<p>As a matter of fact, Marvin was beginning +to see light. At noon the tally-man hurried +away, after sulkily asking Steve to watch the +tally-board. First, however, the man made a +memorandum of the tally, so that Steve could +not change it without Marvin's being aware of +the fact. The lad pretended not to have observed +this, but a quiet smile hovered about the +corners of his mouth as he laid out his lunch on +a clean, white napkin on the bench beside him.</p> + +<p>Instead of going up in the cage, Marvin +hastily climbed a ladder to the sub-level, where +he waited for Spooner to come out.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?" demanded the contractor +in a surly tone.</p> + +<p>"I've got wise to something. Where can we +talk?"</p> + +<p>"Come over in the drift here. There's no one +near by."</p> + +<p>The men slipped into a dead drift, extinguished +their candles and engaged in earnest +conversation.</p> + +<p>Bob Jarvis' shrewd eyes had observed the +actions of the men. He was sitting in the +Spooner contract eating his lunch, but they had +not noticed him.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wish I could find out what they are talking +about," he muttered. "But I am not a spy. +I don't know that I care particularly. I'll tell +Steve, for I have an idea there is mischief in +the air. There they go down the level."</p> + +<p>The two men climbed down the ladder to the +main level. A few minutes later Steve saw +Spooner alone, sauntering along the tracks. +When the contractor reached the chute he +halted, peering over at the lad as if he had just +discovered him.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Rush," he greeted, turning and coming +over to where Steve was sitting.</p> + +<p>"Good afternoon."</p> + +<p>Spooner sat down on the bench, and, for a +moment or two, nothing was said, Steve continuing +with his lunch as indifferently as if the +contractor had not been there.</p> + +<p>"So you're the sneak who gave me away, are +you?" demanded Spooner, turning upon the lad +savagely.</p> + +<p>Steve eyed the contractor calmly.</p> + +<p>"Am I?"</p> + +<p>"You are!"</p> + +<p>"I may be the man, and in fact I will admit +that I was instrumental in exposing your crookedness, +but I am not a sneak. It strikes me that +you have laid yourself open to being called +one."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> + +<p>The man's face turned white with anger. He +opened and closed his fingers, with difficulty restraining +himself from fastening them upon the +calm-faced boy beside him. Steve munched his +food steadily, but he was watching the man +narrowly.</p> + +<p>"I—I'll be even with you for that, you sneaking +cur!" shouted Spooner. "Yes, I'll be even +with you!"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't threaten, were I in your place. +If anything should happen to me you might be +accused, you know," answered Rush in a tantalizing +tone. "What do you propose to do to +me?"</p> + +<p>Spooner leaped up and shook his fist under the +Iron Boy's nose. The latter did not flinch.</p> + +<p>"What do I propose to do to you? I'll tell +you what I am going to do to you. I'm going +to drive you out of this mine. I'll never stop +till I've driven you off the range and out of the +mine country. You'll never be able to get a +day's work in a mine on this range after I get +through with you, if nothing worse happens to +you in the meantime. I'll——"</p> + +<p>"It strikes me that you are pretty much in +the same box yourself——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wish you were a man! I wish you +weren't a weak, baby-faced kid! I'd beat you +to a pulp right——"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Don't let that worry you, Spooner. Sail in, +if you feel you have got to take it out of me. +Perhaps you will feel better after you have +vented your ugly temper on someone, even if +it is a boy. Now get off from this platform!" +commanded Rush, with a sudden change of tone, +as he rose quickly to his feet. "You've got no +business here, anyway. Get out!"</p> + +<p>Steve grabbed up the iron bar with which he +dumped the cars and started for the contractor. +He had no intention of using it on the man, but +he did not wish to engage in a fight with the +fellow, being pretty sure that he would get the +worst of it, for Spooner was a large and powerful +man. Therefore the Iron Boy chose what +he considered to be the most effective way of +ridding himself of the contractor's presence.</p> + +<p>Spooner hesitated a moment, then began backing +up, his face pale with rage, his fists clenched.</p> + +<p>"You had better turn about and face the other +way, unless you want to fall through the +chutes," warned Steve.</p> + +<p>Spooner turned with an exclamation. A second +more and he would have fallen in and shot +down to the level below. As it was, he was +obliged to jump over the opening to save himself, +landing on the other side of the track. +There he paused and renewed his abuse of young +Rush.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I've had enough of your nonsense! Get +out!" commanded the sturdy lad. He, too, +leaped the chutes and made for the contractor, +brandishing his iron bar. Spooner turned and +ran down the level until he reached the ladder, +up which he climbed to his own drift.</p> + +<p>"There, I guess I shall not be troubled by +that fellow any more," said Steve, returning +slowly to his interrupted lunch.</p> + +<p>But he had not heard the last of Spooner.</p> + +<p>The contractor, fuming with rage, was +already plotting the downfall of the lad who +had been the cause of his undoing.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">LAYING THE TRAP</p> + + +<p class="cap">STEVE RUSH and his companion had held +a long consultation over the events of the +past few days. They had decided that it +would be well to watch both Spooner and +Marvin. Bob had overheard a conversation, or +rather a few words, between the two men that +warned him they were plotting mischief.</p> + +<p>"What can they do?" asked Steve.</p> + +<p>"If we knew, we should have no cause to +worry," answered Bob.</p> + +<p>"It is my opinion that they will put up some +sort of job to waylay us outside one of these +nights. Well, we shall be ready for them. +Forewarned is forearmed, you know. If they +try any such trick they'll find we are pretty +well able to take care of ourselves, even if we +are 'weak kids,'" said Rush, with a smile.</p> + +<p>A number of weeks passed without incident. +During that time Spooner and Marvin made +good their stealings. They were then called to +the office and both men were discharged. This +occurred at the noon hour. They were told to +go back to the mine, get their tools and clear +out. When the men did return Steve and Bob<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +Jarvis were eating their lunch up in the Spooner +drift.</p> + +<p>"There are the cubs now," whispered Marvin, +pointing to the end of the drift. "It's our +chance."</p> + +<p>"Is it safe?"</p> + +<p>"As safe as it ever will be. If you haven't +got the nerve to do it, I'll do it myself."</p> + +<p>"I've got the nerve, all right, but I don't +propose to put my neck in a halter. I'd rather +come back at some other time and carry the +thing through."</p> + +<p>"Getting cold feet already?" jeered Marvin.</p> + +<p>"Don't you talk to me like that, or I'll pound +you right here and now. Nobody ever accused +Bob Spooner of having cold feet without getting +hurt."</p> + +<p>"You talk like it. But never mind; I'll do +it. I owe him one and I owe the mine more +than one. They'll have something to settle and +it'll cost them a pretty penny, I reckon. It's +now or never, for you and me. We'll never get +a better opportunity. How do you suppose we +are going to get in here after we leave to-day? +Why, they wouldn't let us inside the cage after +the orders the big boss will give them at the +top of the shaft."</p> + +<p>"Stop it! I'll do the trick. Where are the +tools, though? I haven't a saw in my kit."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I know where there is one. I sneaked it +from the boss timber-man yesterday after we +had our talk. I hid it behind the lagging about +half way down the drift there. Come with me; +I'll get it for you."</p> + +<p>"Be careful," warned Spooner, peering +around a bend in the drift at the two boys in +the far end. From that distance he could see +only their bobbing candles. "All clear. +Hurry!"</p> + +<p>Marvin reached to the top of the lagging at +a certain point, and when his hand came away +it held a saw.</p> + +<p>"Here it is. Hurry, now!"</p> + +<p>Spooner tucked the saw under his coat. This +done, he moved along the drift away from the +place where the boys were sitting, until he came +to a slanting partition.</p> + +<p>"There is a ladder inside. You know how +to climb down it," whispered Marvin, as he +cautiously opened a door in the partition. The +interior was so dark that the men could see +nothing. There was a sudden rush and some +unseen object tore by them in the blackness. +It was an ore skip, with its load of iron ore +thundering to the surface. Its force was so +great as to extinguish the candles of the two +miners. Marvin quickly relighted them.</p> + +<p>"Now get in and be lively. You will have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +to get away before the afternoon shift starts +in, or you may get something down on your +head."</p> + +<p>"You go down and stay on guard. If there +is any danger, if anything turns up, stamp three +times on the floor when there is no skip going +by. Otherwise I shall not hear it."</p> + +<p>"I'm wise. Good luck! We can't lose this +time and we'll be even with the whole bunch +for all time."</p> + +<p>Spooner stepped inside the dark chamber, +pulling the door cautiously shut after him. His +long service in iron mines had given him an +excellent knowledge of every foot of the mine +he was then working in, and though in deep +darkness, he was not at all uncertain in his +movements.</p> + +<p>The contractor was now in the large shaft +through which the ore skips ran with their cargoes +to the top of the shaft, where they emptied +the ore into waiting trams which ran out over +a trestle and dumped it on the pile where Steve +Rush had begun his work when he first came +to the Cousin Jack Mine. It was a dangerous +place for one who was not wholly sure of himself, +but Spooner descended the ladder confidently, +making his way to the bottom, then down +a short ladder to a platform that was directly +beneath that on which the tally-man and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> +dumper in level seventeen stood when at their +work.</p> + +<p>Reaching this platform, the contractor removed +his candle from his hat, making a careful +examination of his surroundings. His attention +finally centred on a section of the flooring +above. That particular part was held up +by a post some three feet in length, the latter +being supported by a two-inch plank laid across +two other posts that protruded up through the +floor of the lower platform.</p> + +<p>"I wish those skips would get busy," muttered +Spooner. "They'll hear the saw above +there if I am not careful." Then it occurred to +him that, it being the noon hour, the skips were +not running regularly. With an exclamation of +disappointment, the man stepped up to the main +post and ran his hands over the plank that supported +it.</p> + +<p>"I guess this will be about the right spot," +he decided, placing his saw about midway on +the right-hand side of the post. Spooner took +off his blouse, throwing this over the saw to +deaden the sound. Then, holding a corner of +the coat up by one hand that he might see what +he was doing, he began drawing the saw rapidly +across the plank. The latter being hard wood, +his efforts were not productive of immediate results. +But the saw slowly ate its way into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +tough timber until at last the man withdrew it, +and, holding his candle low, examined the cut he +had made.</p> + +<p>"I think that will be enough for this side. +I'll open up the other side a little," he muttered.</p> + +<p>Spooner had just begun to saw when a sound +somewhere above him caused the man quickly +to extinguish his candle. He stood still and +listened.</p> + +<p>"What's this door doing unlatched?" demanded +a voice, which the fellow recognized as +belonging to the mine captain.</p> + +<p>Spooner did not catch the reply.</p> + +<p>"Somebody will be tumbling into the shaft, +first thing you know, and then we shall have +damages to pay."</p> + +<p>"I reckon you'll have some to pay as it is," +muttered the man below. "I hope this costs +you a million!"</p> + +<p>The door through which Spooner had entered +the shaft was closed with a bang and he heard +no more of the voice above him.</p> + +<p>"I've got to look sharp or I'll be caught. I +haven't had a signal from Marvin yet, so everything +must be clear above us."</p> + +<p>Once more the steady rasp of the saw began +on the other side of the post, and a few minutes +later the contractor used his candle to examine +his work.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I guess that will do the business," he chuckled. +"And now I must be getting out of here +lively."</p> + +<p>Instead of taking the saw with him, the fellow +tossed it over to one side, then began climbing +the ladder. Very soon he was at the door opening +on to the sub-level where his contract had +been located. Spooner opened it ever so little +and listened. He could hear subdued voices. +He opened the door a little wider, and, as he +did so, Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis sauntered +by.</p> + +<p>"Keep your eyes open, old chap," was Bob's +parting salutation.</p> + +<p>"I will," answered Steve, starting down the +ladder to his post.</p> + +<p>Jarvis returned to the drift where he was +working—Spooner's old place. This was the +chance for the other man to get out of the shaft. +He knew it was time for the afternoon shift to +go to work, and just as he slid from the shaft +and closed the door behind him the whistle blew +the signal to resume operations. The contractor +ran along the drift, gathering up his tools and +starting down the same ladder that young Rush +had taken.</p> + +<p>Reaching the main level, the man took his time +in going to the cage. At the bottom of the shaft +he was joined by Marvin.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you fix it?" whispered the latter.</p> + +<p>"Sh-h-h!" warned Spooner.</p> + +<p>The men ascended to the surface without exchanging +further words. Once in the open, however, +Marvin said in a low tone:</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>"It's done; it's all fixed."</p> + +<p>"You think it will work?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it."</p> + +<p>"Then somebody's stock will go down, and I +don't know as I care a rap whose it is."</p> + +<p>"I don't think we'll have to guess far to know +whose it will be," answered Spooner, with a +grin.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do?"</p> + +<p>"I am going over to Tracy to get a job. We +can both get work there, but they haven't lost +us yet. No, sir; the Cousin Jack has not done +with you and me, by a long shot. We've got a +few tricks left up our sleeves that will open +their eyes. But we have made a mighty good +start; yes, sir, a mighty good start."</p> + +<p>Chuckling at his own villainy, Spooner hurried +along, the other man by his side.</p> + +<p>Steve and Bob had returned to their work at +once. The former was now filling the place of +the man Marvin at the tally-board, and at the +same time dumping the cars. The two jobs kept +him continually moving, but this Steve, true to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> +his name, thoroughly enjoyed. He liked to be +driving ahead every minute of the day.</p> + +<p>From the moment the whistle blew he was +hard at work. He had no time to talk with the +motor-man as he had before when dumping the +cars, for he had to keep the number of cars and +the drift or contractor in his mind while he was +dumping them, and until he could jump back +to the tally-board.</p> + +<p>When night came Steve was ready to turn +in. He confessed that he was tired. For one +thing he felt no little relief, and that was that +Spooner and Marvin were no longer in the +employ of the company.</p> + +<p>The next morning the boys went to work in +high spirits. The shift had been at work something +more than an hour, when the catch on one +of the tram cars caught as Steve sought to release +it, and resisted his efforts stubbornly.</p> + +<p>"Smash it!" cried the motor-man. "I'm in +a hurry."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to," answered Steve.</p> + +<p>Raising the iron bar above his head, he +brought it down on the offending catch with all +his strength. A crash followed and the ore +shot down through the chute with the roaring +sound of a cataract.</p> + +<p>Instantly the second car was pushed over the +chute.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Get busy, there!" yelled the motor-man when +he saw that no effort was being made to release +the ore.</p> + +<p>He shouted several times, but there was no +response from Rush.</p> + +<p>"Where's that lazy bones?" he demanded, +hopping from his motor and running around the +end of the train. "What, what—— Something's +happened! Look!" shouted the motor-man, +pointing to the platform.</p> + +<p>Steve had disappeared. In the place where +he had stood a moment before was a black hole +about three feet square. Through this hole +could be heard the thunder of the skips as they +rushed back and forth at almost projectile +speed.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">BORNE SKYWARD ON A SKIP</p> + + +<p class="cap">"HE'S gone through the hole! Call the +captain! Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"I saw him on the sub-level above +a minute ago," cried a brakeman, running up +the ladder to summon the mine captain.</p> + +<p>The latter was on hand, it seemed less than +a minute later, and behind him came Bob Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" shouted the captain before he +had reached the scene.</p> + +<p>"Tally-man and dumper gone down through +the hole there."</p> + +<p>The captain started in amazement.</p> + +<p>"How did it happen?" he demanded excitedly.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. He just went through, that's +all."</p> + +<p>"Who—who was it?" stammered Bob.</p> + +<p>"Steve Rush."</p> + +<p>Jarvis uttered a half articulate cry and began +to let himself down into the opening. The +mine captain grabbed him.</p> + +<p>"You'll be killed," he said sternly, dragging +the lad back to the platform. "You cannot help +your friend by going through that way."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> + +<p>The captain opened the door leading into the +skip shaft and ran down the ladder. His quick +glance took in the broken-down supports, but +what he did not see was that the planking beneath +the post had been sawed part way through. +There was no planking there to see.</p> + +<p>There were no signs of Steve on the platform +below. The captain hurried back.</p> + +<p>"Jarvis, run to the telephone on this level, +and tell each level below to look for the body +of a man who fell through the shaft."</p> + +<p>Bob started on a run. Despite his pluck, Bob +Jarvis was trembling from head to foot.</p> + +<p>"He's dead, he's dead! <i>They've</i> done it. +But how? No, it is impossible. They couldn't +be to blame for that. It was an accident."</p> + +<p>Word came back that there was no one in the +shaft.</p> + +<p>"Who opened the hole?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"It is an old trap that has been closed for +years. It simply caved in, that's all. Order the +timber-men to put in a new piece and some fresh +supports. Telephone to the top and find out +if they have heard anything there."</p> + +<p>No one seemed really to know what to do. +All believed that Steve Rush had been dashed +to death.</p> + +<p>"Did—did he fall on a skip?" asked Bob in +a trembling voice.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I am afraid that is what has happened," replied +the mine captain. "I am waiting to hear +from the surface and if they have seen nothing +of the body, we will examine the shaft all the +way up."</p> + +<p>Bob groaned and, walking over, leaned heavily +against the partition.</p> + +<p>Steve's fall had been so sudden that he had +no time even to utter a cry. The blow that he +had given the catch on the tram car had been +too much for the sawed support under the old +trap. The support had collapsed under his +weight and Rush had dropped through the opening.</p> + +<p>He shot down feet first to the platform below, +bounded off and dropped into the shaft itself.</p> + +<p>Something caught and lifted him through the +air at a frightful rate of speed. Steve had been +caught by the ore skip, and was being borne +to the surface nearly two thousand feet above. +The lad had by this time lost consciousness, for +the shock when the skip caught him had been +a heavy one. It seemed as if it must have broken +every bone in his body.</p> + +<p>On roared the skip with its human burden. +The car shot out into the daylight, then darted +up the fifty-foot shaft that towered above the +opening to the mine.</p> + +<p>Reaching the top, its burden of ore was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +dumped into a waiting tram car on the trestle, +after which the skip dived down into the depths +again.</p> + +<p>The dump-man on the trestle caught sight of +something that was not ore falling into his car. +Instead of starting the car along the trestle, he +sprang up on the side board.</p> + +<p>"I wonder what that was? It looked like a +human being!" he exclaimed. Then his eyes +caught sight of a piece of clothing. The man +tugged at the cloth, but it did not give way.</p> + +<p>"It's a man!" he shouted, clambering over on +the car and beginning to dig frantically with +his hands. "Stop the skips, <i>stop</i> them quick!"</p> + +<p>But his warning came too late. A skip load +of ore was dumped down on the loaded car, +most of it sliding off to the ground fifty feet +below. Enough remained, however, to bury the +dump-man and the man he was trying to drag +out.</p> + +<p>But the dump-man was full of grit. He fought +desperately and in a moment succeeded in pushing +off the ore that held the body down. He was +now working with frantic haste to get the other +man out, knowing full well that the unfortunate +one would be suffocated if he already were not +dead.</p> + +<p>By this time other men, attracted by the dump-man's +cries, were scaling the trestle at a dozen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +different places. Among them was the superintendent +himself, who, on his way to the dry +house to put on his miner's suit preparatory to +going below ground on his usual daily round, +had heard the cry for help up on the trestle. +The superintendent, despite his size, got to +the top of the trestle ahead of any of the others +and started on a run for the scene.</p> + +<p>"What's the trouble, Collins?" he shouted.</p> + +<p>"Man thrown up on the skip, sir."</p> + +<p>"Is he dead?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say, sir. I think most likely he is."</p> + +<p>"Who is it?"</p> + +<p>"Don't know him, but he's a young 'un. He's +pretty badly banged up, so far as I can see."</p> + +<p>Superintendent Penton threw himself to the +top of the ore car and assisted in getting the +man out. At first he did not recognize the limp +figure as being that of Steve Rush, for the red +ore had been ground into the cut and bleeding +face of the lad until he was almost unrecognizable.</p> + +<p>"Send for the stretchers. This man must be +gotten to the hospital on the jump!" shouted +the superintendent.</p> + +<p>The dump-man had lifted the boy from the +car, had laid him down on the trestle and with +his handkerchief was wiping the dark-red ore +from the lad's mouth, eyes and nose.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He's alive, sir," called Collins. "But I +reckon he won't be for very long."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton stepped over, after giving his +orders, and looked keenly down into the pale +face before him.</p> + +<p>"What!" he exclaimed, bending close to the +injured boy. "Good heavens, it's Steve Rush! +This is too bad. How did it happen?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, sir. The first I knew about +it he came out of the hopper kerflop. I jumped +up to dig him out, and then I went kerflop with +a load of ore on my back. Woof! It's lucky +for me the car was full or I'd have been at the +bottom of the heap."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton had picked Steve up in his arms. +The burden seemed as nothing to this powerful +man. And even when he reached the ladder +leading down to the ground the superintendent +appeared to experience no difficulty in making +his way down with the heavy load he was carrying.</p> + +<p>Steve was rushed to the hospital, followed by +the superintendent himself. The lad was still +unconscious. A hasty examination by the surgeon +was made in the presence of the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Well?" Mr. Penton threw a world of meaning +into the word.</p> + +<p>"No bones are broken. There may be some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +internal injury. I should judge there might be, +from the fact that he is bleeding at the mouth. +What happened?"</p> + +<p>"He was thrown up by the skip. That's all I +know about it now. I want to know whether or +not the boy is going to die. Then I will find +out how it happened."</p> + +<p>After working over the unconscious boy for +half an hour, the surgeon decided that there +had been a severe concussion that might amount +to a fracture. A few hours, he said, would tell +the story.</p> + +<p>"I'll be back within the hour. Let no efforts +be spared to straighten the lad out, if it be +possible."</p> + +<p>Steve lay limp and pallid, his face almost as +white as the sheets of the cot on which he had +been placed, and there was a troubled look in +the eyes of the big-hearted superintendent as +he left the company's hospital and hurried to +the shaft.</p> + +<p>"Let me off at the seventeenth level," he +directed, taking his place in the cage. A few +minutes later found him at the chutes where the +accident had occurred. Bob, pale-faced and +anxious, had been placed at the tally-board and +the work of the mine was going on much as +usual.</p> + +<p>"Please, Mr. Penton, is Steve badly hurt?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> +demanded the lad, running over to the superintendent +the instant he saw him approaching.</p> + +<p>"I fear he is, my boy. How did the accident +occur?"</p> + +<p>"We hear he was carried up on the skip and +dropped on the trestle."</p> + +<p>"I mean what happened here?"</p> + +<p>"The boy fell through the old trap there," +explained the mine captain, approaching at that +moment.</p> + +<p>"Fell through the trap?" demanded Mr. +Penton in surprise.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the old trap that was closed several +years ago. The men are fixing it so a similar +accident won't occur again."</p> + +<p>"Tell me exactly what happened."</p> + +<p>"I didn't see it. The motor-man there can +tell you. He is just coming in now."</p> + +<p>The motor-man explained that young Rush +was hammering at the dump-car catch when the +trap gave way beneath him and he went down. +That was all that anyone below ground knew +about the accident. In fact, that was all there +was to tell so far as any one in the mine knew.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton looked grave. It was an accident +that reflected on him, for the corporation looked +to him to make the mine safe. He was greatly +disturbed, but more on Steve's account than on +his own.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> + +<p>The superintendent climbed down into the +skip shaft and made an examination on his own +account.</p> + +<p>"Where are the supports that held up the +trap?" he demanded upon his return to the +platform.</p> + +<p>"If they ain't there we must have thrown +them into the shaft," explained the timber-man.</p> + +<p>"You should have known better than that. +Was it a break?"</p> + +<p>"It was a break, all right. The thing just +gave out, and that's all there was to it. But +you can bet this one won't give way, not in a +thousand years. It'll be here long after the +old mine has caved in."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton did not go on with his inspection +of the mine that day. He was too full of anxiety +for Steve Rush. Bob had begged to be let off +for the afternoon, and Mr. Penton had willingly +granted his request. The lad hurried to the hospital, +after having changed his clothes, and at +his earnest request he was allowed to sit beside +Steve. The boy could scarcely keep the tears +back as he gazed down into the pale face of his +companion. Bob was sure in his own mind that +Steve was dying and Jarvis' eyes were large +and sorrowful as he watched the surgeon working +over the unconscious patient.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton came, remained a short time, then<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +went away; he, too, convinced that Rush could +not recover. Night came on, but still Bob sat +beside the hospital cot, one hand slipped under +the sheet clasping a hand of his companion.</p> + +<p>"You had better go home," said the surgeon, +seeming for the first time to be aware of Jarvis' +presence.</p> + +<p>Bob did not answer.</p> + +<p>"I said, you had better go home, Jarvis."</p> + +<p>"I want to stay," answered the boy simply.</p> + +<p>"You can do him no good."</p> + +<p>"When will he get better—or worse?"</p> + +<p>"I do not look for any change before three +o'clock in the morning or thereabouts, so you +see it will be useless for you to remain."</p> + +<p>"All right; I am not sleepy," and Bob turned +his face toward the cot, again fixing his gaze +on the face of the unconscious Steve.</p> + +<p>The surgeon shrugged his shoulders and proceeded +with his duties. The hours dragged +along, but Bob never changed his position nor +even moved, so fearful was he of doing something +that might retard his friend's recovery. +Three o'clock came and still there was no change. +Another half hour elapsed. The sky was graying +in the east. Steve uttered a low moan. The +surgeon was at his side in an instant. He placed +an ear to the boy's heart, then took his pulse, +watch in hand. Bob's eyes were fixed on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +surgeon now. The latter shut his watch with a +snap, then noting the pleading question in the +watcher's eyes, he nodded.</p> + +<p>"He is better. The change is coming, and +unless something unlooked for occurs he should +return to consciousness soon."</p> + +<p>Bob drew a short, quick breath that was half +a sob, settling down into his former watchful +position.</p> + +<p>Now the surgeon remained by the side of the +cot. Occasionally he would administer a few +drops of medicine. When the patient choked a +little and swallowed, the surgeon would nod approvingly.</p> + +<p>All at once Steve Rush's eyelids fluttered +open. His gaze was fixed for a brief instant +on the face of his companion. Jarvis held his +breath.</p> + +<p>"Bob," murmured the lad, then closed his +eyes wearily.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE SHAFT</p> + + +<p class="cap">"THE crisis has passed," announced the +surgeon in a relieved tone.</p> + +<p>Two great tear drops rolled down +Bob Jarvis' cheeks. He brushed them away +and rose from the chair in which he had been +sitting all night.</p> + +<p>"I'm going home. I must get ready to go +to work. If he should become worse won't you +please let me know?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered the surgeon, giving the boy +a quick, keen glance. "He'll be all right now. +No need to worry."</p> + +<p>Bob went to his boarding place happier and +more light of heart than he ever had been before.</p> + +<p>Steve's recovery was very slow, however. All +that day and the next he was too weak to talk, +having lost considerable blood. Then again the +shock had been greater than many men could +have sustained and lived to tell about.</p> + +<p>At the end of a week the invalid was allowed +to sit up, but ten days had elapsed before it +was considered prudent to permit him to dress +and walk about. Bob spent all his evenings with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +his companion, but they did not discuss the accident. +Each lad tacitly avoided the subject.</p> + +<p>The first day that Rush was allowed to go out +of doors he walked over to Mr. Penton's office, +a hundred yards away, and asked permission to +see the superintendent. Mr. Penton welcomed +the young man warmly.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see you out, Rush. You had +a pretty close call, didn't you?"</p> + +<p>"I guess so, though I do not remember much +about what happened beyond a certain point."</p> + +<p>"If you feel strong enough I wish you would +tell me exactly what occurred leading up to the +accident," said the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, sir; I am strong enough. I could +go to work and I think I shall to-morrow."</p> + +<p>"We'll see about that."</p> + +<p>Steve related briefly what he knew of the accident, +but his story shed no new light on the +affair. He could not even guess how it had +happened, beyond what Mr. Penton himself told +the boy.</p> + +<p>"There is one thing I should like to do, sir," +said Steve.</p> + +<p>"And what is that?"</p> + +<p>"I wish you would give me permission to examine +the shaft where I fell in."</p> + +<p>"That already has been done. Something +gave way, and——"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve smiled faintly.</p> + +<p>"I have reason to know that something gave +way," he said. "I wish I could satisfy myself, +though, just how it happened."</p> + +<p>"Of course. There is no objection to your +doing so."</p> + +<p>"I will ask Bob Jarvis to help me. He is a +shrewd boy, and he may see some things that +I might not notice."</p> + +<p>"He will have to be pretty keen if he does," +laughed Mr. Penton. "I cannot imagine much +of anything escaping your observation. But, my +lad, you have some reason for wanting to do +this. What is it?"</p> + +<p>"I want to find out how the accident occurred."</p> + +<p>"Ah, you suspect something?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know whether I do or not. Perhaps +I am curious. Most boys have some curiosity, +you know, sir."</p> + +<p>"Go ahead, but do not try it until you are +well and strong. We can't afford to have you +laid up again. We need you, you know."</p> + +<p>A faint flush stole into Steve Rush's face. +He had grown to be very fond of the big-bodied, +big-hearted superintendent of the Cousin Jack +Mine in the few months that he had known him.</p> + +<p>"I thank you, sir. You are very kind to me. +I want to tell you how much I appreciate it all."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Rubbish!" scoffed Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>On the third day following, Steve made his +first trip below ground since the accident. The +lad was welcomed with enthusiasm by nearly +every one he met, many of whom he knew only +by sight.</p> + +<p>"I never knew I was so popular," smiled +Steve, after he had looked up Jarvis, who was +still at work at level seventeen.</p> + +<p>Bob grinned.</p> + +<p>"I reckon there are certain quarters where +you are not so popular, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I should not be surprised if that were true. +But those quarters no longer exist, I understand."</p> + +<p>"Yes; the pair have hit the trail over the +mountains. What are you going to do down +here to-day?"</p> + +<p>"I am going down in the skip shaft."</p> + +<p>Jarvis nodded understandingly.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Penton said you might knock off and go +with me."</p> + +<p>"Did he? That's fine. I'll see the mine captain +and tell him."</p> + +<p>"I have told him already. You may come with +me now, and we'll make a little examination on +our own hook."</p> + +<p>Bob dropped his shovel, and, telling the shift +boss where he was going, accompanied Steve<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +down the ladder to the level below. There the +lads looked over the platform by the tally-board, +Steve pointing out where he was standing when +he went through the floor.</p> + +<p>"I never knew there was a trap there," he +said, pointing to the new planking that covered +the hole through which he had dropped.</p> + +<p>"Nor I. I guess not many men in the mine +knew about it. The timbers supporting it must +have been rotten."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," answered Steve dryly. "Come +on up to the sub-level; we will begin our investigation +there."</p> + +<p>Bob followed, though he did not fully understand +the purpose of his companion. Rush +made his way to the door on the sub-level +through which the man Spooner had entered the +shaft. The lad opened the door and stood peering +in, holding his candle ahead of him as he +did so.</p> + +<p>"You are not going in here, are you?" questioned +Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Why not go in on the level below and save +this climb?"</p> + +<p>"I have my reasons, old man. Do you see +the red mud on the rungs of the ladder here?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I see it; but what does that prove?"</p> + +<p>"No one has any business in this shaft and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> +yet someone has been here rather recently, for +the mud is still soft. That mud came from +some one's rubber boots not so many moons +ago."</p> + +<p>"You ought to be a detective," exclaimed Bob +admiringly.</p> + +<p>"We will go down now. Be careful. This +isn't a very safe place, and a misstep would take +you to the surface by the route I followed two +weeks ago."</p> + +<p>Once on the platform below, the boys halted. +Holding their candles above their heads, they +looked about them curiously. A new post had +been set in place of the old one, the latter still +lying on the platform. This the boys examined +carefully.</p> + +<p>"You see, the post is in good condition, Bob. +The post didn't give way, after all. I wonder +how it was held up?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it rested on a piece of wood placed +across these two posts that project up through +the floor," suggested Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's so. I think you are right. But +where is the piece? I should like to see it."</p> + +<p>Steve was hunting here and there with his customary +energy, while Bob Jarvis stood looking +on, not being quite sure what he should do.</p> + +<p>"You look about on that side, Bob. Be careful +that you don't fall into the shaft. Here is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> +sawdust on the floor, but I presume the men did +that when they put in the new support. Hello! +I've got something."</p> + +<p>Steve triumphantly held up a saw that he had +found.</p> + +<p>"This may mean something and it may not. +We shall find out when we get back again."</p> + +<p>Suddenly the boy uttered an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" demanded Bob, hastening over +to the spot where Steve was pulling something +from between the platform and the rock wall of +the shaft. What he had found was a piece of +plank from which two pieces had been split off. +At the breaking point on each end they plainly +saw the cut of a saw.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered +Bob. "Is that the plank that held up the post?"</p> + +<p>"Judging from the mark in the middle, I +should say it was. Bring the old post over +here."</p> + +<p>Bob did so, and at Steve's direction placed the +end of the post on the broken piece of plank. +The post fitted the faint outline perfectly.</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of that?" breathed +Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"That somebody has tried to make a clean +job of getting me out of the way. That plank +was sawed partly through so that it might not +break at once, but would do so when any extra +weight was thrown upon it. We must find those +other pieces, Bob. Look about. I guess we'll +have something to report to Mr. Penton."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter extraspacebot2"> +<img src="images/iron1pic3.png" width="295" height="468" alt="" /> +<span class="caption"><br />Steve Triumphantly Held Up a Saw.</span> +</div><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span></p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> +<p>"Shall we say who did it?"</p> + +<p>"We can't really say. We may have our suspicions, +but unless we get more evidence we +shall have to let it go as it is. I have some facts +in my possession that may help us, though."</p> + +<p>Steve got down on his hands and knees and +began going over the floor with great thoroughness. +He was keen and alert and his eyes glowed +with resolute purpose.</p> + +<p>"Here's one of the broken pieces," cried Bob.</p> + +<p>"Good. See if you can find the other. We +shall have our case complete in a few minutes +if we keep on having such good luck."</p> + +<p>But one piece was all that Bob was able to +find, the other no doubt having been thrown into +the shaft. The one found was lying at the edge +of the platform near its end.</p> + +<p>"I guess there is nothing more here for us +to do," decided the lad finally. "We will take +our evidence and go to Mr. Penton."</p> + +<p>"We haven't enough to hang a dead cat on."</p> + +<p>Steve smiled.</p> + +<p>"We shall see," he answered. "You tuck +the saw under your coat and I will carry the +boards."</p> + +<p>Entering the first cage that stopped at this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> +level, the boys were quickly conveyed to the surface. +Steve asked the cage-tender at the mouth +of the shaft if he had seen the superintendent +about the shaft, and was informed that Mr. +Penton was at that moment in the dry house. +He was no doubt dressing to go down in the +mine.</p> + +<p>The boys hurried to the dry house, finding Mr. +Penton talking with one of the time-checkers.</p> + +<p>"May we see you alone, sir?" asked Steve.</p> + +<p>"Certainly. Come into my dressing room. +You have some news, eh?" queried the superintendent, +flashing a keen glance at them.</p> + +<p>"We think we have, sir."</p> + +<p>After entering the dressing room, Mr. Penton +nodded for them to proceed. Steve went right +to the point.</p> + +<p>"We have been down in the skip shaft."</p> + +<p>"On seventeen platform?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Did you discover anything of consequence?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Jarvis has a saw that we found there. +It belongs to one of the timber-men, and was +stolen from him the day before the accident."</p> + +<p>The superintendent pricked up his ears at this.</p> + +<p>"I learned that fact this morning. He doesn't +know that we have the saw. We found it where +it had evidently been thrown by the person who +used it. And here is something else, sir."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve laid the broken pieces of plank on a +table. Mr. Penton picked them up, turning them +over in his hands, pausing when he discovered +the marks of the saw, then he glanced at Steve.</p> + +<p>"What is this?"</p> + +<p>"It is the support that rested under the post +holding up the old trap," answered the lad.</p> + +<p>"Then—then——"</p> + +<p>"Someone had sawed it partly through, so +the support would give way and let someone +else down. I happened to be the one who was +let down."</p> + +<p>The smile vanished from the eyes of the general +superintendent and the lines of his face +hardened perceptibly.</p> + +<p>"How do you know this piece supported the +post?"</p> + +<p>"You will find the mark of the post on it. We +fitted the post to the mark to make sure. Whoever +did the job, entered the skip shaft from +sub-level seventeen. I am sure of this, because +I found fresh mud on the rungs of the ladder. +No one is supposed to go down there, is he, sir?"</p> + +<p>"No; no one does go down there. This is +very serious. Why did not my men discover all +these things?"</p> + +<p>"I guess they did not look very sharply. The +evidence was there to be found if one looked +hard enough."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Rush, you suspect someone?" said Mr. +Penton sharply. "Whom do you suspect?"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps this may answer the question," answered +the lad, laying on the table a brass time +check about the size of a half dollar.</p> + +<p>"Where—where did you get this?"</p> + +<p>"On the platform where the job was done, +sir," answered Steve, directing a steady gaze +at the stern face of the superintendent.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">THEIR FIRST PROMOTION</p> + + +<p class="cap">"WAIT a minute," said Mr. Penton, +hurrying across the hall to the office +of the time-keepers.</p> + +<p>He was gone but a few moments and when he +returned there was a look on his face that Steve +had never seen there before. It was a look +that meant trouble for someone. The superintendent +sat down, gazing out of the window +at the towering shaft of the Cousin Jack Mine.</p> + +<p>"You did not answer my previous question. +I asked you whom you suspected."</p> + +<p>"I dislike to make so serious a charge against +anyone, sir, but a certain man was seen standing +near the door leading down to the platform +the day before I fell in. Two persons saw him."</p> + +<p>"Who was the man?"</p> + +<p>"The man was Spooner, sir."</p> + +<p>"You are sure of that?"</p> + +<p>"Sure of it according to my information."</p> + +<p>"Well, lad, this is Spooner's time check that +you have brought to me," replied Mr. Penton +in an impressive voice.</p> + +<p>"I reckon that evidence would hang a live +cat," muttered Bob Jarvis.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, it is sufficient evidence to warrant my +looking up the man and lodging a complaint +against him. Was he alone when he was seen +at the door of the shaft, or don't you know?"</p> + +<p>"Marvin was with him, sir."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Rush, you have done well. You are +a very shrewd young man. In fact, I am proud +of both of you. When we have anything of this +sort on hand again I shall get you to investigate +it. However, I do not believe there is another +man in the mine who is wicked enough to attempt +the life of a boy. There is another matter +that I have had in mind for some time. That +is, your advancement. You have learned fast. +You already know more about the mine and +its operation than a number of men who have +spent the greater part of their lives below +ground."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. We have tried to improve +our opportunities."</p> + +<p>"You have done so. You have done the company +a great service in finding the place where +the shortage occurred. I have already expressed +myself on this point. After receiving my report +in that case, the president of the company wrote +me to reward you as I saw fit. I shall do so +by promoting you. It is not much of a promotion, +but it will give you an opportunity to +acquaint yourselves the better with the mine and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> +its operations. I now appoint you two boys inspectors +of tracks. Your duties will be to see +that the tram tracks are in perfect condition. +It will keep you busy, for there are a good many +miles of track in the Cousin Jack. You, Rush, +will take the east half and Jarvis the west. That +will take you both well over the mine. It would +be simpler to divide your territory by levels, +but I consider the former plan the better one +for your own good. You will require some technical +information that the engineer will give +you. He also will supply you with maps of the +trackage, which you will study carefully."</p> + +<p>"I am very grateful," breathed Steve, his +eyes lighting up.</p> + +<p>"You're welcome, lad. I want to push you +along as fast as you are ready, but you must not +expect to go too fast."</p> + +<p>"I think I have done very well as it is, sir."</p> + +<p>"Your pay will be two dollars a day."</p> + +<p>Twelve dollars a week! It was more money +than either of the boys ever had earned before. +To them it seemed a large sum of money. They +were very happy and proud. Their new work +was to begin on the following morning. Jarvis +went back to finish his day at drifting in ore, +while Steve returned to his boarding place, +where he sat down and wrote a long letter to +his mother, telling her of his good fortune.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> + +<p>In the meantime Mr. Penton set an inquiry on +foot to locate Spooner and Marvin. The men +had applied for work in a neighboring mine, he +learned, but had failed to get employment there. +Neither man had been seen in those parts since. +Mr. Penton decided that they had left the range, +and he was thankful for it, as it relieved him of +an unpleasant duty. However, that day he made +a detailed report to the president of the mining +company by letter, giving the boys full credit +for what they had discovered. Mr. Penton also +made report of the promotion he had given them. +This was afterwards heartily endorsed by President +Carrhart.</p> + +<p>Early the next morning the boys went over +the mine with an assistant engineer. He gave +them a long talk on tracks, Steve asking many +questions as they went along. That afternoon +the Iron Boys began their work, having laid out +a certain number of levels that were to be +visited each day. As Mr. Penton had told them, +their new position took them to nearly every +part of the mine, from the lowest working level +to the tram tracks on the surface and far up on +the trestle.</p> + +<p>By the time that they had been at their new +work for several months, each lad had proved +that he was worthy of the confidence placed in +him by the general superintendent.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve had been figuring on a problem in his +department for a long time, and one day he went +to the superintendent with it, or rather to learn +whether the problem were a problem at all.</p> + +<p>"I want to ask, Mr. Penton, if the expense +of keeping up your motors that draw the dump +cars in the mines is very great."</p> + +<p>"I should say it is," was the prompt answer. +"You see, they draw very heavy loads. Those +cars of ore are not light."</p> + +<p>"I am well aware of that. You will remember +that I had a load dropped on me once," +smiled Steve.</p> + +<p>"We wear out, I should say, on an average of +six motors a year. That runs into money. And +the repairs on them, in the meantime, are very +expensive."</p> + +<p>"Would any arrangement that would tend to +lessen the strain on the motors be of advantage +to the company?"</p> + +<p>"That is self-evident. Of course it would. +What is more, relieving the cars of the strain +to which they are subjected would save a few +thousand dollars a year. Have you something +in mind?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton smiled good-naturedly on the +young man who was standing before him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I have a plan by which I think you +ought to be able to save your electric motors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +considerably and at the same time make greater +speed in getting ore to the chutes."</p> + +<p>"If you have a practical plan for doing that +you will have accomplished a great deal, young +man. What is your plan?"</p> + +<p>"Well, sir, it is an engineering problem. Not +being an engineer, I perhaps shall not be able +to overcome all the difficulties in the way. I +can tell you, though, what I think would help."</p> + +<p>"Do so."</p> + +<p>"I find that in most of the levels there is a +considerable up grade to the chutes where the +tram cars are dumped."</p> + +<p>"That is a fact."</p> + +<p>"Would it not be much better to have the +loaded cars run down grade to the chutes? Then +they would go back up the grade empty," suggested +Steve half hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton gazed at him quizzically.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, my boy, you have made a suggestion +that even the keenest of our engineers +evidently never have thought of?"</p> + +<p>"I am glad if I have suggested something +worth while," said Steve, with a pleased smile.</p> + +<p>"But how do you propose to go about it? +The levels are made and the tracks are laid to +fit the conformation. How are you going to +get over that condition?" asked the superintendent, +with a twinkle in his eyes.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As I told you, I am not an engineer."</p> + +<p>"But you have an idea?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"Let's hear it."</p> + +<p>"I have watched the trackmen grading on the +railroad and I do not see why you cannot do the +same thing here. You have plenty of waste dirt +and rock in the mine. It is being taken out every +day. Why not utilize some of it in raising the +tracks at the 'rises'? That would give the cars +a good start and the electric motor would not +have to wear itself out getting the cars started. +Continue doing this, even if you have to begin +cutting the level lower down by the chutes. I +am sure that that feature could easily be overcome +by your engineers. In the sub-levels and +new drifts you could do the same thing."</p> + +<p>"How?"</p> + +<p>"Cut down to them, sir, when you are drifting +in. I want you to know that this is not +wholly my idea. My friend Bob, in discussing +the track question with me, said it was a pity +that the motors had to haul their loads up hill +in most instances. I got to thinking over this +and out of it all came the plan I have proposed, +so you see he is the one who is really entitled to +the credit."</p> + +<p>"The credit is yours. Rush, you've a great +head on that slender body of yours, and it isn't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> +so slender, at that, judging from the ease with +which you picked up a rail one day last week and +laid it in place." Mr. Penton laughed. "No; +not so slender as it might seem to one who did +not know you. This is really a very important +matter. It is a matter that I shall have to take +up with the main office at Duluth. I have an +idea that they will adopt your suggestion without +very much delay," said Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"The engineering department reports that the +inspection of tracks has never been done so +thoroughly and intelligently as since you and +Jarvis have been on the work. This naturally +pleases me very much. It shows me that my +estimate of you was correct. Have you anything +else to suggest?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I think not. I think that will be +about enough for to-day."</p> + +<p>The superintendent agreed with him and Steve +went back to his work. Bob Jarvis was quickly +acquainted with what the superintendent had +said, much to the latter's gratification. In due +time, the plan having been passed upon by the +company's engineers at the home office, word +was received at the mines that it had been +adopted. The young men who had suggested it +were highly commended, President Carrhart +adding in his letter to Mr. Penton:</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I knew that boy Rush couldn't help but do +something, with a name like his."</p> + +<p>The work was put in progress as soon after +that as the plans could be worked out, bearing +in mind that the operation of the mine must +not be interfered with. It may be imagined +with what keen interest Steve Rush and Bob +Jarvis watched the changing of the grades. +They were also interested in another direction, +when, one pay day soon after, they found that +their salaries had been raised to fifteen dollars +a week each.</p> + +<p>Bob declared he felt like a millionaire.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do with all that +money?" asked Steve.</p> + +<p>"I think I shall buy some of the company's +stock," answered Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Not a half bad idea. That is what I am +going to do when I get money enough. As it +is, I am sending home most of what I earn. But +the money is in good hands," he smiled.</p> + +<p>"Mine's in the bank. I am getting four per +cent. interest on it, but I haven't got to where +I can live on the interest I receive from it. I +was figuring the other night, and at the present +rate it will be twenty years before I shall be +able to live on my income—my interest, I +mean."</p> + +<p>"Well, I don't want to live on my income. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> +want to be up and doing something as long as +I've got a kick left in me. Cheer up, Bob, you +may be a millionaire yet."</p> + +<p>"Yes; when I have long, yellow whiskers, +maybe," laughed Jarvis.</p> + +<p>In the course of two months the new system +was working to the satisfaction of everyone. +Already it was being applied to the other mines +belonging to the company, and even at that early +day it was apparent that the Rush Gravity System, +as it was called, was destined to prove a +great saving to the company. The name, too, +was considered unusually appropriate.</p> + +<p>One day, a few months later, as Steve was on +his rounds, he caught sight of a man in miner's +costume who instantly attracted his attention. +The man was rather tall and wore a full beard. +Rush stopped and gazed after the fellow until +he passed out of sight.</p> + +<p>"I wonder who he is?" muttered Steve. +"There is something about him—about the way +he folded his hand over his mouth, that is unpleasantly +familiar to me."</p> + +<p>On the day following, while Steve was chatting +with one of the shift bosses on the twelfth +level, he saw the fellow again.</p> + +<p>"Who is that man?" asked the boy sharply, +pointing to the one who had attracted his attention.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p> + +<p>"His name is Klink—John Klink."</p> + +<p>"What does he do?"</p> + +<p>"He is acting as a drift inspector at present, +I believe."</p> + +<p>"Klink?" mused the lad. "I don't think I +ever heard the name before. Do you know +where he comes from?"</p> + +<p>"I think he comes from the San Juan Mine, +over on the McCormick range. I don't know +anything about him, but he seems to know his +business pretty well. He is inspecting temporarily. +The inspector whose place he is taking +is at home sick. Klink is a boss miner."</p> + +<p>"I must have been mistaken," thought Rush, +as he proceeded along his route inspecting the +tracks on that level. "But I can't get it out +of my mind that I have seen the fellow somewhere +before, and under unpleasant circumstances, +at that."</p> + +<p>He had, and at no distant day, he was destined +to see the man under still more unfavorable +circumstances.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">THE VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS</p> + + +<p class="cap">FOR a week past there had been a great +deal of work done in the Cousin Jack +in the way of cleaning up and putting +things in the best possible shape. The mine +was to receive visitors. The annual inspection +by prominent officials of the company was to +be made, and the visitors might be looked for +now on almost any day.</p> + +<p>It was understood, also, that several New +York officials were to be in the party, and every +department head in the mines was ordered to +leave nothing undone to have all things under +his charge in perfect order.</p> + +<p>"We are about the only ones whose work +won't show," complained Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Why not, Bob?" demanded Steve.</p> + +<p>"Why, a track is a track, that's all. It doesn't +show all the work we have put on it. They'll +just walk along on our job while they are admiring +the other fellow's work."</p> + +<p>"I think you are in error. The officials of +these big corporations are all practical men. +Most of them have had personal experience; +some of them have not. I don't know about the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> +New Yorkers, but I know Mr. Carrhart has +been all through the mill. He will notice everything; +you see if he doesn't."</p> + +<p>Three days after this conversation the visitors +arrived. The Iron Boys were engaged in other +parts of the mine and did not know of the arrival. +Along in the early afternoon, however, +their duties led them to the seventeenth level. +Of course they were on opposite sides of the +mine, but as it chanced each was heading for +the chutes on that level, where their patrol +would end. After a time a bobbing candle appeared +far down the level. A moment later another +appeared coming from the opposite direction.</p> + +<p>Two young men came swinging along the +tracks. Their step was springy and there was +an alertness about them that at once attracted +the observing ones. These two were Steve Rush +and Bob Jarvis. They approached each other +rapidly and waved their hands in greeting.</p> + +<p>"Bob, there are the visitors," said Steve in +a low tone.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that's so; I hadn't noticed them. When +did they come in?"</p> + +<p>"I do not know. I had not seen them before."</p> + +<p>Eight or ten men were assembled on the platform +where the tally-board was located. The +superintendent was holding an earnest conversation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +with them, the visitors keeping up a running +fire of questions and comment. They had +been through part of the mine and were discussing +conditions and proposed improvements.</p> + +<p>The boys had matters of their own to discuss, +so they gave little attention to the gathering, +so far as the latter observed. But the lads +were interested, just the same.</p> + +<p>"I suppose most of those fellows are millionaires," +said Bob, indicating the group by a jerk +of his thumb in their direction.</p> + +<p>"They are not fellows, Bob; they are gentlemen," +corrected Rush.</p> + +<p>"How do you know they are?" came back the +quick question.</p> + +<p>"It is reasonable to suppose they are. I know +one of them is, for I have met him."</p> + +<p>"Who is that?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Carrhart, president of the company."</p> + +<p>"They all look like miners to me. Put a +shovel in their hands and they wouldn't be at +all different from us. But we mustn't be standing +here doing nothing. While we are here, let's +take a look at the tracks over the chutes. There +is a rail a little down at the heels. I shall have +to report it as dangerous. Getting a car off +here blocks the whole line. I wonder when that +edge broke down. It was all right when I inspected +it yesterday."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve took out his memorandum book and +made a note of the condition of the rail for immediate +report to the engineering department.</p> + +<p>While the boys were thus engaged some of the +party stood looking in their direction.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Penton, who are those young men standing +over yonder?" asked Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>"They are my track inspectors. They are a +pair of likely young fellows. I'll wager there +isn't a another pair of their age on the range +that can equal them."</p> + +<p>At this every one of the party turned to look +at the Iron Boys, who, all unconscious of the +attention they were attracting, were busy with +their work.</p> + +<p>"The chances are they do not even know you +gentlemen are here, so attentive are they to +their work."</p> + +<p>"Who are they, Penton? I am interested in +these prodigies," laughed Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>"The taller of the two is Robert Jarvis. The +other is Steve Rush, after whom the Rush Gravity +System is named. You will remember, Rush +suggested the change to the gravity system."</p> + +<p>"Steve Rush?" exclaimed the president. +"Why, I was going to ask you about the young man. +I wish to talk with him, and the boy +Jarvis, also. Rush is my find, you will remember, +Penton."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I was congratulating myself that I was his +discoverer," laughed the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"No, you will remember my sending him up +to you with a letter. You know I saw that he +had good material in him. He was a live wire, +even then."</p> + +<p>"I give way; the honor is yours," answered +Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>The party was in great good humor.</p> + +<p>"If you can spare your young friends from +their duties, for a few moments, I should like +to speak with them."</p> + +<p>"Surely. Rush!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>The lad straightened up, touching his cap immediately.</p> + +<p>"Will you step over here, please?"</p> + +<p>Steve strode across the tracks.</p> + +<p>"Jarvis, you, too."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"How are you, Rush?" exclaimed President +Carrhart, stepping forward and extending a cordial +hand.</p> + +<p>"How do you do, Mr. Carrhart. I am afraid +my hand is not shakeable. It is grimy with red +ore."</p> + +<p>"We will shake all the same, lad."</p> + +<p>They did so, the president holding to Steve's +hand as he gazed keenly into the manly face<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> +of the boy, Steve returning his gaze, respectfully +but steadily.</p> + +<p>"I am glad to see you, Rush."</p> + +<p>"Thank you, sir. And I want to thank you +also for giving me the opportunity that you did. +This is my companion, Bob Jarvis."</p> + +<p>The superintendent stepped forward at that +juncture, presenting the boys to each member +of the party in turn. There were vice-presidents, +secretaries and directors—more titles than +the boys could remember. To their surprise +these big men greeted them as if they were +equals.</p> + +<p>"I hear you already have made a record for +yourself, Rush," said Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that, sir. I am just beginning +to realize that I have a lot to learn."</p> + +<p>"I hear also that you have had some exciting +experiences. You must learn to safeguard +yourself, and remember another thing, make +your mine safe for your men and you will always +get results. You and your friend are in charge +of the tracks?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I am pleased to see them in such splendid +condition. It is almost like riding on a rock-ballasted +railroad, they are so smooth."</p> + +<p>Bob threw his shoulders back ever so little as +he heard this.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"My, but those fellows must have eyes all +around their heads the way they take things +in," muttered Jarvis. "No wonder they are +millionaires! They can see what the fellow behind +them is doing as well as they can what's +going on in front. You can't beat that kind of +a game."</p> + +<p>"I hope he doesn't see that turned rail there +over the chute," thought Rush.</p> + +<p>"I noticed only one bad rail in the entire system, +the one there by the chute. I see you have +caught that, however."</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered +Bob under his breath. "I never heard anything +like it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but that rail has gone bad within +the last twenty-four hours. It was in apparently +good condition yesterday. Perhaps I did not +examine it closely enough on my last inspection, +though."</p> + +<p>"No; you can't avoid those things now and +then. There might have been a defect in the +steel, a blow hole or something of the sort. The +principal thing is not to let them get away from +you. Catch the deterioration in time, before it +causes more trouble—that is all we can expect +of you. Gentlemen, this is the young man who +invented our gravity system. Perhaps you +heard the superintendent speak of it just now.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> +And, let me tell you, he will bear watching. +One of these days, if you do not keep your eyes +open, he is likely to be found sitting in the chair +of one of the other of you, either in Duluth, or +Pittsburgh, or New York."</p> + +<p>The gentlemen joined in Mr. Carrhart's laugh, +much to Steve's embarrassment, though one +would have never known, by looking at him, that +he was experiencing any such emotion.</p> + +<p>"You are doing well, very well; but do not +be in too big a hurry and don't get a swelled +head. It is fatal to progress."</p> + +<p>"No, sir. If it does not get smashed, I am +sure I shall be able to keep it from swelling," +replied Steve, with a faint smile, bringing a +laugh from the assembled company.</p> + +<p>"Where did that accident occur?" asked the +president, turning to Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>"Right where Mr. Gary is standing now."</p> + +<p>The gentleman referred to, a vice-president +of the company, promptly stepped back, glancing +at the floor almost apprehensively. This +brought another laugh from the visitors.</p> + +<p>"Come here, gentlemen," said Mr. Carrhart, +"and I will show you where this young man fell +in. I do not think we should be alive now had +we been through that experience."</p> + +<p>The president threw open the door leading +into the skip shaft. The others had stepped up<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> +to him, but as the skips thundered past them, +leaping for the surface, faintly outlined monsters +as they shot by, the members of the party instinctively +drew back, casting wondering glances +at the keen-faced boy who stood calmly, almost +indifferently, looking into the shaft.</p> + +<p>Mr. Carrhart was explaining to them how the +accident had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Excuse me," said Mr. Cary. "I think I +should prefer to be run over by a touring car +on Broadway."</p> + +<p>"And so should I," chorused the others, with +the exception of Mr. Carrhart, who smiled +grimly.</p> + +<p>A lunch had been prepared for the guests and +they were to eat in the mine, on the platform +by the tally-boards and the chutes. Tables were +being set, and by the time the visitors had turned +away from the shaft opening they were invited +to be seated on the benches drawn up for the +purpose.</p> + +<p>Steve and Bob stood talking with Mr. Carrhart, +the president asking many questions.</p> + +<p>"Come, Carrhart," called one of the others.</p> + +<p>"I will be with you in a moment. Don't wait +for me. Rush, how would you like to come to +headquarters at the end of your year in the +mines?"</p> + +<p>"You mean to take a position there?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>The lad reflected for a moment.</p> + +<p>"Would you advise me to do that, sir?" questioned +Rush, looking Mr. Carrhart squarely in +the eye.</p> + +<p>"So you are putting it up to me, are you, you +young rascal?" laughed the president.</p> + +<p>"You know best, sir."</p> + +<p>"The question is, would you like to come into +the offices?"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid I should not be worth much +there. I think, sir, that I like the activity of this +life better, so long as you have asked me. It +is a rough, hard life, but I am happy here and +I hope to learn the business so well that in time +I shall be fit for a higher position."</p> + +<p>"I don't think there is any doubt about that, +my lad. By all means remain here. I shall have +an eye in your direction, as I have had ever +since I sent you up here. Good afternoon, boys; +the gentlemen are waiting for me."</p> + +<p>While this conversation was in progress an +Italian was making his way down level seventeen. +Over his back he carried a bag, the ends +of which, fashioned into a loop, had been +fastened in front of him, passing around his +neck. The fellow was plodding half sleepily +along, his boots slopping in the water beside the +track as he staggered under his heavy burden.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + +<p>When near the chute a man suddenly appeared +behind him, paused an instant, then walked +swiftly away. A few seconds more and the +Italian appeared passing the chute.</p> + +<p>"Look!" exclaimed Bob. "Great goodness! +Look at that!"</p> + +<p>Steve Rush did look. One look was enough. +With a sudden exclamation he sprang for the +slow-moving Italian, leaping the chutes at the +risk of his life. The lad knew that the lives of +every man there were in peril. By quick work +only could he save them, and perhaps not then.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">FACING A GREAT PERIL</p> + + +<p class="cap">BOB JARVIS was after him with a bound.</p> + +<p>The lads had seen a little tongue of +flame creeping up the sides of the bag +on the back of the Italian.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton saw it also, as did the president +of the company. The two men understood the +situation as fully as did the lads themselves, but +the others of the company were laughing and +chatting, unmindful of the dire peril that was +threatening them. Mr. Carrhart and Mr. +Penton half rose from their seats, their faces +blanching noticeably.</p> + +<p>Steve by this time had reached the Italian +burden-bearer. Stretching forth his hands, he +grasped the bag, giving it a powerful tug. The +Italian toppled over backwards, the loop slipping +over his head, leaving the sack and its contents +in the hands of Steve Rush.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the attention of the visitors +had been attracted. They discovered all at once +that something unusual was taking place.</p> + +<p>"Hello, what's this—a fight?" cried Mr. +Cary.</p> + +<p>Those who knew did not answer. They stood<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +with pale faces, wide-eyed, watching the efforts +of the Iron Boys.</p> + +<p>No sooner had Steve gotten possession of the +bag than the Italian leaped to his feet. With an +angry imprecation, he sprang at Steve, knife +in hand.</p> + +<p>But Jarvis was watching him. The boy made +a leap, landing a powerful blow with his fist on +the back of the Italian's head. The man collapsed +in a heap. Bob was down on his knees +beside his companion in an instant. Steve had +thrown the burning bag into the gutter extending +along the track, where there trickled a little +stream of water that had been turned a dull red +by the iron ore. There was little water there, +but Rush was scooping up what there was of +the water and mud, and with it patting out the +fire in the sack.</p> + +<p>Bob began doing the same, but now little +flames were starting up all over the bag.</p> + +<p>"Beat it out with your hands!" cried Steve. +"It's getting the best of us. If it reaches the +fuses, we're done for!"</p> + +<p>"Skip, Steve; let me do it."</p> + +<p>Rush did not answer. He was beating a +tattoo on the bag, now and then grabbing up a +handful of mud and water to soothe the hands +which were already quite badly burned.</p> + +<p>"It's out," announced Bob at last.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> + +<p>The Iron Boys' prompt action had prevented +the fuses from igniting. All this had occupied +but a few seconds. Instinctively the visitors +realized that something was wrong, but +they did not understand what that something +was.</p> + +<p>Steve rolled the bag over two or three times, +soaking it as well as he could with the little +water at hand. He then opened the mouth of +the sack, emptying the contents into the gutter +and soaking that with water. This done, he +threw the sack away and straightened up, his +face flushed from his exertions.</p> + +<p>The Italian was just getting to his feet unsteadily, +but there was an angry light in his +eyes.</p> + +<p>Steve pointed to the sack.</p> + +<p>"How did that happen?" demanded the lad.</p> + +<p>"Me not know," was the answer, with a shrug +of the shoulders. "Why you hit me?"</p> + +<p>"Why did I hit you?" repeated Bob. "If I +hadn't you'd been sailing skyward by this time."</p> + +<p>The Italian started away, muttering sullenly. +Steve stepped forward, laying a restraining +hand on the man's arm.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute. I want to talk with you."</p> + +<p>Mr. Carrhart sat down on the bench rather +heavily, wiping the perspiration from his forehead.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now, Carrhart, perhaps you will tell us the +meaning of this remarkable scene," said Mr. +Cary. "Something is up. I have a suspicion."</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are right; something is up—or +<i>was</i>. Do you gentlemen know what was in that +bag that you saw on fire just now?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"It was dynamite," said the president in an +impressive tone.</p> + +<p>"Dynamite!" exclaimed the visitors in one +voice.</p> + +<p>"Yes. How much was there in the bag, Mr. +Penton?" asked Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>"I should judge there were a dozen charges; +about fifty pounds, I should say."</p> + +<p>The blanched faces of the visitors evidenced +their understanding.</p> + +<p>"Enough to blow us into kingdom come," +added the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Then—then those boys have saved our +lives?"</p> + +<p>"They have," said Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and that act of theirs is sufficient to +earn for them the Medal of Honor. I never +knew of a braver act," added the president. +"Rush, come here! Jarvis, I want you, too."</p> + +<p>The boys obeyed the command, Steve leading +the unwilling Italian around the chutes to the +platform, where he stood him against the wall.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You stay there until you are wanted!" ordered +the boy, at which Mr. Penton nodded his +approval.</p> + +<p>The visitors crowded forward, expressing +their admiration at the bravery of the Iron Boys, +at the same time plying them with eager questions.</p> + +<p>"How did you ever have the courage to do +it?" questioned one man.</p> + +<p>"Because I didn't want to be blown up," answered +Steve simply, at which the tension was +relieved and everyone laughed.</p> + +<p>"What I should like to know," exclaimed +Mr. Carrhart, "is how this affair occurred—how +did that bag of dynamite chance to catch +fire?"</p> + +<p>"From the Italian's candle, of course," said +Mr. Cary. "I always have considered those +open lights dangerous, especially where high +explosives are used. We should have enclosed +lights, the same as they do in the coal mines."</p> + +<p>"What do you think about it, Rush?" asked +the president, turning to the young man inquiringly.</p> + +<p>"It did not catch from the man's candle, sir," +answered the lad confidently.</p> + +<p>"You think not?"</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it, sir."</p> + +<p>"What makes you think it did not?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Because the candle was on the front of his +cap. It is there now, as you can see for yourself. +The fire, when I first saw it, was burning +at the bottom of the bag on the man's back. +I do not see, by any stretch of the imagination, +how the candle could have fired the cloth."</p> + +<p>"You're right."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Penton, would you like to question the +man?" asked Steve, nodding toward the Italian.</p> + +<p>"Yes. Come here, Dominick."</p> + +<p>The Italian obeyed with sullenness.</p> + +<p>"How did this thing happen, Dominick?"</p> + +<p>"Me not know."</p> + +<p>"You did not have your candle in your hand +at any time, did you?"</p> + +<p>"Me have candle in hat."</p> + +<p>"Was it there when you picked up the bag?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"You are sure of that?"</p> + +<p>"Me sure."</p> + +<p>"May I ask a question?" inquired Steve.</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"Did you pass or meet anyone just before +you reached the chutes here?"</p> + +<p>"Me not meet any one."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand this at all," said Mr. +Penton. "Dominick is trustworthy, so far as +I am aware. At least no charges ever have been +made against him."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He seemed to me to be pretty handy with +his knife," suggested the president. "I +shouldn't want to trust a man very far who +acted that way, would you, Rush?"</p> + +<p>"Well, no, sir; but I shouldn't accuse him +of setting fire to a bag of dynamite, then calmly +shouldering the bag and marching off. At least, +not unless he was determined to commit suicide."</p> + +<p>There was a hearty laugh, this time at the +expense of the president.</p> + +<p>"There's good logic in that, at any rate," +agreed Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>Steve was studying the face of the Italian +keenly. This Mr. Carrhart observed and nodded +significantly to Superintendent Penton. But +Steve could not make up his mind that Dominick +was in any way to blame for what had barely +missed being a great disaster.</p> + +<p>Both lads were puzzled. They could not understand +it at all.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps a spark dropped from the trolley +wire, thus firing the bag," suggested the superintendent, +after briefly turning the question over +in his mind.</p> + +<p>"That is a plausible explanation," said Mr. +Carrhart, "and for want of a better one we +shall have to let it go at that. Yes, I think that +must be the explanation."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>The party decided that they had seen enough +of the Cousin Jack for one day. Some of the +officials were more anxious to get out of the place +than they cared to admit. They were not used +to having their luncheons interrupted by fifty-pound +sacks of dynamite catching fire.</p> + +<p>Each, before leaving, stepped up and shook +hands with the Iron Boys.</p> + +<p>"I want to see you before I leave the range," +said Mr. Carrhart as he bade Steve good-bye.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," answered the boy, touching his +hat, as he stepped to one side to permit the visitors +to pass around the chute.</p> + +<p>"We must do something for those boys," said +Mr. Cary to the president.</p> + +<p>"Yes," agreed Mr. Carrhart.</p> + +<p>"They are doing something for themselves, +gentlemen," returned the superintendent. +"They are not lads to need much help. They +are the kind who carve out their own futures."</p> + +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>"Well, they've gone," announced Bob, stamping +the dirt from his shoes. "What do you +think of it?"</p> + +<p>"Of the fire—the burning bag, you mean?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I think it was a mighty queer occurrence."</p> + +<p>"So do I," agreed Jarvis, "and it's my +opinion that it will bear looking into."</p> + +<p>"Where's Dominick?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> + +<p>"He sneaked away when the others left. But +he is of no use to us. He knows nothing about +this affair, beyond what we all saw. We must +look beyond him for the cause of the fire. Well, +I'm off."</p> + +<p>The lads separated for the time being and +went off about their duties. But the thought of +the fired bag kept recurring to Steve Rush. He +turned the matter over and over in his mind, +yet without being able to reach any definite conclusion +regarding it.</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew," he mused. "It is not my +business, however, to inquire into the affair +unless I have orders to do so."</p> + +<p>He was to receive his orders sooner than he +imagined, and his investigations were eventually +to develop some startling facts concerning conditions +in the Cousin Jack Mine.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">INTO A BLACK GULF</p> + + +<p class="cap">WHILE the Iron Boys were trudging +through the mine, completing their +weary rounds of miles with their eyes +fixed keenly on the tracks, a meeting had been +called at the office of the superintendent. All +of the gentlemen who comprised the party of +visitors at the mine were at the meeting.</p> + +<p>Maps of the mines on the range were spread +out on the table before them, and they were +going over and discussing these maps in detail. +Business was transacted with a speed that would +have made most of the business men in that remote +region dizzy headed.</p> + +<p>Having disposed of the matters before them, +the conversation turned to their recent narrow +escape in the Cousin Jack Mine. The visitors +were fully convinced now that the fire had been +caused by a spark from the trolley wire, and +Superintendent Penton, if he thought otherwise, +did not say so. He had made up his mind, however, +to push his inquiry a little further. He +wanted to make sure that the suggestion was +the correct one.</p> + +<p>From the subject of the fired bag the men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> +turned to a discussion of Steve Rush and Bob +Jarvis. This ended in Mr. Cary's making a +proposition. After a little discussion it was +put in the form of a motion and passed with +enthusiasm.</p> + +<p>Of all of this, of course, the lads tramping +along the levels far underground knew nothing. +It was destined to come as a great surprise to +them when they learned of the action taken by +the officials of the company in the interest of the +two plucky boys.</p> + +<p>That night the officers boarded their private +car and went on to visit other of the company's +mines further up the range. Early on the following +forenoon Superintendent Penton visited +his own mine, and while there looked up Steve +Rush.</p> + +<p>The superintendent asked Steve what he +thought about the theory of a spark from the +wire having fired the dynamite bag.</p> + +<p>"I don't take any stock in it," answered the +boy promptly. "Do you, sir?"</p> + +<p>"I have had my doubts, but how else could +it have started?"</p> + +<p>"I will answer that question by showing you +that it could not have started from a wire spark. +The fire started on the underside of the bag. +Did you notice that?"</p> + +<p>"No; it had spread over the bag when I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +caught sight of it. But I was reasonably certain +there was more to it than we imagined when +you asked Dominick if he met anyone in the level +just before reaching the chutes."</p> + +<p>Steve nodded reflectively.</p> + +<p>"What do you infer from the fire starting on +the under side of the dynamite bag?"</p> + +<p>"That someone had either accidentally or by +design shoved a candle under the bag while +Dominick was carrying it. That is the only +way I can see that the fire might have started."</p> + +<p>"I think you are right about that. But it +surely was an accident. No one would be willing +to take such terrible chances. Why, it might +have blown everyone up within a wide radius."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it would have done so."</p> + +<p>"And yet you were down on your knees, with +your nose right over the stuff, as if it were so +much clay. I have steady nerves myself, but +I don't believe I should have had the pluck to +do that. At least, I know I should have turned +my head away."</p> + +<p>Steve laughed.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid that would not have helped you +much if the stuff had gone off."</p> + +<p>"Rush, if you suspect anything keep your +eyes open; that's all I have to say. What you +don't see will not be worth the seeing."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir; I will do as you request,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +but I have not much hope of getting at the +truth."</p> + +<p>"I'll risk that. I am going to the lower level. +There is some difficulty with the pumps there, +the engineer tells me," said the superintendent, +proceeding on his way.</p> + +<p>Steve had not very much to do, so he walked +back to his old post on the seventeenth level to +wait until Bob Jarvis should come along. Steve +and the superintendent had no sooner left the +spot where they had been talking than a figure +slunk from a deserted drift near by, glanced +up and down the level, then hurried away. The +man's hat was pulled down, and the candle above +aided in throwing his face into deep shadow, +but the full beard was not hidden, had anyone +been near by to observe it.</p> + +<p>Steve had been sitting on the platform at the +chutes for about thirty minutes when the level's +telephone rang.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Penton wants to see you on the lower +level," said the telephone boy.</p> + +<p>"Where is he?" questioned Steve.</p> + +<p>"He says he'll meet you near the suction +pipes."</p> + +<p>"Very good," answered the lad, rising. "If +Mr. Jarvis comes along tell him where I have +gone. If I get through in time I will meet him +here and go up with him."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> + +<p>Rush hurried over, signaled the cage tender +that he wished to descend, and a short time afterwards +was being plunged deeper into the mine.</p> + +<p>He left the cage at the sub-level just above the +last level. The last level was flooded with water +some twenty feet deep. All the water from the +mine was drained down into the last level and +from there pumped to the surface and thus disposed +of.</p> + +<p>There were naturally no mining operations +carried on down on the last level.</p> + +<p>Steve had been down there on numerous occasions +and every inch of the ground was +familiar to him. Upon leaving the cage he made +his way through the dark, damp tunnels, whistling +as he stepped briskly along. He could not +imagine what Mr. Penton could want of him +down there, for if anything were wrong with +the pumping system it was a matter for the engineering +department and not for a track inspector.</p> + +<p>Turning the last bend in the sub-level, Push +began to move with more caution. A moment +more and he caught sight of the big water pipes +winding up through the roof of the level.</p> + +<p>"I wonder where Mr. Penton is?" muttered +the lad, stepping out on a plank platform.</p> + +<p>As he did so a wave of dampness that almost +chilled him swept up from the dark depths of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +the last level. An open space extended from the +floor down to the level itself and from this soundings +were occasionally taken to determine the +depth of the water. The lead line hung from +a peg driven into a crevice in the rock. Steve +noted that the line was dry.</p> + +<p>"That is curious. Mr. Penton evidently has +not made a sounding. I should have thought +he would have done so if he had reason to think +the water was not being pumped out as fast +as it should be."</p> + +<p>Rush raised his voice and called out the name +of the superintendent. Only the echo of his +own voice came back to him.</p> + +<p>"That's queer," decided Steve. "But, of +course, he did not telephone me from here. He +probably is on one of the levels above this. I +will wait."</p> + +<p>Resuming his whistling, the lad began pacing +back and forth on the planking, having stuck +his candlestick back on his miner's hat.</p> + +<p>The young inspector had been waiting for +fully half an hour, but not a sign of the superintendent +did he see.</p> + +<p>"Well, this is getting rather tiresome," he +said, pausing to listen to the rhythmic click of +the pumps that his ears could faintly catch. "I +think I will amuse myself by sounding the water +level."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span></p> + +<p>The lad took down the rope, to one end of +which a piece of lead had been attached, spun +the weighted end a few times about his head, +letting it fly out into the darkness, listening intently +as the line ran swiftly through his hands.</p> + +<p>A distant splash followed a few seconds later, +whereupon the line gave out not quite so rapidly.</p> + +<p>"It's down," nodded Steve. He leaned over +the edge to pull the line in without drawing it +over the edge of the planking, so that he could +the better see that mark of the water on the +rope.</p> + +<p>"Gracious, I should hate to take a swim in +that hole," said the Iron Boy, with a laugh.</p> + +<p>He stopped suddenly. Steve thought he had +heard something behind him.</p> + +<p>"Is that you, Mr. Penton?" he asked, turning +and peering into the darkness.</p> + +<p>There was no reply.</p> + +<p>"I must be getting the creeps," said Steve, +beginning to whistle as he hauled in the line. +"Wha—what—here, let go of me. Let——"</p> + +<p>Some invisible force behind had put a sudden +pressure upon Steve Rush. He was being +rapidly shoved toward the edge of the platform.</p> + +<p>All at once Steve felt the flooring drop from +beneath his feet; and, without making a sound, +the lad plunged over into the darkness.</p> + +<p>A loud splash followed, then all was still.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOY</p> + + +<p class="cap">BOB JARVIS waited a long time at the +chutes for his companion, but Steve did +not return. This did not cause Bob any +particular worry, as Steve no doubt had been +called to some other part of the mine. So Bob +deciding to wait no longer, strolled away.</p> + +<p>At the close of the day's work, however, when +Steve was not at the mouth of the shaft waiting +for him, Bob began to wonder. He waited about +the shaft for half an hour, then went on to his +boarding place. Steve had not returned.</p> + +<p>"Where's Rush?" demanded the boarding +boss, knowing Steve's habit of punctuality.</p> + +<p>"That is what's bothering me. I haven't seen +him."</p> + +<p>It was the business of the boarding boss to +look quickly into any absences and report them +to the superintendent or the mine captain. He +got busy at once. Calling up the time-keeper's +office, he inquired if Steve Rush had checked in.</p> + +<p>The information came back a moment later +that Steve had not come up from the mine yet; +or, if he had, he had failed to report himself.</p> + +<p>"Then something has happened to him," was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> +Jarvis' emphatic conclusion. "He left word for +me to meet him at seventeen, but when I got +there he had gone. I haven't seen him since."</p> + +<p>The boarding boss agreed so strongly that +he telephoned to the superintendent. The latter +had not yet arrived home from his office, +so the mine captain was communicated with.</p> + +<p>But Bob Jarvis already was out of the house, +headed for the shaft at top speed.</p> + +<p>"Has Steve Rush come up yet?" he demanded +of the cage-tender.</p> + +<p>"Haven't seen him."</p> + +<p>Bob hesitated. He realized the futility of +wandering about the mine not knowing in what +part of it he should look for the missing Steve. +He then hurried to the time-keeper's office, learning +that nothing had been seen of the missing +boy.</p> + +<p>Bob did not know which way to turn. But +by the time he had reached the shaft again +Superintendent Penton was there, together with +the mine captain, preparing to go below. The +cage had just come up and the men were stepping +aboard when a boy from the boarding house +where the Iron Boys lived came running up out +of breath.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" cried Bob. "Here comes a boy +from our hashery. Maybe Steve has gone +home."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What is it, boy?" called the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Boss wanted me to tell you that the telephone +man who lives with us says Mr. Rush got +a telephone message from you to meet him at +the lower level this afternoon. He says Rush +didn't come back."</p> + +<p>"I didn't send for him to meet me anywhere," +answered the superintendent. "We'll go to the +lower level. Shoot us down as fast as is safe," +he added, addressing the cage-tender.</p> + +<p>The bottom of the car seemed to be dropping +from beneath their feet, so rapid was their descent.</p> + +<p>Bob, holding to the support rod above their +heads, was thinking fast and hard.</p> + +<p>"I knew something had happened to Steve," +he said. "Something has happened to him."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton had not spoken since the cage +started. He, too, was thinking deeply. There +was something about all this that he could not +understand, though he was unable to clearly +define what really was in his mind. If someone +had called Steve Rush to come to the sub-level +above the lower level, and had done so in +the name of the superintendent, it must have +been done either as a joke or for some other +purpose that could only be surmised.</p> + +<p>"Why should anyone have resorted to such a +subterfuge?" wondered Mr. Penton.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> + +<p>Very much the same thoughts were running +through the mind of Bob Jarvis. So engrossed +was each with his own thoughts that neither +man seemed to realize the dizzy rate of speed +at which they were descending. Finally the +cage began to slow down gradually, then finally +came to an easy stop.</p> + +<p>There was no light in that sub-level, but the +occupants of the cage knew exactly where they +were. They knew the place as well as though +the sub-level had been ablaze with light.</p> + +<p>"All off," ordered the superintendent. "The +cage will wait for us here."</p> + +<p>He had given orders that the cage was to remain +below until he signaled the tender to hoist. +If the latter found it necessary to raise the +cage before that he was to ring a certain signal +on the gong, each level and sub-level being provided +with one.</p> + +<p>"All hands keep their eyes open," directed +the leader of the searching party. "I haven't +much hope that we shall find him here, however."</p> + +<p>The group moved along the sub-level, glancing +about them keenly as they did so, until +they reached the turn or bend in the tunnel, +where they paused to listen. The sub-level was +as silent as a tomb. They could not even hear +the rush of the water as it dashed into the lower<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> +level, some of it coming all the way from the surface.</p> + +<p>"Shall I call out?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Steve!" Bob's voice did not seem to carry +far. It sounded weak to him.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Steve! Steve Rush!" shouted the +superintendent.</p> + +<p>There being no response, he repeated the call +several times, but with no better result.</p> + +<p>"I guess it is useless, boys. I am afraid we +shall not find him here. In fact, I can't believe +that he came down here at all."</p> + +<p>"The boy said you had telephoned to Steve +to come down, didn't he?" asked Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I did nothing of the sort. The +telephone man must have made a mistake in the +message—or else——" Mr. Penton checked +himself sharply. "We will look further, though +I am sure we are wasting time. We shall probably +find that he has fallen somewhere on one +of the upper levels and hurt himself. If that is +so, one of the watchmen is sure to discover him +and report the matter at once. We will go out +to the platform, then on up to the next level. +I'll have all the watchmen notified at once to +take up the search."</p> + +<p>The searchers walked out on the planking +where Steve had stood a couple of hours before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> +Mr. Penton peered down into the black pit, while +the others stood a little back from him.</p> + +<p>"He is not here. It is as I thought. He has +not been here, in all probability. We shall have +to go on up, boys. I——"</p> + +<p>Bob suddenly jerked his candle from his hat, +holding the light to the floor. As he did so, he +uttered a half-smothered exclamation, at the +same time grabbing something from the planking +and holding it up to the light.</p> + +<p>"Look!" cried the lad. "Look! He hasn't +been here, eh?"</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">WHEN THE WATERS CLOSED OVER HIM</p> + + +<p class="cap">STEVE did not cry out when he found himself +plunging into the water, principally +for the reason that he was too plucky to +make an outcry when his safety was imperiled. +In the second place, his mind was working so +rapidly that he did not have time to cry out.</p> + +<p>He struck the water with a splash, broadside +on, quickly sinking beneath the surface. Steve +was too good a swimmer to swallow any water, +however, and began holding his breath even before +he struck the water, knowing as he did +what was about to happen. The result was that +he had propelled himself to the surface before +many seconds had elapsed. He came up shaking +himself like a water dog, but was careful to +make as little noise as possible.</p> + +<p>As soon as he succeeded in getting the water +out of his eyes, he looked up, expecting to see +a light on the platform on the sub-level. All +was inky blackness there, and not a sound could +be heard save the rush of water.</p> + +<p>Young Rush began swimming. He did not +know whether there was a ladder extending +down into the level or not, so he swam about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> +for some time, feeling along the wall in search +of something by which he might pull himself +up. But he did not find a projection of any +kind. The rocks forming the wall were smooth +and slimy and felt like ice to the touch.</p> + +<p>He was beginning to feel chilled. Steve tried +to recall what the map of the lower level looked +like, but try as he might he could not recall a +single detail of the map filed in the engineer's +office. By this time he did not know where he +was. He had lost all sense of direction.</p> + +<p>"I guess I am a goner. They've got me this +time," he said aloud. "I hope that Mr. Penton +will find out how it happened."</p> + +<p>The boy was now shivering violently. His +teeth were chattering and he began to wonder +if he were freezing to death, for the sense of +feeling seemed to have left his legs and arms. +A numbness was slowly creeping over him.</p> + +<p>"I must keep going, or I shall surely be +drowned," he cried, once more striking out and +swimming as fast as he could, hoping thereby +to restore his circulation to its former condition. +But the water was too cold and the young miner's +efforts grew weaker as the moments passed.</p> + +<p>Though he did not know it, the drift of the +water on the lower level was toward the large +pipes, where it was being sucked to the surface +by the powerful pumps above.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> + +<p>As Steve reached over and over in a slow +over-hand stroke, which now and then he varied +by falling into the frog stroke, he forged slowly +ahead until his hands suddenly struck some object +that was not the rocky side of the level. +The lad grasped it quickly.</p> + +<p>"A plank. Thank goodness!" he cried.</p> + +<p>The plank had floated off either from the platform +or from the lagging somewhere on that +level. It made no difference to the swimmer +where it had come from. He threw both arms +about the plank and lay there resting for some +time, breathing heavily. Finally he pulled himself +over on the plank, stretching out lengthwise +on it. The piece of wood held him up very well. +Now and then he would paddle a little with his +hands, propelling himself in one direction until +it bumped against a wall, floating off with the +current again.</p> + +<p>While the lad realized that the chances were +against his ever getting out of the level alive, +he felt little fear. He was one of those rare +beings in whom the emotion of fear had not +been fully developed.</p> + +<p>All the time the numbness was growing upon +him. Instinctively realizing that he was likely +to lose control of his muscles, Steve wrapped +both arms and legs about the plank so that he +might not fall off and drown.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p> + +<p>At last he became so benumbed and dazed that +he could not help himself at all. A warm glow +seemed to be spreading itself over his body. +He had never felt more comfortable in his life, +and a short time afterwards he gave way to +his drowsiness.</p> +<hr class="tb" /> + +<p>It was a few moments later that Superintendent +Penton and his searching party entered the +sub-level in search of Steve. Rush heard them +call out his name, but he was too sleepy to answer. +Then he heard no more.</p> + +<p>When Bob Jarvis cried out "look," Mr. +Penton and the mine captain had turned sharply.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" they demanded eagerly and +in one voice.</p> + +<p>"A hat! It's Steve's hat!"</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Here's his name inside the crown. We +wrote our names in with ink at the same time. +You can see mine is the same—the same kind of +ink—purple."</p> + +<p>As the two men started toward Bob the mine +captain stumbled over the sounding rope that +lay on the platform. He stooped to pick it up, +and as he did so he, too, uttered an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"This line is wet, Mr. Penton," he said excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Then Steve has been casting it. He has +been sounding the level, probably to pass away +the time while he was waiting for me."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> + +<p>Once more the superintendent raised his voice, +calling out the name of Steve Rush. As before +there was no response.</p> + +<p>"Boys, I see—I understand. Steve has fallen +into the level and drowned. No doubt he fell +in while casting the lead, for part of the line +is dangling over the edge there now. Too bad, +too bad. But——"</p> + +<p>"He may not be drowned. Let's do something," +begged Bob.</p> + +<p>"What would you suggest?"</p> + +<p>"Why, look for him, of course. I'll go over +myself and look for him."</p> + +<p>"Lad, it would be suicide. You would drown, +even if you were not too chilled to swim after +you got into the water. You——"</p> + +<p>"I'd like to see any water that could drown +me," answered Bob.</p> + +<p>"We must have help, and at once. Jim, run +up to the next level and telephone for help. +Have them send down several men. Be quick +about it."</p> + +<p>"Ask them to bring ropes," interjected Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes, have them bring down ropes," repeated +the superintendent.</p> + +<p>Bob began ripping up the planking on the +platform. His active mind had thought out a +plan and he did not wait for permission to put +it into operation.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What are you doing there, lad?"</p> + +<p>"I am making a raft. We have got to have +something which will float on the water. We +can fasten it together when the men get here +with ropes. I'll be ready before they can get +here."</p> + +<p>Jarvis was working with desperate haste. Perhaps +his companion was not yet dead. At least +Bob would know that he had done his best.</p> + +<p>"Hark!"</p> + +<p>"What is it?" whispered Bob.</p> + +<p>"I thought I heard someone call. I am sure +I did. Rush! Oh, Steve!"</p> + +<p>A faint "here," that sounded far away +reached their ears.</p> + +<p>"He's alive! I tell you, he's alive!" cried +Bob Jarvis.</p> + +<p>Grabbing the end of one of the planks that +he had torn loose, Bob began dragging it toward +the edge of the platform.</p> + +<p>"What are you going to do, lad?"</p> + +<p>"Do? Why, sir, I'm going after him."</p> + +<p>"Wait; let the men do that. I cannot have +you going in there," objected Mr. Penton. But +Bob did not stop. He hauled the plank over, +and, snatching the rope, made one end of the +latter fast about the plank. He then began letting +the plank over the side, end first. It nearly +got away from him, the rope burning the skin +from his palms as it spun through his hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let me help you." Mr. Penton sprang forward, +throwing himself on the fast running rope.</p> + +<p>"The plank is on the water. It can't get +away from us now," said Bob, beginning to strip +off his jacket, first having stuck his candlestick +in a niche in the rocks.</p> + +<p>"You are not going over!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir, I am going over. We haven't a minute +to lose."</p> + +<p>"I advise you not to do so."</p> + +<p>The superintendent was far from being a +timid man, but he knew the danger; he felt +that his responsibility was too great to permit +the boy to enter that black hole.</p> + +<p>"You hold the rope. Nothing can happen to +me. I am not afraid of ice water, nor any other +kind. Maybe I shall be able to find him by the +time the men get here. We shall gain some +precious minutes in that way."</p> + +<p>Next the boy's heavy boots came off, leaving +him in his stocking feet. He passed the end of +the rope to the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"Will you please hold your candle over the +edge, so I can see where the plank is, sir?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton did so.</p> + +<p>"Be careful, Jarvis; do be careful," he urged. +"I ought not to let you do this. If anything happens +to you I shall feel that I am directly responsible."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Do not fear; nothing will happen to me."</p> + +<p>Bob peered down into the dark waters, where, +after a moment, he made out the plank floating +slowly toward the spot where the pipes disappeared +beneath the surface.</p> + +<p>"Now, please hold the light up high, so that +I can see what I am doing."</p> + +<p>The lad poised a moment, then leaped far +out into the darkness. Instead of making a +dive, head first, Bob chose to go down feet first. +His body straightened, and as he neared the +water he clasped his hands above his head. He +took the water cleanly, making only a slight +splash as he disappeared beneath the surface.</p> + +<p>As soon as he felt the water closing over him +the Iron Boy threw out both hands to stay his +progress and began treading water vigorously. +He soon regained the surface.</p> + +<p>Jarvis came up blowing and puffing, shaking +his head and making the water fairly foam about +him as he struck out with hands and feet.</p> + +<p>"Are you all right, Jarvis?" called Mr. +Penton in an anxious tone.</p> + +<p>"Yes, where's the plank?"</p> + +<p>"To the right of you. A little more to the +right. There, it is directly ahead of you now."</p> + +<p>A few powerful strokes and Bob had grasped +the plank. He pulled himself partly up on it +and looked about him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Can't you let a candle down to light up this +hole?" he called.</p> + +<p>"I have nothing to let one down with. Do +you see anything?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing that I want to see. Ho, Steve!"</p> + +<p>"Here," sounded the faint answer that seemed +to come from several different directions at the +same time.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear that?" demanded Bob excitedly. +"Where did the sound come from?"</p> + +<p>"It sounded to me as though he might be +over to the left. Have courage, Steve; we will +have you out in a few minutes. I have sent for +help. Can you keep up?"</p> + +<p>Their ears failed to catch any answer.</p> + +<p>"I'm coming, Steve," roared Jarvis. "Keep +shouting if you can, so I'll know where you +are."</p> + +<p>"Stay where you are, Jarvis!" commanded +Mr. Penton sternly.</p> + +<p>"Do you think I'm going to stay here and +let him drown?" demanded the lad. There was +a splash as Bob Jarvis left the plank and began +ploughing through the water at racing +speed.</p> + +<p>"He'll be drowned; they both will be +drowned!" exclaimed the superintendent. +"Such pluck, such pluck! Hurry up, men; +hurry!" he shouted as he caught the sound of +voices off in the darkness of the sub-level.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p> + +<p>Half a dozen men, headed by the mine captain, +came running toward him.</p> + +<p>"Look out! Look out for the hole in the floor. +Have you ropes?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then tie a few planks together. Make a +raft and let it over the side. Work fast, for +once in your lives! There are two men down +there and they may be drowning."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Steve!"</p> + +<p>They could hear Bob's voice calling to his companion. +The voice sounded far away, for Bob +had plunged ahead, beating his way courageously +through the waters in the black darkness.</p> + +<p>"I hear him. He's ahead of me," Jarvis +shouted.</p> + +<p>"Can you hold out?" called Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>"Yes—<i>as long as there's water to float on</i>!" +the answer came back faintly.</p> + +<p>In the meantime the men were ripping up the +planks. Several of these they lashed together +and let carefully down over the edge of the platform, +or what was left of it. They had made +ropes fast at both ends, in order that the raft +might make a landing platform.</p> + +<p>"Now you men let me down," commanded +the superintendent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You had better let me go, sir," advised the +mine captain. "I am lighter than you."</p> + +<p>"It's my place to go; do as I tell you. While +I am down there rig a sling to pull us up on. +Jim, you take charge of the operations at this +end and see that there is no slip anywhere."</p> + +<p>"I will, sir," answered the mine captain.</p> + +<p>Superintendent Penton grasped the rope that +had been made fast to a shore post on the sub-level +and let himself down. He was a strong +man, used to emergencies and well able to take +care of himself anywhere in the mine. Shortly +afterwards he was standing on the platform or +raft below, steadying himself by holding to the +rope and the side wall.</p> + +<p>"Are you all right, Bob?" he shouted.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"If he happens to get into a drift, they're both +lost. Pass down some candles from above, +Jim."</p> + +<p>Several were let down on a rope and these +Mr. Penton stuck into the wall, lighting up the +scene fairly well.</p> + +<p>"They're calling you, sir," cried Jim.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" roared the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"I've got him." It was Jarvis' voice, and +Mr. Penton breathed a sigh of relief.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> + + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">A THOUSAND FEET OF LADDERS</p> + + +<p class="cap">AFTER what seemed an endless wait, the +watchers heard a great splashing far +out on the water. It was Jarvis paddling +toward the raft. He had found Steve, +the latter unconscious. Just as Bob reached +the plank on which the other boy was hanging +Steve slipped off into the water.</p> + +<p>Bob dived for his chum without an instant's +hesitation and when he came up he was gripping +the half-drowned Steve. The latter had +relapsed into unconsciousness. By this time the +plank had floated away several yards. Bob +had a hard struggle to reach it, but at last he +succeeded, and after great effort managed to +place Rush partly on it, so the latter's head +would be out of water.</p> + +<p>Bob pulled himself upon one end of the plank, +so that the other end would be clear of the water, +and began paddling. The water fairly flew +under his efforts, the swimmer now and then +using his feet to help steer the awkward craft.</p> + +<p>"I can't see the light. Where are you?" +Jarvis cried.</p> + +<p>"Here!" shouted Mr. Penton.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span></p> + +<p>A bend in the rocky wall hid the light of +the candles from the raft. After several minutes +of paddling Bob caught the faint light ahead +of him.</p> + +<p>"I'm all right now, if Steve is only all right."</p> + +<p>"Is he alive?" called Mr. Penton, as he made +out the strange craft bearing slowly down upon +him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but he's unconscious."</p> + +<p>"Then hurry as fast as you can."</p> + +<p>"I am hurrying. This isn't a speed boat."</p> + +<p>The plank drew up alongside the raft after +some difficult manœuvring on the part of Bob +Jarvis. Mr. Penton grasped the limp form of +Steve Rush, hauling him to the raft.</p> + +<p>There was a splash and a choking exclamation. +The plank had turned turtle, landing Bob in the +water on his back. The boy was almost exhausted, +but he righted himself and swam to the +raft, to which he held for a moment to rest himself. +He then clambered to the raft. He had +barely enough strength left to support himself.</p> + +<p>The superintendent was tying Steve in the +sling that the men had made.</p> + +<p>"Haul away, above there!" he roared. "Be +as quick as you can, but be careful. Look out, +there! What are you trying to do?"</p> + +<p>Steve's body had hit the rocks with a resounding +bump, but the boy did not feel the shock.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Let the sling down at once. Two of you get +at Rush and rub him. Don't be afraid of rubbing +too hard. Start his circulation."</p> + +<p>The sling was dropped over the side again, +while two of the miners set to work on Steve.</p> + +<p>"Get in," commanded Mr. Penton, as the +sling came down to them.</p> + +<p>"You first, sir," said Bob.</p> + +<p>"Get in, I said!" The superintendent's voice +had a note of authority that was not to be disputed.</p> + +<p>Jarvis reluctantly took his place in the sling.</p> + +<p>"Haul away," he called, and Bob was quickly +drawn to the platform, where he dropped on his +knees by Steve's side, pushing one of the men +away, and began slapping the unconscious boy's +feet, from which the boots and stockings had +been removed. Steve was scarcely breathing.</p> + +<p>The sling had been lowered quickly after +bringing Jarvis up, and the superintendent took +his place in it. The men began hauling him up, +but with great difficulty, for Mr. Penton was a +heavily built man.</p> + +<p>All at once the men sat down. A splash followed +almost instantly.</p> + +<p>"The rope's broken!" cried one, as Bob +bounded to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Are you hurt?" he cried, running to the +edge.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> + +<p>There was no reply.</p> + +<p>"He's fallen into the water!" shouted another +of the men.</p> + +<p>Once more Bob Jarvis leaped from the platform, +but this time he dived head first. Like a +flash he realized that, having struck the platform, +Mr. Penton undoubtedly had been stunned +and was unable to help himself.</p> + +<p>Such was the case. Coming to the surface +almost at once, Bob swam about for a minute +or so before discovering Mr. Penton's whereabouts. +The superintendent was beginning to +struggle, but he was too much dazed to help himself.</p> + +<p>Jarvis was by his side with a few swift strokes. +He did not wait to inquire whether the superintendent +were hurt or not, but, grabbing the man +by the collar, Bob began kicking himself toward +the platform. By the time they had reached +there Mr. Penton was able to help himself a little, +but the boy had a hard tussle to get the +superintendent on the platform.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton lay down for a brief moment, then +sat up.</p> + +<p>"Are you able to try it again?" asked Bob.</p> + +<p>"Yes. What happened?"</p> + +<p>"The rope broke. You got a pretty hard +bump."</p> + +<p>Another sling had been quickly rigged, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +this being let down, Mr. Penton was drawn up +again, Bob waiting below, but standing to one +side, so that in case another accident occurred +he should not be carried down, too.</p> + +<p>The next trip Jarvis was drawn up. He +found the superintendent a little dazed, but holding +himself together firmly.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," he said shortly, flashing a look +at Bob. "We must get Rush up at once where +he may have care. Carry him over to the cage. +Leave everything as it is here. We have no +time to attend to anything but the boy."</p> + +<p>The men picked up the lad and bore him +through the sub-level. Steve was still limp and +unconscious.</p> + +<p>Reaching the cage, Mr. Benton gave the signal +to hoist. The car did not move, whereupon +the superintendent, with an impatient exclamation +reached out, giving the signal lever another +pull.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean?" He rang again to +hoist the cage. "Bob, run up to the telephone +on the next level and find out what's the matter. +The Evil One himself seems to have taken +possession of this mine of late."</p> + +<p>Jarvis came running back a few minutes later.</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?"</p> + +<p>"The cage-tender says the machinery has +broken down."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did he say what the trouble is?"</p> + +<p>"He said the engineer had sent word that the +big cog wheel had stripped itself. They can't +move the cage, and probably will not be able +to do so for some hours. They are taking the +old wheel off now, preparatory to putting on +the spare wheel."</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton clenched his hands to keep from +expressing himself as he would like to do.</p> + +<p>"We must get this boy somewhere where +we can warm him up, or he will die on our +hands. The only place I know of is the pump +station and——"</p> + +<p>"Then we will carry Steve up the ladders," +interrupted Bob.</p> + +<p>"But, boy, it is nearly a thousand feet from +here to the pump station. We can't get him up +there by hand."</p> + +<p>"I'll show you whether we can or not. One +of you go ahead and light the way. Help me +through the manholes at the platforms and we'll +get him up there in short order. Mr. Penton, +will you have somebody follow close behind me +to help a little?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think you will be able to do it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think! I know!"</p> + +<p>"Then I will carry him myself."</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I will carry him. You are not able. +You are still suffering from the bump you got."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span></p> + +<p>Without further words Jarvis picked up the +limp form of his companion. He staggered a +little as he swung Steve over his shoulder, the +boy's head drooping over on Bob's left breast. +Then began a climb that is talked of to this day +in the Cousin Jack Mine. Up ladder after ladder +staggered Bob Jarvis with the form of his +companion over his shoulder. Now and then he +would pause on a landing for a breathing spell, +where, with heaving chest, he would lean against +the rocky wall with eyes closed and everything +swimming dizzily about him. Mr. Penton and +the searching party followed him up the ladder, +but he would let none of them relieve him of +his burden.</p> + +<p>"Had—hadn't you better telephone for a +surgeon to meet us at the pump station?" asked +Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"Yes, but how will he get down?"</p> + +<p>"Let him climb down the ladders. I guess he +can climb down if we can go the other way."</p> + +<p>"It shall be done at once." Mr. Penton gave +the order and the mine captain left them at the +next landing to telephone to the company's hospital.</p> + +<p>After a long struggle they reached the level +where the pump station was located. Even +here Bob Jarvis refused to give up his burden. +He staggered down the level to where the big +pumps were working, tenderly laying Steve +down on a blanket that the engineer had thrown +down. Then Bob settled down in a heap.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> + +<div class="figcenter extraspacebot2 extraspacetop2"> +<img src="images/iron1pic4.png" width="300" height="476" alt="" /> +<span class="caption"><br />Bob Staggered Up the Ladder With His Burden.</span> +</div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> +<p>"Strip the boy," commanded Mr. Penton. +"If you have any warm blankets here, wrap +him in them. If not, use some of your waste. +You have barrels of that on hand."</p> + +<p>Steve's wet, clinging clothes were quickly removed. +There being no other blankets, waste +used for wiping the engines was wrapped about +him, the rubbing process having been resumed.</p> + +<p>Nearly an hour elapsed before the surgeon, +red of face, puffing from his exertions, came +hurrying down the level.</p> + +<p>He was quickly made acquainted with the situation +and got to work at once.</p> + +<p>"Do you think his condition is serious?" demanded +the superintendent.</p> + +<p>"No, not unless pneumonia sets in. That is +the great danger, and he will be lucky if he +escapes it. Is there any chance of getting him +up to-night?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say. I am going on up as soon as +I hear something definite from you regarding +the boy's condition."</p> + +<p>"I shall be able to give that to you very soon, +for his circulation has already started."</p> + +<p>The color was returning to the lad's lips and +cheeks, and his breath was coming more regularly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> +Half an hour from that time Steve had +fully recovered his senses and announced himself +as ready to get up and dress.</p> + +<p>The surgeon advised him not to do so, finally +ordering the patient to remain as he was. Rush +accepted the order with poor grace. His clothing +was being dried out by the pump engineer, +the garments being ready very shortly afterwards.</p> + +<p>Jarvis had wholly recovered from the strain +that he had been under, except that he was still +a little weak in the knees.</p> + +<p>"We owe our lives to your friend Jarvis," +said Mr. Penton, after Steve had been made as +comfortable as possible. "But what I wish to +know is how you happened to get into the lower +level. Did you fall while sounding with the +line?"</p> + +<p>Rush hesitated, then glancing up at the superintendent, +replied:</p> + +<p>"No, sir; I did not fall."</p> + +<p>"I don't understand."</p> + +<p>"I was pushed in, Mr. Penton."</p> + +<p>"You don't mean that—surely you cannot +mean that, Rush!" exclaimed Mr. Penton in +amazement.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; I was."</p> + +<p>"Who pushed you?"</p> + +<p>"That is what I should like to know."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This is really incredible, Rush. Are you +quite sure you are not mistaken?"</p> + +<p>"I am not mistaken."</p> + +<p>"Tell me about it."</p> + +<p>"When you sent for me——"</p> + +<p>"I did not send for you. That was a mistake. +And that is what puzzles me. I am told you +thought you received a message from me to meet +you on the sub-level above the lowest level."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; that was the message I received."</p> + +<p>"Well, I never sent it. I haven't been down +there recently. I had started to go there to-day +when some other matters came up calling me +back to the office."</p> + +<p>"You did not send for me?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly did not."</p> + +<p>"Then whoever did send that message must +have done so for the purpose of getting me down +there to do me up. I begin to understand."</p> + +<p>"But, Steve, who could bear you such ill +will?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"It isn't Steve alone they are after," interjected +Jarvis. "The rascals seem to have it +in for the mine, too. Take, for instance, the +cage. They've put that out of business."</p> + +<p>"The villains! I should like to catch them—I +should like to get my hands on the man who +pushed me in this afternoon."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You did not finish telling me of the occurrence," +said Mr. Penton.</p> + +<p>Steve related the story of his adventure, the +others listening with grave faces as the narrative +proceeded.</p> + +<p>"Now, tell me how you found me," he said +in conclusion.</p> + +<p>"Jarvis missed you. But did you not get +sight of the man at all?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir."</p> + +<p>"You do not know whether there was more +than one?"</p> + +<p>"I do not. I didn't know there was one until +he placed his hands against my back and pushed +me in. When I came up, after the first plunge, +I tried to see who was on the platform, but I +neither saw nor heard anyone. I can't understand +why he didn't hit me."</p> + +<p>"The scoundrel probably wanted it to appear +to be an accident. He thought you would not get +out of that hole very easily," said Bob.</p> + +<p>"Nor should I, in all probability, had it not +been for you."</p> + +<p>"Rush, we must go into this matter very +thoroughly. The man who let you through the +trap on number seventeen is no longer with us. +He has not been with us for several months, +but the attacks on you have been renewed. Next +thing we know damage will be done to the company's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +property. I don't want to confess that +we are beaten and send for detectives."</p> + +<p>"You leave it to us—we'll catch him," spoke +up Bob Jarvis. "I have an itching at my finger +tips and I won't do a thing to him when I get +them on him."</p> + +<p>"That is exactly what I want you boys to do—find +the man or men guilty of this outrage, and +I shall not be as lenient as I was in the other +affair."</p> + +<p>Steve lay with half-closed eyes thinking +deeply. Instinctively there appeared to his +mental vision the picture of the bewhiskered man +whom he had seen several weeks before, and +who made such an unfavorable impression upon +him.</p> + +<p>"Yes; I shall be very glad to do what I can," +he said, glancing up at Mr. Penton. "I am +ready to begin at once. Doctor, don't you think +it is about time you were letting me get up?"</p> + +<p>After taking Steve's temperature and thumping +him upon the chest, the physician decided to +let the lad get up and dress. He did, however, +most emphatically protest against Rush climbing +the ladders all the way to the surface.</p> + +<p>Steve found himself a little weak from his experiences, +and it was decided that he should remain +in the mine for the rest of the night, or +until the cage machinery had been repaired so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> +he could ride up. The surgeon sat nodding in +the pump-man's chair, and the men who had assisted +in the rescue returned to their duties in +other parts of the mine.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton had been in communication with +the surface by telephone. He learned that all +was being done that could be done to repair +the hoisting apparatus in the shortest possible +time, so there was no necessity for him to climb +the rest of the way up.</p> + +<p>"I think I'll stay down here with you boys for +the rest of the night," he said. "Everything +is quiet. I see the surgeon has put the engineer +out of house and home, so I think I shall lie down +on the work-bench and get a little sleep."</p> + +<p>"Yes, it is quiet enough," began Steve, when +suddenly there came a dull, muffled report. The +ground beneath their feet trembled perceptibly, +then silence reigned.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton sprang from the bench where he +was just composing himself for a sleep.</p> + +<p>"Did you hear that!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; we heard it," answered Rush.</p> + +<p>"What was it?" questioned Bob, his head inclined +in a listening attitude.</p> + +<p>"It sounded like an explosion," said Steve.</p> + +<p>"It <i>was</i> an explosion. That was dynamite, +boys. Something is going on here. There +should be no blasting in the mines to-night."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span></p> + +<p>Mr. Penton ran to the telephone to find out +what the explosion meant.</p> + +<p>"It looks as though our work were cut out +for us, Steve," said Jarvis in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"I am beginning to think so myself," answered +Steve, after listening intently for a moment.</p><hr class="chap" /><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> + + + + +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<p class="extraspacebot2 center">CONCLUSION</p> + + +<p class="cap">"WHAT was it, Mr. Penton?" called +Steve, as he saw the superintendent +approaching.</p> + +<p>"I shall have to leave you," returned the +superintendent. "Jarvis, if Rush does not need +you, you may come with me."</p> + +<p>"Is there any trouble, sir?" questioned Steve.</p> + +<p>"Yes; there is trouble. Someone has dropped +a charge of dynamite down the cage shaft. They +tell me the cage is wrecked. Of course that +doesn't amount to much, if there is no further +damage, but there is no telling where this business +is going to end. I must get up to the surface, +and at once."</p> + +<p>"Then I am going with you," announced +Steve with emphasis. "I am perfectly able. +There is nothing the matter with me except inactivity. +I am anxious to be doing something. +But, Mr. Penton, that charge of dynamite surely +was not dropped in from the surface, was it?"</p> + +<p>"No; that would not be possible."</p> + +<p>"That means that someone in the mine has +dropped it from one of the levels."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then I would suggest telephoning to the top +of the shaft to have the ladder hole leading to +the open watched, and no one to be allowed +to leave the mine unless able to give a good account +of himself."</p> + +<p>"Your idea is an excellent one. I will give +the order at once."</p> + +<p>The superintendent did so; then the men +started upward. At Rush's suggestion the party +divided. The mine captain had been picked up +in the meantime, and the four men divided +themselves into two parties, each party taking +a level through which it moved, visiting every +place where men were at work, questioning each +sharply as to whether any of their shift had left +their work during the last hour.</p> + +<p>The search was fruitless. There were not +many men working on the night shift, and beyond +considerable ladder climbing, the two +parties had finished their search within a few +hours.</p> + +<p>The four men met on the surface shortly after +midnight.</p> + +<p>The Iron Boys had nothing to report; neither +had Mr. Penton nor the mine captain met with +any better results. The mystery was still unexplained.</p> + +<p>"Rush, you usually have ideas on most subjects. +What do you think about this affair?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I hardly know what to think. I have an +idea, however, as to where the charge was +dropped from."</p> + +<p>"From where was it dropped?" demanded +the superintendent sharply.</p> + +<p>"From the first sub-level below the surface. +You see, it would be very easy for anyone to +go down that ladder there at night, without attracting +attention. He could have dropped the +charge down through the shaft and been out +and away long before you telephoned up here."</p> + +<p>"That is very true. It may explain that part +of the affair."</p> + +<p>"We found a fuse on the first sub-level near +the shaft, but of course that doesn't prove anything. +It may have been dropped there by any +one of fifty different men."</p> + +<p>The superintendent's face was stern as he +pondered over the matter that was disturbing +them all.</p> + +<p>"Rush, I want you boys to devote your time, +during the next few days, to working on this +case. I know of no one else better qualified to +do it. If you can't get to the bottom of the +mystery, I know of no one who can. In the +meantime I shall be pursuing some investigations +of my own."</p> + +<p>"Very well, sir; do you wish us to drop our +work?"</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> + +<p>"As a matter of fact, yes; but you need not +appear to have done so. Pretend to make your +rounds, but devote your time to running down +this mystery. The officials will be back here +within the next few days. I want this affair +cleared up before they get here, so work fast. +You have my authority to go to any length necessary +to solve the mystery and to discover the +guilty ones. Now, show me what you can do."</p> + +<p>"It is a pretty big contract you have given +us, sir, but we will do the best we can. We have +personal reasons for wanting to succeed, as you +can understand."</p> + +<p>"We have," affirmed Bob Jarvis grimly.</p> + +<p>The boys bade the superintendent good night +and went to their boarding place. The following +morning found Rush suffering from a severe +cold. He could barely speak, but he went to +the mine, nevertheless. The cage was not yet +ready for use, but the superintendent had had +the ore skips rigged to carry men down, which +was done at greatly reduced speed, but at the +usual time the mine was in full operation.</p> + +<p>All that day the two boys tramped about the +mine, part of the time in company and at other +times pursuing their investigations separately. +They talked with the men, working in various +subtle ways to obtain hints that might start +them in the right direction.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p> + +<p>Night came, but when they compared notes +they found that they had made no progress.</p> + +<p>"I would go back to-night," said Steve +thoughtfully, "but to do so would attract attention. +They know we do not work at night +and someone might become suspicious."</p> + +<p>The next day was a repetition of the previous +one so far as results were concerned. Not a +clue did either boy find. This went on for three +days, during which time they had not seen Mr. +Penton. He was giving his two track inspectors +a clear field, unhampered by any directions from +him, and this put them on their mettle, perhaps +more keenly than would otherwise have been +the case.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow will be Saturday. Don't you +think it would be a good time for us to camp +on the trail steadily?" asked Jarvis on Friday +night as they were going home.</p> + +<p>"I have been thinking of that. I'll tell you +what I want you to do to-morrow. Go to the +pay clerk and time checker and find out who is +left in the mine after all hands who are going +to do so have checked in and drawn their wages. +When you get the list bring it below to me. I +will meet you somewhere near the chutes on +seventeen. I want only the names of those who +belong on the shift working Saturday afternoon. +There will not be many of them."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> + +<p>Jarvis carried out his instructions and +brought the list to Rush on the following day. +The two boys scanned the list keenly, after +which they made tours of the working drifts, +finding all the men at their stations and no one +in the mine who did not belong there.</p> + +<p>"I'm coming back to-night," decided Steve +with emphasis. "I am satisfied that the people +we are looking for are not on the day shift. +We will come down about eight o'clock, by way +of the ladders, and prowl quietly about. We +will use our candles only when we get in drifts +where there is no one at work."</p> + +<p>"We won't catch anyone. They're too sharp +for us."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not to-night, but we'll get them if +it takes a year to do it. I'll never give up till +I have won this game of hide and seek. When +you go after a thing, Bob, make up your mind +you're going to get it. You'll land somewhere +near the mark if you follow that policy."</p> + +<p>"I've got the dynamite report here for you."</p> + +<p>Steve examined the report carefully. He had +done a very shrewd thing. He had held the +keeper of the dynamite stores responsible for a +complete list of all the sticks of dynamite given +out to the miners each day, and then had visited +the drifts to find out how many charges had +been fired and how many sticks had been used.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> +As dynamite is never issued, except for immediate +use, there could be none left over after the +day's work was done. By the time the holes +are drilled a messenger is on hand with just +enough sticks of the deadly stuff to fill the holes.</p> + +<p>After checking up, the young inspectors found +that twelve sticks of the explosive were unaccounted +for. They had been drawn from the +stores, but not used.</p> + +<p>"We are beginning to get somewhere, old +chap," Steve said, nodding to his companion.</p> + +<p>"That means that someone—some unauthorized +person—has drawn some dynamite from +the stores, does it not?" questioned Jarvis.</p> + +<p>"That is the way I figure it out. It may mean +nothing, so far as our case is concerned, and it +may mean much."</p> + +<p>The boys remained in the mine as usual until +the shift went up at six o'clock. At the appointed +hour, eight o'clock, they made their way +back to the shaft, but instead of going down on +the cage they slipped into the ladder hole and +began their descent in this way. It was decided +that Bob should begin at the upper levels +and work down, while Steve was to make his +way to the bottom of the shaft and work up. +When they met they would compare notes. Each +had a list of every man who had business in +the mine that night, so that they could find out,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +by asking a man's name, whether or not he had +a right to be there.</p> + +<p>Steve had gone directly to the bottom and covered +every level up to that where the pump +station was located, about half way up the shaft. +He started along this level, keeping out of sight +as much as possible, which had been the policy +of each lad, as agreed upon beforehand.</p> + +<p>Steve had not proceeded far when he discovered +that someone was walking along the +level ahead of him. At first he thought it was +Jarvis, as the man's hat held no light, and Bob +should be somewhere about at that time.</p> + +<p>Steve quickened his steps, intending to overhaul +the man and speak to him. All at once +the fellow turned abruptly off from the main +level, entering a drift that ran to the south, but +as he passed under the electric light at the turn +Steve Rush made a discovery.</p> + +<p>The man was heavily bearded and Steve recognized +him instantly.</p> + +<p>"It's the man Klink," he muttered. "What +is he doing in that drift at this time of night?"</p> + +<p>Consulting his list, the boy saw that Klink +did not belong to the night shift of that particular +night. He moved up, intending to follow +Klink into the drift, when the man suddenly +emerged. Steve flattened himself on the ground +and waited, while the other glanced cautiously<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> +up and down the level. Satisfying himself that +no one was about, Klink turned and walked on.</p> + +<p>The watcher lost no time in following, but +Rush kept at a safe distance, dodging when he +had to pass an electric light, now and then throwing +himself beside the track flat in the mud and +water of the gutter when he thought Klink was +about to look back. In this way he avoided +discovery.</p> + +<p>Klink continued on until he neared the pump +station, when he slackened his pace. Fortunately +for Steve, there were no lights in that +part of the level, so that he had little difficulty +in keeping out of sight. Klink kept on walking +until nearly opposite the pump station, when +he suddenly disappeared. For a moment Rush +was puzzled; then he discovered that his man +had stepped in between two posts that held up +the lagging at the side of the tunnel.</p> + +<p>The boy's eyes gleamed.</p> + +<p>"Now, my fine gentleman, we'll find out what +is going on here! I believe I have landed the +man I am looking for. I——"</p> + +<p>It was just midnight, and the pump man had +left his machinery to go for water to drink with +his lunch. Steve understood this, and evidently +the man who was pressed close up against the +lagging did also, for he quickly stepped out, +glanced about him, then ran to the square opening<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> +cut in the rocks in which the pump machinery +was located.</p> + +<p>Rush ran up on tiptoe to within about twenty +yards of the pump station. He was watching +Klink narrowly. The latter snatched something +from inside his coat, thrusting the object under +the plunger of the largest of the pumps. Next +came something long, slender and white that +looked like a large string.</p> + +<p>Almost holding his breath, Steve crept nearer.</p> + +<p>"He is attaching a fuse. That was dynamite +that he put under the plunger. He's going to +blow up the pumps and flood the mine!"</p> + +<p>Klink struck a match and applied it to the end +of the fuse.</p> + +<p>It was now Steve Rush's time to act. Seconds +were precious. The boy seemed scarcely to +touch the ground as he sprinted forward. He +was upon the man before Klink saw him. One +swift kick from Steve's heavy boot toppled the +man over on his side.</p> + +<p>The Iron Boy snatched the burning fuse from +the stick of dynamite and hurled it from him.</p> + +<p>By that time Klink was on his feet. With +blazing eyes he rushed at the boy. Steve believed, +and with good reason, that Klink intended +to murder him. But the boy stood calmly +awaiting the onslaught. The man was large and +powerful, but this did not daunt the plucky lad.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p> + +<p>Klink was now more than three feet from him +when, suddenly, Steve's right foot flew out, +catching the fellow fairly in the pit of the stomach. +The man uttered an exclamation, at the +same time pressing both hands to the spot where +the heavy boot had landed.</p> + +<p>Rush fairly leaped into the air, his fist catching +Klink directly between the eyes. Klink toppled +over backwards, and Rush, having lost his +balance, fell prone on top of him.</p> + +<p>The fellow's arms and legs instantly clasped +the boy in a tight embrace. But in that one +close look into the fellow's eyes, Steve had recognized +him.</p> + +<p>"I know you! You're Spooner, and I've got +you, you villain!" breathed the lad, writhing +and twisting to get his right knee up where he +could use it to advantage.</p> + +<p>Spooner, for it was the same man who had +let the trap down under Steve on the tally-board +platform, did not answer. He pressed the boy +to him with a force that made the lad think +his ribs were going to be crushed in. At the +same time the man was trying to turn over and +get Rush under him, where he would have +quickly settled his young antagonist.</p> + +<p>All at once the Iron Boy jerked his knee up, +planting it in the other's abdomen. Now the +more Spooner hugged Rush, the harder did the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +knee press against him. With a mighty effort +the rascal threw himself on his side. But in +doing so he had relaxed his grip. Steve's right +arm was jerked loose, and like a flash the Iron +Boy delivered two short-arm jolts on the side +of his opponent's jaw.</p> + +<p>The blows half stunned the big man. Steve +struck him in the nose with a blow that was intended +to reach the jaw and complete the work.</p> + +<p>At that instant there was a shout from down +the level. Bob Jarvis came charging upon the +scene.</p> + +<p>Steve recognized the voice of his companion.</p> + +<p>"I've got him, Bob!" shouted the lad with +what little breath he had left. "I've got him +down and out!"</p> + +<p>But Spooner was not quite "down and out" +yet. He began fighting again in sheer desperation. +His one thought now was to free himself +from the grip of those young arms of steel.</p> + +<p>Bob grasped Spooner by the collar, and after +a few violent tugs jerked the fellow free from +Steve's embrace. Spooner staggered to his feet.</p> + +<p>Bang!</p> + +<p>Bob smote him a terrific blow on the jaw, and +Spooner dropped in a heap. He was going to +strike the man again when Steve stopped him.</p> + +<p>"Get a rope, quick! I'll take care of him. +There's some rope over there by the pumps."</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> + +<p>Steve threw the prisoner over on his face, +twisting the man's hands behind his back, and +a few minutes later they had the fellow's hands +securely tied behind his back.</p> + +<p>About that time the pump-man came running +up.</p> + +<p>"Telephone to the superintendent that we +have the man," commanded Steve. "Hurry, +now! Don't stop to ask questions. Tell him +we are bringing the fellow up in the skip."</p> + +<p>Spooner by this time had recovered sufficiently +to walk with an Iron Boy on each side of him. +In that formation they made their way to the +skip.</p> + +<p>"None of your funny business now, unless you +want another thump on the jaw," warned Jarvis +threateningly.</p> + +<p>Mr. Penton had not arrived when they reached +the surface, so they took their prisoner to the +dry house, leaving word with the skip-tender +to send Mr. Penton over there at once.</p> + +<p>The superintendent was not long in reaching +the shaft, whence he hurried to the place indicated.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Penton, we have caught the guilty +man," announced Steve. "There he is."</p> + +<p>"What—who is he?" demanded the official +half unbelievingly, peering sharply at the +prisoner.</p><p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p> + +<p>"On the pay roll he is John Klink. His other +name is Spooner. He is stouter and has grown +a beard since you saw him last."</p> + +<p>The superintendent uttered an exclamation of +amazement. Steve briefly related all that had +occurred. Under pressure, Spooner made a confession +before they left the dry house that night +of the whole miserable business. It was he who +had dropped the dynamite into the shaft. But +he declared that it was his partner, Marvin, also +working in the mine under an assumed name, +who had lured Steve Rush to the lower level and +pushed him in. It was Marvin, too, who, by +thrusting a monkey wrench into the machinery, +had stripped the gear and put the cage mechanism +out of business.</p> + +<p>That night the villainous and revengeful +Spooner slept in a cell, where he was destined +to remain until his trial and eventual sentence +to a long term in prison.</p> + +<p>Marvin somehow got wind of the capture of +his associate in crime and fled. He was never +heard from in those parts again.</p> + +<p>On the following Monday morning the private +car of the visiting officials once more drew +up at the railroad station. Later in the day +the Iron Boys were again summoned to the office +of the superintendent. They supposed it was +for a discussion of the Spooner case with Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +Penton. They were surprised to find the officials +of the company there awaiting them.</p> + +<p>After greeting the lads, Mr. Carrhart made +a little speech in which he paid a glowing +tribute to the brave boys, and at its conclusion +he placed a packet in the hands of each.</p> + +<p>At the meeting of the officials there, a few days +previous, it had been decided by vote to make +the lads a present. The packets contained these +presents. The lads protested, but Mr. Carrhart +was almost sternly insistent.</p> + +<p>Upon arriving home Steve and Bob each found +in his packet shares of stock in the big steel company +amounting to one thousand dollars. It +was a small fortune for them, yet they had +earned it. At least the officials of the steel company +considered that they had.</p> + +<p>The Iron Boys had done their full duty. But +they were as yet merely at the beginning of +their career. There were stirring days ahead +of them, as well as other promotions for work +well and faithfully done.</p> + +<p>The story of their further exciting experiences +and advancement in the great industrial world +are told in the next volume of this series, entitled, +"<span class="smcap">The Iron Boys as Foremen</span>; Or, Heading the +Diamond Drill Shift."</p> + + +<p class="center extraspacetop2 smcap">The End</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + + +<h2><a name="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS" id="HENRY_ALTEMUS_COMPANYS"></a>HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S</h2> + +<p class="center">CATALOGUE OF</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2 center">The Best and Least Expensive +Books for Real Boys +and Girls</p> + + +<p>Really good and new stories for boys and girls are not +plentiful. Many stories, too, are so highly improbable as +to bring a grin of derision to the young reader's face before +he has gone far. The name of ALTEMUS is a distinctive +brand on the cover of a book, always ensuring +the buyer of having a book that is up-to-date and fine +throughout. No buyer of an ALTEMUS book is ever +disappointed.</p> + +<p>Many are the claims made as to the inexpensiveness +of books. Go into any bookstore and ask for an Altemus +book. Compare the price charged you for Altemus +books with the price demanded for other juvenile books. +You will at once discover that a given outlay of money +will buy more of the ALTEMUS books than of those +published by other houses.</p> + +<p>Every dealer in books carries the ALTEMUS books.</p> + + +<p>Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price</p> + +<p class="center">Henry Altemus Company</p> + +<p class="center">507-513 Cherry Street, Philadelphia</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Motor Boat Club Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. Irving Hancock</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories +are wonderfully entertaining, and they are at the same +time sound and wholesome. No boy will willingly lay +down an unfinished book in this series.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club of the Kennebec</span>; Or, The Secret +of Smugglers' Island.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club at Nantucket</span>; Or, The Mystery +of the Dunstan Heir.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club off Long Island</span>; Or, A Daring +Marine Game at Racing Speed.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club and the Wireless</span>; Or, The Dot, +Dash and Dare Cruise.</p> + +<p>5 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club in Florida</span>; Or, Laying the Ghost +of Alligator Swamp.</p> + +<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club at the Golden Gate</span>; Or, A Thrilling +Capture in the Great Fog.</p> + +<p>7 <span class="smcap">The Motor Boat Club on the Great Lakes</span>; Or, The Flying +Dutchman of the Big Fresh Water.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Range and Grange Hustlers</p> + +<p class="center">By Frank Gee Patchin</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">Have you any idea of the excitements, the glories of +life on great ranches in the West? Any bright boy will +"devour" the books of this series, once he has made a +start with the first volume.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Range and Grange Hustlers on the Ranch</span>; Or, The +Boy Shepherds of the Great Divide.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Range and Grange Hustlers' Greatest Round-Up</span>; +Or, Pitting Their Wits Against a Packer's Combine.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /></p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Submarine Boys Series</p> + +<p class="center">By Victor G. Durham</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">These splendid books for boys and girls deal with life +aboard submarine torpedo boats, and with the adventures +of the young crew, and possess, in addition to the author's +surpassing knack of story-telling, a great educational +value for all young readers.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys on Duty</span>; Or, Life on a Diving Torpedo +Boat.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys' Trial Trip</span>; Or, "Making Good" as +Young Experts.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys and the Middies</span>; Or, The Prize +Detail at Annapolis.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys and the Spies</span>; Or, Dodging the +Sharks of the Deep.</p> + +<p>5 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise</span>; Or, The Young +Kings of the Deep.</p> + +<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys for the Flag</span>; Or, Deeding Their +Lives to Uncle Sam.</p> + +<p>7 <span class="smcap">The Submarine Boys and the Smugglers</span>; Or, Breaking +Up the New Jersey Customs Frauds.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Square Dollar Boys Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. Irving Hancock</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The reading boy will be a voter within a few years; +these books are bound to make him think, and when he +casts his vote he will do it more intelligently for having +read these volumes.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Square Dollar Boys Wake Up</span>; Or, Fighting the +Trolley Franchise Steal.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Square Dollar Boys Smash the Ring</span>; Or, In the +Lists Against the Crooked Land Deal.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /></p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Pony Rider Boys Series</p> + +<p class="center">By Frank Gee Patchin</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">These tales may be aptly described as those of a new +Cooper. In every sense they belong to the best class of +books for boys and girls.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in the Rockies</span>; Or, The Secret of +the Lost Claim.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in Texas</span>; Or, The Veiled Riddle of +the Plains.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in Montana</span>; Or, The Mystery of +the Old Custer Trail.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in the Ozarks</span>; Or, The Secret of +Ruby Mountain.</p> + +<p>5 <span class="smcap"> The Pony Rider Boys in the Alkali</span>; Or, Finding a Key +to the Desert Maze.</p> + +<p>6 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico</span>; Or, The End of +the Silver Trail.</p> + +<p>7 <span class="smcap">The Pony Rider Boys in the Grand Canyon</span>; Or, The +Mystery of Bright Angel Gulch.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Boys of Steel Series</p> + +<p class="center">By James R. Mears</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The author has made of these volumes a series of romances +with scenes laid in the iron and steel world. Each +book presents a vivid picture of some phase of this great +industry. The information given is exact and truthful; +above all, each story is full of adventure and fascination.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Iron Boys in the Mines</span>; Or, Starting at the Bottom +of the Shaft.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Iron Boys as Foremen</span>; Or, Heading the Diamond +Drill Shift.</p></blockquote> + +<p>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">West Point Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The principal characters in these narratives are manly young +Americans whose doings will inspire all boy readers.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's First Year at West Point</span>; Or, Two +Chums in the Cadet Gray.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Second Year at West Point</span>; Or, Finding +the Glory of the Soldier's Life.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Third Year at West Point</span>; Or, Standing +Firm for Flag and Honor.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">Dick Prescott's Fourth Year at West Point</span>; Or, Ready +to Drop the Gray for Shoulder Straps.</p></blockquote> + +<p>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Annapolis Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The spirit of the new Navy is delightfully and truthfully depicted +in these volumes.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's First Year at Annapolis</span>; Or, Two Plebe +Midshipmen at the U. S. Naval Academy.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Second Year at Annapolis</span>; Or, Two Midshipmen +as Naval Academy "Youngsters."</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Third Year at Annapolis</span>; Or, Leaders of +the Second Class Midshipmen.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">Dave Darrin's Fourth Year at Annapolis</span>; Or, Headed +for Graduation and the Big Cruise.</p></blockquote> + +<p>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Young Engineers Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. IRVING HANCOCK</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">The heroes of these stories are known to readers of the High +School Boys Series. In this new series Tom Reade and Harry +Hazelton prove worthy of all the traditions of Dick & Co.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Young Engineers in Colorado</span>; Or, at Railroad Building +in Earnest.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Young Engineers in Arizona</span>; Or, Laying Tracks on +the "Man-Killer" Quicksands.</p></blockquote> + +<p>Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Boys of the Army Series</p> + +<p class="center">By H. Irving Hancock</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">These books breathe the life and spirit of the United +States Army of to-day, and the life, just as it is, is described +by a master pen.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys in the Ranks</span>; Or, Two Recruits in +the United States Army.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys on Field Duty</span>; Or, Winning Corporal's +Chevrons.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys as Sergeants</span>; Or, Handling Their First +Real Commands.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">Uncle Sam's Boys in the Philippines</span>; Or, Following the +Flag Against the Moros.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Battleship Boys Series</p> + +<p class="center">By Frank Gee Patchin</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">These stories throb with the life of young Americans +on to-day's huge drab Dreadnaughts.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys at Sea</span>; Or, Two Apprentices in Uncle +Sam's Navy.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys' First Step Upward</span>; Or, Winning +Their Grades as Petty Officers.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys in Foreign Service</span>; Or, Earning +New Ratings in European Seas.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Battleship Boys in the Tropics</span>; Or, Upholding the +American Flag in a Honduras Revolution.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +(<i>Other volumes to follow rapidly.</i>)<br /> +<br /> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">High School Boys Series</p> + +<p class="right">By H. Irving Hancock</p> + +<blockquote><p>In this series of bright, crisp books a new +note has been struck.</p> + +<p>Boys of every age under sixty will be interested +in these fascinating volumes.</p></blockquote> + +<div class="figleft"> +<img src="images/iron1advert1.png" width="95" height="129" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<div class="right"><blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The High School Freshmen</span>; Or, +Dick & Co's First Year Pranks +and Sports.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The High School Pitcher</span>; Or, +Dick & Co. on the Gridley +Diamond.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The High School Left End</span>; Or, +Dick & Co. Grilling on the +Football Gridiron.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The High School Captain of the Team</span>; Or, Dick & +Co. Leading the Athletic Vanguard.</p></blockquote> +</div> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Grammar School Boys Series</p> + + +<p class="left">By H. Irving Hancock</p> + +<div class="left"> +<blockquote><p>This series of stories, based on the actual +doings of grammar school boys comes near to +the heart of the average American boy.</p></blockquote> + +<div class="figright"> +<img src="images/iron1advert2.png" width="95" height="139" alt="" title="" /> +</div> + +<blockquote><p>1 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys of +Gridley</span>; Or, Dick & Co. Start +Things Moving.</p> + +<p>2 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys Snowbound</span>; +Or, Dick & Co. at Winter +Sports.</p> + +<p>3 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys in the +Woods</span>; Or, Dick & Co. Trail +Fun and Knowledge.</p> + +<p>4 <span class="smcap">The Grammar School Boys in Summer Athletics</span>; Or, +Dick & Co. Make Their Fame Secure.</p></blockquote> +</div> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Circus Boys Series</p> + +<p class="center">By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making +the Start in the Sawdust Life.</p> + +<p>2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning +New Laurels on the Tanbark.</p> + +<p>3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the +Plaudits of the Sunny South.</p> + +<p>4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with +the Big Show on the Big River.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The High School Girls Series</p> + +<p class="center">By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M.</p> + +<p class="extraspacetop2">These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the +reader fairly by storm.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 GRACE HARLOEW'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, The Merry Doings of the Oakdale Freshman Girls.</p> + +<p>2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH +SCHOOL; Or, The Record of the Girl Chums in Work and +Athletics.</p> + +<p>3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, Fast Friends in the Sororities.</p> + +<p>4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; +Or, The Parting of the Ways.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">The Automobile Girls Series</p> + +<p class="center">By LAURA DENT CRANE</p> + +<p>No girl's library—no family book-case can be considered at all +complete unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books.</p> + +<blockquote><p>1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching +the Summer Parade.</p> + +<p>2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, +The Ghost of Lost Man's Trail.</p> + +<p>3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, +Fighting Fire in Sleepy Hollow.</p> + +<p>4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out +Against Heavy Odds.</p></blockquote> + +<p> +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c.<br /> +</p> + + +<hr class="r65" /> + +<p class="center">Transcriber Note</p> + + +<blockquote><p>Minor spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected.</p></blockquote> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Iron Boys in the Mines, by James R. 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Mears + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license + + +Title: The Iron Boys in the Mines + or, Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft + +Author: James R. Mears + +Release Date: March 9, 2012 [EBook #39083] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES *** + + + + +Produced by Dianna Adair, Stephen Hutcheson, Rod Crawford, +Dave Morgan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team +at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + + + +Illustration: Steve Gazed With Wonder Upon the Busy Scene. + +_Frontispiece._ + + + + + The Iron Boys in the Mines + + OR + +Starting at the Bottom of the Shaft + +By + +JAMES R. MEARS + +Author of The Iron Boys As Foremen, The Iron Boys +on the Ore Boats, etc. + + +Illustrated + + +PHILADELPHIA + +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY + + +COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY +HOWARD E. ALTEMUS + + + + +CONTENTS + + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. SECURING A JOB UNDER DIFFICULTIES 7 + + II. HANDLING THE RED ORE 18 + + III. TWO THOUSAND FEET UNDER GROUND 32 + + IV. STEVE SHOOTS THE CHUTES 42 + + V. THE "MISSED HOLE" 49 + + VI. IN THE POWDER-WRECKED DRIFT 61 + + VII. "IS ANYONE ALIVE IN THERE?" 70 + + VIII. BOB MAKES GOOD HIS WORD 79 + + IX. YOUNG GLADIATORS MEET 89 + + X. IN A NEW JOB 97 + + XI. RUSH MAKES A DISCOVERY 106 + + XII. THE BOYS EXPOSE A PLOT 115 + + XIII. STRAIGHTENING THE CROOKED ONES 126 + + XIV. LAYING THE TRAP 137 + + XV. BORNE SKYWARD ON A SKIP 147 + + XVI. WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE SHAFT 158 + + XVII. THEIR FIRST PROMOTION 171 + + XVIII. THE VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS 182 + + XIX. FACING A GREAT PERIL 193 + + XX. INTO A BLACK GULF 202 + + XXI. THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOY 209 + + XXII. WHEN THE WATERS CLOSED OVER HIM 215 + + XXIII. A THOUSAND FEET OF LADDERS 226 + + XXIV. CONCLUSION 242 + + + + +The Iron Boys in the Mines + + + + +CHAPTER I + +SECURING A JOB UNDER DIFFICULTIES + + +"Is Mr. Carrhart in?" + +"Maybe he is, and maybe he isn't," answered the office boy, grinning +sardonically. "Who are you?" + +"My name is Stephen Rush and I wish to see Mr. Carrhart, the president +of the mining company," answered the first speaker, a lad of some +sixteen years, dark-haired, dark-eyed and slight of build. + +"What do you want to see him about?" + +"That is what I have come to tell him," replied young Rush, directing a +level gaze at the boy, who was half a head taller and much more stocky +of build than was Steve. "May I speak with the president?" + +"No; you may not speak with Mr. Carrhart." + +"Why not, please? It is quite important." + +"Because I won't let you." + +"You won't let me?" + +"No." + +"Will you not take my name in--tell him I shall not detain him?" + +"_No!_" + +For a moment Steve Rush stood looking at the office boy, undecided and +disappointed. He had not thought there would be any difficulty in +getting a few words with the man he had come to see. + +"Go on--skip!" + +The office boy, without giving the caller an opportunity to obey his +command, sprang forward, and, pressing both hands against Steve's chest, +began shoving the lad out into the corridor. Steve was stepping +backwards so fast that he was unable to free himself from the +belligerent office boy. + +All at once young Rush took advantage of a momentary pause of his +antagonist, and sprang lightly to one side. The next instant his fingers +closed over the wrists of the office boy, shutting down with a grip that +made the other writhe. + +"Leggo my hands!" + +The office boy shook himself free, then swung a vicious blow at Steve's +head. To the former's surprise his blow landed on thin air, but ere he +could square himself for another swing the grip of young Rush had once +more fastened on his wrists. And this time there was no breaking away. +Tighter and tighter grew the pressure on the office boy's wrists. + +"Leggo! O-u-c-h! Leggo, I tell you!" cried the latter, raising his voice +so high that office doors were quickly opened along the corridor, heads +popping out, their owners demanding to know what the uproar was about. + +"Will you take my name in to Mr. Carrhart?" demanded Steve in a low, +firm tone. + +"No, I won't. I'll trim you for this. I'll----" + +Steve, with a strength that would not have been believed of him, calmly +began leading his prisoner back into the office. + +"Young man, I think I shall take you to Mr. Carrhart. We shall see what +he has to say about you. I do not believe he will be pleased when I tell +him how you have acted. I----" + +Just then a door opened and a young man stepped out. + +"Here, here, here, what does this mean?" demanded the newcomer sharply. + +"He's hurting me; he's----" + +Steve quickly released the hands of the office boy, and removing his +hat, stepped forward respectfully. + +"Are you Mr. Carrhart, sir?" + +"No; I'm his secretary. What is the meaning of this disturbance?" + +"I was trying to see Mr. Carrhart----" + +"You have a most peculiar way of going about it, I must say," was the +sharp reply. "What did you wish to see him about?" + +"I want to get a job." + +"At what?" + +"Anything--preferably in the mines." + +The secretary laughed. + +"I am sorry, young man, but the president is a very busy man. And +besides, this is not the place to come for a situation in the mines. You +will have to apply to one of the superintendents at the mines. However, +I believe you are too young and----" + +"But I am quite strong, sir. I am sure I shall be able to do a day's +work. I am anxious----" + +"You will have to apply as I have just suggested. You cannot see the +president," announced the secretary shortly, turning on his heel and +reentering his own office. + +"Yah, yah!" jeered the office boy. "Now, Mr. Smarty, will you get out or +shall I put you out?" + +"Neither." + +"What's that?" + +"You will not put me out, and I propose to remain here until I get a +chance to see your employer," announced Steve in a low, firm tone. He +calmly seated himself on a bench just outside the door of the office +reception room. + +The office boy's eyes narrowed angrily. He took a step toward Rush, +then, apparently thinking better of it, strode back to his little square +desk and threw himself into a chair, where he sat glowering at the +calm-eyed boy out in the corridor. + +Steve sat gazing steadily at the door of a room on which was written the +word "President." Now and then he caught sight of a shadow within, +through the ground-glass partition, and now and again the sound of +voices reached him. + +"Are you going to move?" demanded a voice at his side. + +Steve glanced up, finding the office boy standing close to him, a +threatening scowl on his face. + +"I told you I was waiting to see the president." + +"You are, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"How are you going to see him?" + +"I am going to wait here until he comes out." + +"If you don't get put out before that." + +"Then I shall wait out in the lobby by the elevator. You can't put me +out, for I am not in your office." + +With a grunt the office boy returned to his desk. At about that time +Rush caught sight of the figure of a man behind the glass of the door +leading into the president's room. The lad was all attention at once. + +After a moment the door swung open and a man stepped out into the +corridor and started for the elevator. + +"I beg pardon, sir, are you Mr. Carrhart?" questioned Steve. + +"Mr. Carrhart?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Why, no, my lad; what made you think I was?" + +"I beg your pardon, sir. I saw you come out of the president's office +and I wanted to see him very much," stammered the lad. + +"Then why don't you go to see him?" + +"I'm going to," answered Steve in a resolute tone. "Thank you, sir." + +With that the lad turned, walking rapidly back. He did not stop when he +had reached the bench just outside the reception room. Instead, he +stepped firmly up to the door of the president's office. His hand was +upon the door knob. + +"Here, you, where you going?" cried the office boy, bounding after him. + +Steve made no reply, whereupon the office boy started for him again. But +the latter was not quick enough. Rush opened the door to the private +office and stepped within. The office boy prevented his closing the +door, and a second later had bolted in after the visitor. Then things +began to happen with surprising quickness. Rush went down in a heap, the +office boy landing on his back. Over and over the two lads rolled, +clasped in a tight embrace. + +"Here, here! What does this mean?" demanded the president, gazing with +amazement at the rough-and-tumble battle going on at his very feet. + +Neither lad appeared to have heard him, for the rolling and floundering +continued a few seconds longer. All at once Steve got a firm grip on the +wrist of his antagonist. The office boy uttered a yell as the wrist was +bent backwards. Rush swung him over on his face and sat down on him +somewhat out of breath. + +"Is this--is this Mr. Carrhart, sir?" stammered Steve. + +"It is. But may I inquire what this remarkable performance means?" + +"I came to see you, sir." + +"You go about it in a very peculiar manner. Get up!" + +"I can't, sir; the boy will want to fight me again." + +"I will attend to the boy. Get up at once!" + +Rush rose to his feet. As he had predicted, the office boy made another +dash for him, but this Steve avoided by stepping to one side. + +"Oscar, that will do!" said Mr. Carrhart sternly. "You have done your +duty as you saw it. You may leave the room." + +The office boy obeyed, casting an angry glance at the unruffled +countenance of Steve Rush as he closed the door behind him. + +"Now, what is it you want, young man?" questioned the president. "State +your business briefly, for I have no time to waste." + +"I am looking for a position, sir." + +Mr. Carrhart was about to make a sharp reply, when, chancing to glance +into the face of the lad before him, he saw something there that +arrested the words he was about to utter. The boy's face showed an +earnestness of purpose, a stubborn determination that led the mining +president to modify his tone. + +"You wish a position?" he asked not unkindly. + +"Yes, sir." + +"What position are you looking for?" + +"I wish to go into the iron mines; I wish to learn the business, sir. I +am stronger than I look----" + +"Yes, I have just had evidence of that fact. But why do you come to me?" + +"Because you are the head of the mines. Should I not go to the head when +I am looking for a position?" + +"Perhaps you are right at that, my lad. What is your name?" + +Steve gave his name and his age, also adding that he had completed half +his course at the high school in Duluth. + +"Why did you not continue with your school? You should be in school at +your age, rather than going to work." + +"I should like to be, sir, but circumstances have arisen that make it +necessary for me to go to work." + +"What are those circumstances?" + +"My father died four weeks ago, and I must work to help support my +mother," answered the lad, a slight flush suffusing his cheeks. + +"Does your mother work?" + +"She is not able to take a position, sir. She does some sewing, and, +with what I shall be able to earn in a little while, we shall get along +very nicely." + +"Hm-m-m!" mused the president. "You are very confident." + +"Yes, sir. Because I am willing to work." + +"Have you tried to get a position in town? I should think that would be +better for a lad of your age than to work in the mines." + +"No, sir; I have always wanted to be a miner. I want to start at the +bottom and learn the business." + +"I am afraid you could not stand it, my lad," answered Mr. Carrhart +after brief reflection. "And, besides, as you understand, all the hiring +is done by the officials at the mines." + +"Yes, sir. But you need have no fear that I shall not be able to do a +man's work. I was one of the best athletes in the high school. I was +quite frail when I began going to school, but by systematic exercise I +have built myself up. I can stand a much greater strain than you would +imagine to look at me. If I do not make good they will not keep me. +Won't you please give me a chance to try, sir?" + +"How would you like to come in the office here?" + +"I should like it, of course, sir; but, as I have already said, I prefer +to begin at the bottom and work up." + +"My lad, you are of the right stuff. You will get on in the world. Not +much of anything matters in the face of such determination as yours. The +work in the mines is very hard. You will find rough men there and you +will meet with more or less temptation, but I believe you are strong +enough to keep yourself above it." + +"Yes, sir. I am sure of that, sir." + +By this time Mr. Carrhart was busily writing. Steve watched him, not +quite certain whether or not the interview was at an end. + +"You--you will give me a chance, sir?" asked the lad after a moment's +silence. + +"Yes; here is a letter to the general superintendent of the Cousin Jack +Mine. I have asked him to give you employment at the earliest possible +moment. I shall hope to hear good reports from you, Rush. Remember what +I have said to you. I shall keep an eye on you." + +"Oh, thank you, sir; thank you! I cannot tell you how I appreciate your +kindness." + +"Purely a matter of business, my lad. I see in you the making of an +excellent man for the company. We are looking for young men with your +determination and grit." + +As Steve passed out through the reception room the office boy stepped in +front of him. + +"I'll lick you the first time I catch you outside," announced the +guardian of the door. + +"Please don't," answered Steve. "Somebody might get hurt. Besides, I am +not a fighter. Good afternoon." + +Rush hurried out to carry the good news to his mother. + +"That boy has the making of a great man," mused Carrhart, as he stood +with hands clasped behind his back, gazing down into the street. "Yes, +he will be heard from some of these days, unless I am greatly in +error." + + + + +CHAPTER II + +HANDLING THE RED ORE + + +"Why, boy, you couldn't stand up for an hour down below ground." + +Ike Penton, general superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine, smiled +indulgently into the eager face of Steve Rush. + +"It's a man's work, not a boy's work. Mr. Carrhart's letter gives you a +fine endorsement. He seems to think you have the making of a miner in +you, and acting on his judgment, I shall of course give you a chance." + +"Thank you, sir. You will try to place me down in one of the mines, will +you not?" + +"No; I shall not take the responsibility of doing so just at the present +moment. I shall use you above ground for a few days, until I see what +you are best fitted to do, and then--but mind you, I am not making any +promises--I will see what can be done for you." + +The superintendent smiled indulgently. He was a man of kindly impulses +and he had boys of his own. Then, too, he remembered the day, many years +before, when he, also, had sought employment in the iron mines. By sheer +pluck he had worked his way up from the ranks, until now he was the +head of an army of more than five thousand men, distributed among the +various mines. + +"Yes, I will see what can be done for you," repeated the superintendent. + +"Thank you, sir; but I wish you might find a place for me down in the +mines." + +"Why are you so anxious to get below ground, my lad?" + +"So that I may begin my apprenticeship at once." + +"When will you be ready to go to work?" + +"I am ready now," answered Steve promptly. + +"The day is well along. Report here at seven o'clock to-morrow morning, +and I will place you at something. Your pay, to begin, will be a dollar +a day. Here is the address of a boarding house that I should advise you +to put up at, unless you already have made arrangements." + +"No, sir." + +"Very well. Report to the boarding house boss some time to-day and he +will see that you are taken care of. There are very good boys there, and +you will learn considerable about the business of mining from them. Let +me advise you, however, not to mix in too much with the foreign element. +Let them alone and you will find they will do the same with you. Pay +strict attention to duty, be punctual and work, and you will get along. +Our discipline is strict, but we have the interests of our men at heart. +In so far as they will let us, we make their well-being our first care. +Here is a copy of the rules governing the conduct of men in all +departments. Study it well to-day and come back here to-morrow morning +at the hour named." + +Briefly thanking the superintendent, Steve left the mine office at Iron +Mountain and proceeded to the boarding house. There he was assigned to a +room in which were cots for two men. The place was neat and clean, +though extremely plain. There were no evidences of luxury in the +furnishings, and when he sat down to his first meal there he found the +food plain but wholesome; the miners mostly silent and in a great hurry +to have done with their meal. Considering how they bolted their food, +Steve did not understand how any of them managed to keep out of the +hospital. + +"It's a wonder they don't all have chronic indigestion," he thought. + +No one paid any attention to the quiet youth, after the first careless +glance at him, as the men took their places at the table. The lad did +not care particularly. He was rather glad that they did leave him wholly +to himself until he should become better acquainted with his +surroundings. + +What Steve was curious about, however, was who his roommate was to be. +When he asked the boarding house boss about this the boy was told to +wait until night, when he would see for himself. After that Steve asked +no more questions. + +After dinner young Rush went out to wander about and get acquainted with +his surroundings. Iron Mountain, the town in which was located the mine +where he was to work, was a village of about seventeen hundred +inhabitants, nestling between two high ranges of mountains. The timber +had been cut off, and wherever the eye chanced to rest it was met by a +forest of black stumps, with here and there the shaft of an iron mine +rising dark and gloomy. + +It was the most cheerless scene that Steve Rush had ever gazed upon. The +buildings in the village proper were mostly mere shacks, the public +school being the only building worthy of a name in the entire community. + +The streets of the town were deserted, but beneath them, far down in the +earth, men toiled and burrowed by day and by night, penetrating deeper +and deeper into the earth in their quest for Nature's riches. + +The lad was lonely. He would have been homesick had he not been +possessed of the grit to keep his emotions in check. But as he strolled +over toward the towering, gloomy mine shafts he began to realize that +he was at the very fountain head of the greatest steel industry in the +world. From the quiet of the little mining village he had come upon a +scene of work the like of which he had never seen before. + +As he gazed, the great ore cars shot up from the mines with a roar. +Leaping to the top of the high shaft, they hurled their cargoes of red +ore into waiting dump cars, then dropped back below ground with a speed +almost too great for the human eye to follow. Men red with the metal +they were handling were laboring on the surface, their faces streaked +with perspiration, their rolled-up sleeves and open-necked shirts +displaying the brawn and muscle without which the great steel company +would quickly lose its greatness. + +Shrieking railroad engines were dashing into the yards, dragging from +them loads of ore that would be rushed to waiting ore boats on the Great +Lakes, to be conveyed thence to the great steel mills in the east. The +cars were being loaded by machinery and with such speed as to cause the +watcher to gasp with amazement. + +"This is wonderful," Steve cried, carried away by his enthusiasm. "This +is the life for me! I never dreamed it was so splendid." + +It was, indeed, a world pulsating with opportunities for him who +possessed the pluck to fight his way to the front. In a vague sort of +way, Steve Rush seemed to realize this. + +"Some day I shall be at the head of one of these great industries!" he +breathed. "I, too, will be a captain of industry! I'll never give up +until I am--until I have learned all that can be learned about this +wonderful industry." + +The afternoon drew to a close all too soon for Steve, and not until the +whistle blew at six o'clock and the miners in their oilskins came +streaming up from their underground haunts, did the lad make up his mind +to leave. With a sigh, he turned away, starting thoughtfully for the +boarding house. + +Just before sitting down to supper he was introduced to a Cornishman, +who, he was told, was to be his roommate. When Steve had taken his place +at the table he found himself sitting opposite a boy whom he judged to +be about his own age. This boy, however, was taller and much more rugged +looking than was Steve. + +The latter saw the lad eyeing him inquiringly. + +"What's your name, boy?" finally demanded the larger of the two, +pointing a spoon at Steve. + +"Stephen Rush." + +"Rush?" + +"Yes." + +"That's a funny name. Do you hear that, fellows?" + +"I do not see anything so very funny about it," replied Steve, his face +flushing ever so little. "What is your name?" + +"Mine? I'm Bob Jarvis. But, judging from your name, you must be one of +those fellows who is always in a hurry. Does your mamma know you're +here?" + +"She does," answered Steve gravely. + +"Is she a Rusher, too?" + +"Her name is Rush, if that is what you mean." + +"Well, what do you think of that? His mother's Rush and she's a Rusher, +too. That must be a pretty lively family," scoffed Jarvis. "Why, I'll +bet----" + +"You will please leave my mother's name out of your talk," commanded +Steve quietly, directing a level gaze at Jarvis. + +"Touchy, eh? Do you hear that, fellows?" + +If the miners did hear they were much too busy with their suppers to +give the matter much attention. + +"Little Miss Hurry-up is going to get in a huff. But never mind, Rusher, +I guess you're right at that. I had a mother once myself, but that don't +stop me from saying whatever I want to you." + +"Say what you wish to, so long as you confine your talk to myself," +replied Steve. "What you say about me doesn't matter much, anyway. For +that matter, I do not think your remarks are of very great consequence, +whatever subject you may be discussing." + +"What's that?" + +"I think you heard what I said." + +"What do you mean, young fellow?" + +"If you don't understand, I shall try to make it plainer. I mean to say +that you act like a rowdy. I shouldn't be surprised if you are one." + +Bob Jarvis half rose from his chair. The smile had left his face, giving +place to an angry scowl. + +"So, you--you are looking for fight, eh?" he demanded, thrusting his +chin forward belligerently. + +"No, sir; I am not." Steve did not even look up as he made the reply, +but calmly proceeded with his supper. + +"Well, you've got to fight, whether you are looking for it or not. I'll +show you that you can't hand out a line of talk like that to Bob +Jarvis," growled the larger boy, starting for the head of the table, +around which he would have to go to reach Steve. + +"Stow your scrapping and give us a chance to eat our suppers," growled +one of the miners. + +"Yes, we'll throw both of you out first thing you know," added another. +"If you want to fight, why don't you have it out before you come to the +table?" + +Jarvis gave no heed to the warnings. He was bent on punishing the boy on +the other side of the table who had defied him. Just as he was passing +the head of the table, a heavy hand gripped his collar, sending Bob +spinning back toward his seat. + +"Sit down!" bellowed a voice. + +The boarding boss straightened up threateningly. It was he who had +checked the pugnacious Bob Jarvis, and just in time to prevent a lively +fight in the miners' boarding house. Bob fell rather than sat down in +his chair. + +"If you want to fight, go out doors. But if you do fight, I'll report +you both to the superintendent," warned the boss, resuming his seat. + +Bob sulked in his chair, while Steve Rush, appearing to take not the +least bit of interest in the disturbance, went on with his supper +unmoved. + +"I'll make you take that back when I catch you outside, one of these +fine days, Miss Hurry-up," threatened Bob in a low tone, leaning over +the table with one eye on the boarding house boss. + +"Yes?" + +"Yes, I will. I dare you to meet me over by the dry house after supper. +I promise you I will take it out of your hide." + +"No, thank you," replied Steve dryly, with a slight shrug of the +shoulders. + +"You won't?" + +"No, I will not." + +"Afraid, eh?" + +"Yes; afraid I might lose some sleep. I am going to bed after supper. I +have work on hand to-morrow and I don't care to spoil my chances by +getting into a row to-night. Besides, I am not a fighter. I am here for +business." + +"Fellows, I told you he was a missie. I see I've got to take you in +hand, Rush. You'll never make a miner until you've been properly +trimmed, and I'm the boy who's taken the contract to do the job. I----" + +"Jarvis, that will be about enough for the present," warned the boarding +house boss from the head of the table. + +"Can't a fellow have a little fun without being called down?" demanded +Bob in a tone of disgust. + +"Yes; have all the fun you want, but don't pick on a boy who isn't your +size. You, boy down there, what did you say your name is?" + +"Stephen Rush." + +"Well, Steve, don't be afraid of Jarvis. His bark is much worse than his +bite." + +"I am not afraid of him, sir." + +"If he bothers you here, let me know. If you have any trouble outside, +report it to the superintendent or to your foreman. Where are you going +to work?" + +"I don't know, sir. I have not been assigned. I thank you, but I think I +shall be able to take care of myself without reporting to anyone," added +Rush, flashing a significant glance at Bob Jarvis. The latter started to +make some reply, but checked himself sharply. + +From that time on the meal proceeded without further disturbance. Just +as they were leaving the table, however, Jarvis edged over to where +Steve was standing, waiting for those ahead of him to pass through the +narrow door. + +"I hope you get in my shift," he whispered in Steve's ear. + +"Why?" + +"Because I'll have a chance to teach you a few things." + +"Then I hope I do," answered the lad in his soft voice. "I want to learn +all I can, you know." + +Bob's face wrinkled into a scowl. He was not certain whether Steve +really meant what he said or whether he was poking fun at him. + +Early on the following morning Steve reported to the office of the +superintendent. To his disappointment he was assigned to the ore dump. +This is a great pile of ore dumped on the surface by a tram car as the +ore is brought up from the mine in a skip, or ore elevator. Steve's +particular duty was to stand at the outer end of the track and shovel +the ore away from the track after each carload had been dumped. + +It was not a comfortable place to stand, for a misstep would precipitate +him down the sloping end of the ore dump to the ground some forty feet +below. + +On this dump the ore car was pushed by hand, whereas on others it was +operated by electricity. Steve had received his instructions from the +dump boss, so, with a shovel in his hands, he stood awaiting the first +carload of ore. + +At last it came on with a bump and a crunch, groaning and threatening to +jump the rails with each revolution of its wheels. + +Steve sprang to one side as he saw the car approaching, believing for +the minute that the tram was going to run him down and plunge over the +end of the dump. Should such be the case, the tram would surely carry +him down with it, so he had lost no time in getting out of the way. + +"Hi, there! Look out where you are going! You'll run off the track!" +shouted the lad in a warning tone. + +But the tram did not run off. It came to a slow stop; then, instead of +discharging its cargo over the end of the pile, the end of the car's box +suddenly swung around toward Steve. There followed a quick, sharp, +metallic clang. Steve Rush went down with the contents of the car +falling all about him in a red, suffocating shower, burying him nearly +to his neck. Some of the ore rolled down the side of the dump, and the +lad would have followed had he not been held fast by the dirt about him. +His body was bruised in spots where unbroken chunks had bombarded him; +his hair, mouth, eyes and nose were full of the stuff, and he found +himself scarcely able to breathe. + +For a moment the boy was at a loss to understand what had happened. By +industrious blinking and rubbing of his eyes he managed presently to +take account of his surroundings. + +Steve struggled with all his might to free himself. He was unable to do +so. + +"He--help!" he shouted. "I--I'm bu--buried up to my chin and I'm getting +in deeper all the time. Help me to get out of this!" + +"Hello, there! What's the matter?" questioned a jeering voice. "Why, +upon my word, if it isn't Little Miss Rush." + +Steve recognized the voice as belonging to Bob Jarvis. + +"It's you, is it, Jarvis? Well, help me out of this and I will talk with +you. I shall have a few things to say to you, too, when we get a chance +to talk----" + +"Why, sure, I'll help you out. How did you happen to get in the way of +that dump?" + +"Never mind how. I believe you did that on purpose, Bob Jarvis, and you +will have to answer to me for it," declared Steve Rush in a resolute +tone. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +TWO THOUSAND FEET UNDER GROUND + + +Jarvis sprang forward and with shovel in hand began throwing the dirt in +all directions. + +"If you don't mind, please don't pile any more of this red stuff on my +head than you can help. I have plenty as it is," said Steve. + +"That's so; I was throwing it your way, wasn't I?" chuckled Bob, +laughing good-naturedly. + +Steve found time to study the other boy while the latter was digging him +out. In spite of Jarvis' meanness to him, Rush felt certain that the lad +possessed a good heart, and it was a strong, resourceful face that Steve +found himself studying as the digging progressed. + +"Bob," he said finally, "have you ever been thrashed?" + +"Thrashed? Licked, you mean?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, not since my dad gave me a walloping last," laughed the boy. + +"Don't you think a good, sound thrashing would do you a whole lot of +good?" + +Bob grinned broadly. By this time he had dug down around Rush until the +latter was able to clamber from the pile of ore. + +"Well, I don't know about that." + +"I do, and I know you've got to have one before very long," announced +young Rush with strong emphasis. + +"I will, eh?" + +"You will," affirmed Steve, brushing the dirt from his clothes. + +"And who's going to give me this licking, Little Miss Hurry-up?" +demanded Jarvis threateningly. + +"I am," replied Steve in a quiet tone. + +Jarvis began to take off his coat. + +"Not now, Bob," spoke up the other quickly. "This is the company's time. +We should both be discharged if we were to be caught fighting here and +now. We will settle our difficulty some other time." + +"So you were only bluffing, eh? I knew you didn't have the spunk to +fight anything." + +Steve pointed off to the mine shaft. + +"There comes the skip with a load of ore. You had better get your car +back there or you will have trouble enough without a fight." + +Jarvis, with an exclamation, began pushing the tram car back over the +top of the dump, Steve picking up his shovel and beginning his work of +clearing the end of the tracks. + +All day long the lad toiled industriously. It was hard work and his back +ached, yet he kept to his task. When night came Steve had the +satisfaction of being told that he had done a man's work that day. + +A truce had been declared between the two boys, so far as fighting was +concerned, though Jarvis continued his nagging at every opportunity. +Steve took the other's scoffing good-naturedly, turning Bob's jibes with +soft answers. For a full week both lads had labored far up on the ore +dump. They had been too busy to think of their personal grievances for +any great length of time. Saturday night had arrived, and when Steve +left the dump to start for his boarding house he was told that the +general superintendent wished to see him. + +"I guess he is going to discharge me," thought the boy. "Well, I have +done the best I could." + +His surprise was great, therefore, when the superintendent said, as the +lad came to a halt in front of the official's desk: + +"You have done very well, Rush." + +"Thank you, sir." + +"Do you still think you would like to work below ground?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then you may begin on Monday." + +"On what shift?" + +"The day shift, going down at seven o'clock. The best I have for you now +is a contract job run by a man named Spooner. You will find it pretty +hard work. You see, these contracts are given out for so much per ton +and the men who take the contracts propose to get as much out of their +workmen as possible. You will be worked to your full capacity." + +"I can stand it, sir." + +"If you do, you should be able to endure anything we have to offer in +this business. I have arranged for Spooner to take you on as a miner's +helper. Your wages will be a dollar and a quarter a day. Be very careful +and guard yourself from accident. Carelessness may cost you your life, +for there is danger everywhere below ground." + +"I will be very careful, sir." + +Steve hurried away full of anticipation. He was to be a real miner; he +was to start his career as a miner on a level two thousand feet below +the surface. The lad had never been below ground before and he was full +of anticipation of what awaited him on the following Monday morning. + +Acting on the suggestion of the boarding-house boss, the lad had +purchased a suit of yellow oilcloth, rubber boots, oilcloth hat and +candle holder. This latter, as used by the ore miners, is a piece of +steel, one end coming to a sharp point, the other having an opening for +the candle itself. The whole fastens securely to the hat. When necessary +the candle holder may be carried in the hand, or driven into a crevice +of rock or ore. + +This, with pick and shovel, comprises the miner's outfit and was the +outfit of Steve Rush when he presented himself at the mouth of the shaft +on the following Monday morning. There were about five hundred men to go +down in the cage, the car that carries the miners and other passengers +down to the various levels, and Steve found himself pushed aside, so +that he was among the last to get aboard the steel cage. + +"Will you tell me where the Spooner contract is located?" he asked of +the cage-tender before getting aboard. + +"Seventeenth level." + +"Does the car stop there?" + +"If it doesn't, you're a goner." + +Rush leaped aboard, grasping the rod that he saw above his head to +steady himself. The protecting bars in front of the cage fell in place +with a noisy clang. + +"All clear," announced a voice. + +The support beneath the lad seemed to drop from under him. With a rush +and a roar, a grinding and crunching the steel cage dropped from sight. +Instantly everything was plunged in inky darkness. + +"Do--do they always go like this?" asked the young miner of a man +standing beside him. + +"This isn't going much. He has slow speed on this morning because the +cage has a bigger load than usual. Afraid, are you?" + +"No, I am not afraid. I was wondering what would happen if the man +forgot to shut off his power when we reached the bottom." + +The miner laughed. + +"We'd punch a hole in the bottom of the shaft," he said. + +"How deep is the shaft, sir?" + +"Two thousand feet to the bottom--fifty feet less than that to the last +working level. The bottom level is used to drain off the water from the +other levels. From there big steam pumps pump the water to the surface." + +The two could scarcely hear for noise. + +"The Spooner contract is on the seventeenth level, is it not?" + +"Yes, on the sub-level above the seventeenth. Is that where you are +going to work?" + +"Yes, sir; for Mr. Spooner." + +"Then I feel sorry for you." + +"Why so, sir?" + +"Because he is a slave driver. Every man in the mines knows him and none +of them wants to work for him. I guess he hasn't a white man on the +contract." + +"I didn't know there were any colored men employed here." + +"There are not. We call a white man one who is not a foreigner," laughed +the miner. + +"Oh!" + +Now and then the car would halt with a jolt; two or three men would leap +off and disappear in the darkness, after which the cage would drop down +another level or so. + +"Here is your level," announced the miner. "Jump off, or you will be +carried by." + +Steve jumped off. + +"Thank you," he called, but the miner did not hear him, for the car had +dropped quickly out of sight. + +Water that had dripped down through the shaft from the surface and the +upper levels was, by this time, running from the oilskins of the young +miner in tiny rivulets. Dampness was everywhere. A blast of hot, damp +air smote him in the face as he turned to look about him. + +"I wonder where I am to go?" muttered Steve. + +A heavy fog hung over everything, electric lights glowing dimly through +the haze, so that one was able to see but a few feet ahead. + +"Where is the Spooner contract?" called Steve to a passing miner. + +The man jerked a hand over his shoulder, whereupon the lad made his way +cautiously down the level or tunnel, which is the main avenue, and from +which other tunnels, called drifts, run off into the ore beds. + +By this time the mine was in full operation. Strange sounds smote the +ears of the young miner. The roar of the electric tram cars as they +dashed by him, now and then narrowly missing running him down, the +thunder of the skips, huge black objects hurling themselves surfaceward +loaded with iron ore, the bang, bang of the drills and the detonations +of many dynamite explosions, filled the heart of Steve Rush with awe and +wonder. + +The lad was confused. He did not know which way to turn, nor what second +he might step into an opening and plunge downward. Had he but known it +there was little danger of such an accident so long as he kept to the +main level. There were many dangerous holes--ore chutes--but these +ordinarily were protected so that there was little chance of one's +falling through them. Such accidents, however, had been known to occur. + +At last Steve saw a man who looked as if he might be a person in +authority, and to this one he appealed to direct him to the Spooner +contract. + +"Who are you?" demanded the man sharply. + +"My name is Rush. May I ask who you are?" + +"I am the mine captain. Do you work with Spooner?" + +"I am going to do so if I can find the way to his place." + +"Come this way. I will show you how to get there. You are late." + +"Yes, sir; I was not able to find my way and I guess I was among the +last ones to come down in the cage." + +"This is your first experience below ground?" + +"It is, sir." + +"Then let me give you some advice; never get careless. There is danger +everywhere about here." + +"So I have already discovered, sir." + +"There is no excuse for men getting hurt, however, if they do not get +careless. That is why so many get hurt, and why some lose their lives. +We do everything we can to look out for the safety of our people, but we +cannot guard against everything." + +"I shall try to follow your advice, sir." + +The captain strode along rapidly through dark drifts, turning here and +there with perfect confidence. Steve felt sure that he never should be +able to find his way about in that labyrinth without getting lost, and +he asked the captain how he should do so. + +"Follow the crowd," was the brief answer. "There, do you see that +ladder?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Climb it. It is a forty-foot ladder. The top of it is the sub-level, +where the Spooner contract is located." + +"Thank you, sir," answered Rush, beginning his long, dark climb up the +slender ladder to the unknown regions above him. + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +STEVE SHOOTS THE CHUTES + + +Reaching the sub-level, as he supposed, Steve found it enshrouded in +inky blackness. He was in a side drift, but he did not know it. + +"I guess I am as badly off as I was before. I haven't the least idea +where I am, so I guess there is not much danger of getting lost." + +Removing the candle from his hat, the lad held it before him, lighting +the shadows sufficiently to enable him to see where he was stepping. +After a time he came out into a larger tunnel, which, he decided, must +be one of the main levels, for there was a narrow track extending along +it. Steve decided to follow this track and trust to luck. He had gone +along for perhaps fifteen minutes when he made a discovery. + +"I've lost the track!" he exclaimed. "I wonder where it could have gone +to?" + +The lad retraced his steps, but search as he might he was unable to find +the steel rails again. For what seemed hours to him the youthful miner +wandered here and there. The fact that he had neither seen nor heard +anyone led him to where the work was +going on. + +Steve was beginning to get disheartened. He was thankful that he had his +dinner pail with him, in case he failed to find his way out before the +day's work was done. + +At last, however, he reached a drift or level, he did not know which, +where he could not stand upright. The rocks overhead had been shored up +with heavy timbers. It was a dangerous spot. Steve understood that +without being told, so he crawled quickly through. At the far end of the +low drift he encountered another ladder. + +Deciding that it must lead to an upper level, the lad began climbing. He +had gotten a little more than half way up when all at once his candle +slipped from his hand, falling clear to the bottom, where it went out, +leaving Steve in darkness. + +"Oh, that's too bad. I must get it again before I dare go on any +further." + +Steve hurried down and began searching about on the ground for the lost +candle. After a little he found it, but the candle was useless. In +tramping about he had crushed it under his heavy boots, flattening the +candle out hopelessly. + +"Only a grease spot," muttered Steve. "Well, I can't be much worse off +than I have been, so I am going back up the ladder. I surely must find +someone if I keep on hunting about. There are more than five hundred men +in this mine right now, and unless they are all hiding from me I am +bound to run across some of them. I am afraid I am not much of a success +as a miner. At least my first day below ground has been a sad failure so +far." + +Steve was on his way up the ladder once more. It was a long climb, much +longer, it seemed to him, than the other ladder had been. He began to +climb faster, when all at once he received a shock that wrenched his +hands loose from the rungs of the ladder. Before the lad could regain +his balance he toppled over backwards and plunged downward. + +Steve's head had come in contact with the rocks above, that left but a +small space for a man to crawl through to reach the upper level. He had +bumped his head with such force as to cause him to let go. + +Grasping frantically for something to stay his flight, the lad went +tumbling down. He landed on the ground at the bottom, flat on his back, +bruised and breathless. + +For a moment Steve lay where he had fallen. But shortly he got up, +rubbing his bruises gingerly and trying to collect his thoughts. + +"Tumble number one," muttered Rush. "I'll try it again." + +This time he met with better success, for he managed to get through the +manhole above without striking his head against the rocks. But once on +the upper level the question arose as to what to do next. There was the +same dense blackness over all, the same deep silence that the lad had +found below. + +After considering a moment, he decided to feel his way along as best he +could. An investigation had told him that his dinner was still safe, +though the tin pail had been battered all out of shape. + +"I'll bet there is some scrambled egg in the bottom of the pail," said +Steve, with a short laugh. + +Once more he took up his journey through the dark tunnels, feeling +cautiously with feet and hands before he took a step forward. He had +gone along in this way for some time when he halted abruptly, leaning +forward in a listening attitude. + +"What's that?" he muttered. "I know! I know what it is; it's a drill. I +would recognize that 'bang, bang, bang' anywhere. That means I am close +to some operations. The next thing is to find where the sound comes +from. It must be ahead of me somewhere, for I can just hear it, whereas +a few moments ago I could not." + +Again he began cautiously working forward. After a while the sounds came +to him more clearly. Steve had swerved to the right and entered a new +drift, though he was not aware of the fact and whereas he had been +proceeding directly east, he was now headed south. + +The bang, bang of the compressed air drill was getting louder and louder +as the moments passed. After a time the boy halted again. The sounds +seemed to come from directly beneath him. + +"I believe that is on the level below this," he decided. "How am I to +find the way down to it? If I go back I shall be lost. I'll call and see +if I can attract attention from any of them." + +The lad shouted at the top of his voice, but only his own echoes came +back to him in hollow tones. + +Suddenly a twinkling light appeared far down the level. The lad +recognized it at once as being a candle on a miner's hat. + +"Hello, there!" he called. + +"What do you want?" came the answer. + +"I am lost." + +"Go find yourself, then. Don't bother me." + +Steve did not propose to let it go at that. He ran forward to where the +miner was about to descend a ladder to the lower level. + +"Won't you please help me, sir. I am in a fix." + +"Well, what do you want?" demanded the miner in a surly tone, pausing a +few rungs down the ladder. + +"I am looking for the Spooner contract. Will you please direct me to +it?" + +"Follow this level around to the left until you come to three drifts. +Take the middle one to the end, and then go down the ladder you will +find there." + +"Thank you. Can you spare me a candle?" + +"No; I can't." + +The man grasped the side pieces of the ladder, letting himself down in a +rapid slide. Steve Rush found himself once more left in darkness. At +least he had his directions now, and he thought he could find his way to +the contract for which he was looking. + +So the lad pressed on with more confidence than before. After proceeding +some distance he found by groping about that he had reached the place +indicated. He took the middle drift, as directed, and hurried along +this. He had no idea what time it was, but Steve imagined that it must +be near noon. It seemed as though a long time must have passed since he +entered the mine with the day shift, whereas, in truth, not quite two +hours had elapsed. + +The lad was thinking over his misfortunes, smiling grimly to +himself--for Steve Rush was not a boy to whine, no matter how great his +adversity--when all at once the ground seemed to drop from under his +feet. + +On all levels there are "rises," small chutes which extend from one +level to another. These are in addition to the regular ore chutes and +considerably smaller. They are used for filling cars below, when +necessary, as ore is always dumped downward into a lower level, from +which it is hoisted to the surface, thus saving the labor of loading. It +was one of these rises into which Steve had stepped. To do so he had +swerved from the tunnel through which he was passing, stepping into an +open pocket in the rocks, believing that he was following the wall, on +which he had kept one hand constantly. + +The lad uttered no cry, but he threw out both arms with quick instinct, +hoping thereby to catch and hold himself. The force was too great, +however, and Steve Rush shot down through the narrow opening, bound for +the lower level. He did not know this; he did not know where he was +going to land, but he fully expected that this last disaster would be +the end of him and he shut his teeth tightly together, bracing himself +to meet the shock that he knew must come within the next few seconds. + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE "MISSED HOLE" + + +On the seventeenth sub-level of the Cousin Jack Mine the Spooner +contract gang was working at high pressure. Two diamond drills were +banging away like a battery of Gatling guns; men were rushing here and +there, some were pushing small cars of red ore out through the drift to +the level, where the electric trams would pick up the cars and rush them +to the ore chutes. The pick men were breaking off the loosened pieces of +ore dislodged by the last blast, while others were shoveling the ore +into cars as if their very existence depended upon keeping up the pace. + +Spooner himself, clad in a suit of oilskins, was shouting at his men, +nagging, urging, threatening and directing in a perfect volley of +explosive words. + +A car had just been pushed out from the end of the drift where the +drillers were working. It had reached a point directly underneath the +rise and there it stuck, held fast by a piece of rock that had dropped +to the track. + +Spooner leaped forward with an angry roar. + +"Out with it! I'll fire you both, you lazy, good for nothings!" he +bellowed. "You ain't fit even to be swampers behind a pair of lazy +mules. Push, I tell you! Push! Something will be doing here in a jiffy +if you don't get that car out of the way!" + +His words were prophetic in a measure, for something did happen a few +seconds later, though Spooner was not the author of it. Rather was he +the victim. + +With a crash the trap door at the bottom of the rise burst open with a +sound like a dynamite explosion in a new drift. A dark object was hurled +out into the level, landing squirming on the soft ore in the car. + +"What--what----" + +Spooner did not finish what he was about to say. The dark object bounded +from the ore car, landing with great force against the angry contractor. +Spooner toppled over backwards, the breath pretty well knocked out of +him, collapsing in the gutter at the side of the track. + +Steve Rush had found the Spooner contract at last. The lad was not much +the worse for his exciting slide, though he had been somewhat bruised +when he burst through the wooden trap door at the lower end of the rise. + +Steve was up in a twinkling. He looked about him and in a half laughing +voice demanded: + +"Where am I?" + +"I reckon you're on seventeen," answered one of the miners. + +"Where's the boss?" + +"He's down there under you somewhere. I guess you knocked the daylight +out of him. I hope you did. If it wasn't for my wife and family I'd a +done it long time ago." + +"Yes; I'd give a year's wages for the privilege of turning the diamond +drill on him," added the head driller. + +"Did I hit a man?" asked Steve anxiously. + +"No; you hit an apology for a man," was the quick reply. + +By this time young Rush was bending over, looking down into the shadows +that hung over the gutter along the side of the track. He made out the +figure of a man lying there. + +"Help me get him up, men," he cried. "Don't you see that he is hurt?" + +"Serve him right if he is," growled the trammer, the workman who pushed +the cars of ore out into the main level. + +"I tell you he is hurt. Lend a hand here!" commanded the boy sternly. + +Something in his tone led the others to obey his order promptly. They +gathered up Contractor Spooner and carried him over to where the light +from the candles could be thrown on his face. + +"Douse him with a pail of water," suggested the drill-man. + +Someone quickly adopted the suggestion, with the result that Spooner sat +up almost at once, choking, roaring and threatening between his gasps +for breath. + +"Who--who did it? Who did it?" snarled the contractor, struggling to his +feet. "Who hit me?" + +The man's hat had fallen from his head, and for the moment Steve did not +answer. He was too fully absorbed in gazing at the harsh face of the man +before him. + +Balanced on Spooner's tall, angular body was a round, bullet-like head, +with a rim of reddish-gray hair. His lips were protruding, sagging at +each corner, while the lids over his prominent eyes blinked as though +trying to run a race with each other. + +"Who did it, I say?" roared the contractor, fixing his angry eyes upon +the face of Steve Rush. + +"I am afraid I am the guilty one, sir. But it was an accident. I will +tell you how it occurred. I----" + +Spooner gave the lad no opportunity to explain. Instead, the contractor, +with an angry imprecation, started for Rush. + +Steve's mind worked quickly. He was not afraid; he was considering +whether it were best to run or to stand his ground, and he decided upon +the latter. + +"Stand back! Don't you touch me! I tell you it was an accident!" shouted +the boy. + +The contractor was too enraged to listen to reason, and as he sprang for +Rush he thrust forth his long arms to grab the boy. + +Spooner got a blow on the nose that sent him staggering backward, but +Steve did not follow up the advantage he had gained. He could not expect +to prove a match for the powerful miner, and perhaps he would not have +been able to hit the latter as he did had the other been looking for +anything of the sort. Spooner was more surprised than hurt. + +"If you will wait, sir, I will explain. I am sorry I fell on you and +sorry I had to hit you, but you mustn't lay your hands on me. You +must----" + +All work in drift seventeen had been suspended for the moment, and even +the diamond drills had ceased their bang, bang, bang. Every man in the +drift, save Spooner himself, had uttered a yell of delight when he saw +the young miner's sturdy punch. + +"Look out, lad; he's coming for you again. Spooner, remember he's a boy; +don't do anything you'll be sorry for. You'll be----" + +The contractor had started for young Rush again. + +"Get out of here!" roared the man. "Out of here before I wring your +miserable neck!" + +Steve snatched up an iron bar that the trammers used to fasten the +catches on the cars. He raised the bar over his shoulder. + +"If you try to touch me I'll hit you, sir," said the lad in a tone so +polite and pleasant that Spooner paused in amazement, then uttered a +hoarse guffaw. Nevertheless he halted where he was, for he saw an +expression in the eyes of the boy before him which spelled trouble. +Furthermore, Spooner knew how strict the rules of the mine were, and now +that he had had an opportunity to get control of himself he decided not +to throw the young man out bodily. + +"Get out of here before I help you, then. I can't stand everything. Go +to work, you lazy louts! What do you mean by standing around on my time? +I'll dock every man of you an hour's pay. Start those drills. Trammers, +off with you. Are you going, boy?" + +"No, sir." + +"You're not going?" + +"No, sir; I am going to work here." + +"Oh, you are, eh? Well, I think I shall have something to say about +that. You're not going to work here, and I should like to know what you +are doing down in this mine, anyway. I'll have the mine captain put you +out. It's my opinion that you are not here for any good, and you're +lucky if he doesn't turn you over to the mine police." + +"I have been assigned to work in this drift. The superintendent ordered +me to report to you, sir. I am ready to go to work." + +The contractor gazed at the boy with a puzzled expression on his face. + +"You, a boy like you, work here? Pooh! What do you think this is, a +kindergarten?" + +"I am able to do a day's work; besides, it is the superintendent's +orders, sir." + +Spooner knew the boy had the best of him there. The superintendent's +orders were to be obeyed, no matter if Spooner was mining on a contract +agreement. + +"Very well; if you want to work you shall have all the work you can do. +I'll see the superintendent about your case when I go up to-day noon." + +"What shall I do?" + +"Do? Don't you see anything to do?" + +"I see some things I should like to do," answered Steve Rush in a +significant tone, eyeing the contractor steadily. + +"Get hold of that shovel. I can't break your head as I ought to do, but +the shovel will break your back before you get through with this day's +work." + +Steve grasped the shovel and began throwing the ore into the waiting +car. + +Spooner eyed the lad narrowly for a few moments. He was obliged to admit +that Rush handled the shovel as well as any man he had ever had in his +gang. + +"You ought to be in the bull gang," jeered the contractor. "Yes, sir, +you are wasting your talents working in an ore drift." + +"What is a bull gang?" questioned the lad between shovels. + +"That is the gang that shifts the timber down into the mine," answered +the man shoveling by Steve's side. "The timber-men below take the stuff +and build the supports and the lagging to keep the levels from caving +in, you know." + +"Where's your candle?" demanded Spooner. "You're a nice sort of a miner +to come to work without a candle in your stick!" + +"I lost it. You see, I lost my way and had a time getting here," +explained Steve. + +"Get one when you go up to-day noon. And remember you get only two +hours' pay for the forenoon. If you're ever late like this again you are +through right then and there." + +Steve did not answer. He shoveled with all his might. + +"Ready for the powder," called the head drill-man. + +All the men save Steve and the powder-man laid down their tools and +moved off. The boy continued at his work, his shovel making a steady +scrape, scrape as he threw the ore up into the car. + +In the meantime the powder-man was adjusting a charge of dynamite in +each of the holes in the ore made by the drills. + +"Well, boy?" called Mr. Spooner. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are you going to stay there and have your fool head blown off?" + +"Why----" + +"Don't you see, they're going to fire a charge of dynamite. Get out of +that!" + +"Stand c-l-e-a-r!" called the powder-man in a sing-song tone. + +All hands ran back so as to be well out of the way, and now that Steve +understood what was being done, he shouldered his shovel and moved +leisurely off in the direction taken by the others. + +"That's the worst of a fool kid," grumbled the contractor. "They don't +know enough to come in out of the wet----" + +"The fuse is fired! Look out!" warned the powder-man, starting away from +the scene on a run. + +Steve watched the sputtering, squirming fuse far down the drift as the +flame neared the charge of dynamite, six pounds all told. It seemed to +him that all of them were in a dangerous position, but not being +familiar with blasting, he supposed the miners knew their own business +best. + +It is always an anxious moment in the mines when, gathered in an +expectant group, the workers underground stand waiting for the charge of +dynamite to explode. It is seldom that anyone speaks during this brief +period of suspense until the flash comes, followed by a puff of white +smoke, a heavy report and a rain of rock and ore. + +In this instance the wait seemed unusually long. The flash did not come. + +"Missed hole," announced Spooner in a tone of disgust. "Five minutes of +valuable time lost. That's the way the money goes in this gang. Get in +there and attach a new fuse, powder-man. Don't be all day about it, +either. If I wasn't around here to watch things we wouldn't get half a +dozen tons a day out of this drift. First thing you know we'll all be +out of a job. Come, are you going to get in there?" + +"It ain't safe," answered the powder-man, shaking his head, sending a +shower of grease from his candle into the face of Steve Rush. + +"I see I've got to do it myself," exclaimed Spooner, grabbing a handful +of fuses from the shoulders of the man who handled the dynamite. + +The powder-man reached for his fuses, but the contractor already had +them in his hand and was striding toward the drift. + +The powder-man hesitated, then started after him on a trot. + +"It's again' the rules, sir, to go in until ten minutes after firing the +fuse when there's a missed hole," he warned. + +"Rules!" jeered the contractor. "I'm the rules. I guess I'm running this +drift." + +By this time both men had reached the dome-like space where the drift +ended, which included a very rich vein of iron ore. + +Steve Rush shaded his eyes and, stooping over, peered into the drift. He +was looking between the two men who at that moment were arguing +excitedly. They appeared to have forgotten that they were treading on +dangerous ground, but long familiarity with high explosives had made +them careless. + +The lad saw something a few feet beyond them that caused his heart to +leap. A tiny spark had sprung up from the darkness, then as suddenly +died out. + +"Look out!" shouted the young miner, now keenly alive to the danger of +the men ahead. + +"Keep that kid still, or throw him down on the next level!" called +Spooner over his shoulder. "I expect he'll have an attack of hysterics +when we fire the blast." + +"I tell you it isn't a missed hole!" cried the boy. + +"Don't be a fool," jeered the head trammer. + +Steve did not hear him. The boy had started off with a bound. His hat +dropped from his head and his shovel fell clattering to the ground. +"Come back, I tell you!" shouted Rush. + +A few seconds more and he was right upon them. Without wasting further +words of warning, he grabbed the contractor, and with surprising +strength for one of his build, Steve hurled Spooner far out into the +drift, that official bellowing his rage at the indignity. + +Steve reached for the powder-man. His hands had just been laid on the +man's shoulders when there came a blinding flash, a detonating report, a +rending and tearing of rocks, then a shower of ore and stone. + +Darkness settled over the drift and all was still. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +IN THE POWDER-WRECKED DRIFT + + +For a moment those outside the end of the drift stood in awed silence. +The candles on the hats of the miners had been extinguished by the +explosion. + +Nothing will cause an underground miner to lose his head quicker than +being plunged into sudden darkness. Several of them set up a terrified +yell. + +"Hold your tongues!" bellowed the contractor. "You haven't been hurt. +Don't you know enough to light your candles? That's the best way I know +of to get rid of the darkness." + +Spooner lighted his own candle, holding it in his hand above his head as +he looked about. He stepped forward toward the place where his men had +been drifting in the ore. + +"Just as I expected," he growled. "More time wasted." + +The timbers that had supported the roof of the drift had crashed +downward, carrying with them a few tons of rock and ore, blocking the +passage completely. + +"Are--are the men in there killed?" questioned a trammer in unsteady +tones. + +"How should I know?" growled the contractor. "I do know that we are +losing a lot of valuable time. If that fool powder-man hadn't been in +such a hurry we should have been spared all this delay. Get busy with +your shovels and picks here." + +There were ugly scowls on the faces of the miners as they sprang forward +to obey the order of their employer. They knew full well that it was not +the fault of either the powder-man or Steve Rush, but of Spooner +himself. It was he who had insisted upon going into the drift to examine +the missed hole, and had it not been for the bravery of Steve the +contractor would now be lying dead behind the mass of rock. + +The men spoke no word, but their hearts were full of indignation. They +cared not for the loss of time, nor for any other loss that their +employer might have suffered. They did care for the unfortunate man and +boy buried in the drift. + +In the meantime word had been conveyed to the mine captain that an +accident had occurred in number seventeen. With a force of men he was +already hurrying to the scene as fast as an electric tram could carry +him. The word he had received was to the effect that several men had +been killed. The company's surgeon had been sent for and all +preparations were made to care for the wounded. + +During all this time brave little Steve Rush lay inside the drift, half +buried under rock and red ore. He had toppled backwards when the +explosion came, half turned and had fallen face downward, his arms +crossed under his forehead so that his nose and mouth were free. +Otherwise he undoubtedly would have smothered before help could reach +him. + +Steve stirred uneasily, coughed and tried to raise himself. He could not +do so. He found himself held down by an oppressive weight. Some little +time elapsed before his return to consciousness, and even then he was +still dazed. At first he tried hard to recall what had happened, and at +last it all came back to him. + +"There was another in here with me--the powder-man. I wonder if he is +dead?" muttered the lad. + +After some difficulty the lad got his hands free of his head and began +feeling about him. He made a discovery that thrilled him through and +through. The body of the powder-man lay across his own, holding the lad +firmly to the ground. + +Yet under these trying conditions the lad did not lose his steady nerve +for an instant. As his mind became clearer he began weighing the +possibilities of getting out of his predicament. He reasoned that he and +his companion must have been imprisoned in some way by the explosion. +All the time he was carefully twisting his body this way and that in an +effort to free himself without hurting the man who was lying across him. + +At last Rush succeeded in crawling from under his human burden and the +weight of ore and rock that hemmed them both in. + +Steve's first act was to stretch forth a hand to his companion. The hand +wandered from the face of the prostrate man down over the heart, where +it paused. + +A faint, irregular beating of that organ rewarded Steve's effort. + +"He's alive," cried the lad, scrambling to his feet. "He's----" + +A severe fit of coughing cut short the young miner's words. A dense +cloud of suffocating powder smoke hung over the drift like a pall. + +Steve dropped to the ground, pressing his face close to the earth, where +he found the air better. After a few long breaths he began searching for +a candle. He knew there had been one on the powder-man's cap when the +explosion came. A search, however, failed to locate the candle. + +"I wish I knew what to do for him," muttered the lad. "He surely will +die here unless they get us out pretty soon, and I wouldn't give much +for my own life if I had to stay in this awful air very long." + +Steve uttered a long shout, which ended in a fit of coughing. + +"No more shouting for me," he muttered, wiping the tears from his +eyes--tears not caused by fear or grief. + +He next tried shaking the powder-man, which drew a groan from the man, +whereupon the lad quickly desisted. + +After a moment's reflection, the boy stuffed a handkerchief in his +mouth, permitting it to cover his nose, to keep out the full strength of +the powder smoke. This done, he got to his feet again, and began feeling +his way about the chamber in which the accident had occurred. + +"Ah, this is it!" + +His hands paused when they came in contact with a heap of crushed +timber, and his feet struck a mass of ore piled against the foot-wall of +the drift. + +For a moment Rush stood motionless, reflecting on the situation. He +could hear no sounds on the outside. + +"Either they are all killed out there, or else we are buried so deep +that I cannot hear them. I do not know which it is, but I think it must +be the latter," the boy decided. "We are imprisoned in the drift; that +is certain." + +The lad, after some searching about, found a shovel, and with this he +began throwing the dirt back from the place where the opening had been. +The effort was too much for him. Strong as he was, the shock of the +explosion had weakened him and the powder smoke choked him until he went +off into another fit of coughing. To relieve himself he lay down again. + +The fresh air along the floor of the drift strengthened him somewhat, +and once more he turned his attention to the powder-man. He lifted the +miner's head gently, placing it in his own lap, after which he chafed +the man's hands and forehead. The miner drew a long, deep sigh and +stirred uneasily. Perhaps something of the lad's tender sympathy touched +his inner consciousness. + +"Poor fellow!" murmured Steve, forcing back the lump that rose in his +throat. "This is not a life for the weak or the timid. It is a man's +work and I'm going to be a man." + +Steve continued to stroke the face and hands of the powder-man until, +becoming dizzy from inhaling the powder smoke, he lay down again until +somewhat revived. + +"I must try to attract the attention out there," decided the lad +finally. + +Choosing a piece of rock large enough to answer his purpose, he began +thumping on the broken timbers. The attempt was not very successful, for +he seemed to make no noise at all. Then something else occurred to him. + +Illustration: Seizing the Shovel, Steve Began Beating the Timbers. + +"The shovel!" he cried. "Why did I not think of it before?" + +Grabbing up the tool, he began beating the timbers with it in wide, +swinging strokes. + +Bang, bang, bang, went the shovel, the lad now and then pausing to +listen. Once he thought he caught an answering blow from the opposite +side, but he did not hear it again. Then he set up a piece of rock, the +largest he could find, and began hammering on this. + +Steve's ears were ringing by this time, and during the intervals when he +ceased hammering on the timbers or the rock he was overcome by a roaring +sound as if a great flood had been suddenly let loose. He did not +understand what this meant. The silence of the underground prison had +become a chaos of noises, the lad's blows became weaker and at longer +intervals apart. + +"I wonder what--what is the matter with me. I'm getting sleepy," he +muttered. + +A few more blows and the shovel dropped from his nerveless fingers. +Steve staggered, then collapsed unconscious across the body of the +powder-man. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +"IS ANYONE ALIVE IN THERE?" + + +"Order the timber-men in here! Get a pair of jacks and raise the timbers +bodily. Get a move on you, men! We may be able to save them yet!" + +Superintendent Penton, of the Cousin Jack Mine, had been summoned by +telephone at the first sign of trouble. In his miner's outfit, with a +green candle stuck in the holder on his hat, he had hurried down into +the mine and made his way quickly to the sub-level where the accident +had occurred. He needed no guide to reach the place, for he knew the +maze of tunnels of that underground hive of industry so well that he +could have followed them to any given point with his eyes shut. + +A few brief, pointed questions had brought out the full story of the +accident, but Mr. Penton had not addressed Spooner; he had made his +inquiries from the men who had been working on that level and in the +drift where the explosion had happened. + +"Shovelers, here! Throw that rock back! Be careful that you do not +undermine the lagging and let the roof all the way down. It's lucky the +explosion blew ore enough out to hold the timbers off the ground, or our +work would be much more difficult." + +The superintendent had taken full charge of the operations. His long +experience had told him exactly what to do. The official showed no trace +of excitement; instead, his every faculty was centered on the work in +hand. His tones were stern, his orders sharp and incisive. + +By this time the jacks had been brought. At the superintendent's +direction a heavy timber had been placed as a support under those that +had been broken and the jacks set to work. Little by little, creaking +and groaning, the wrecked lagging was raised inch by inch. + +"Steady, there! Hold it, men!" + +Those at the jacks stopped work. + +"Let half a dozen shovelers get in there," Penton directed. "Throw out +some of that dirt. We must get an opening as soon as possible to let air +in. Throw away the larger pieces first." + +In the meantime the superintendent had ordered a fresh drill brought up, +the one belonging to that shift being in the wrecked drift. A line of +pipe had been laid to the nearest connection to furnish the compressed +air with which to operate the drill. + +As soon as the rock had been removed sufficiently, the official ordered +the drill set in place. He indicated where the drilling was to be done +and a moment later the steady "bang, bang" of the diamond drill filled +the air to the exclusion of all other sounds. + +"She's through, sir," announced the drill-man, nodding to the +superintendent. + +"Withdraw the drill." + +The official placed his nose to the hole thus made, and shook his head. + +"You haven't reached it. Try a hole above the shoring. We must get air +in there." + +Again the powerful drill began its work. Gathered in a closely massed +group were the other miners waiting, silent, anxious, the flames of +candles on their caps flickering and swaying from side to side in the +faint draft that swirled through the long, dark cavern. Attention was +divided between the working drill and the calm-faced, strong, +resourceful man who was directing the operations. He was master and the +men knew it. + +"All right." announced the drill-man again. + +The superintendent nodded. The drill was withdrawn. Following it came a +little puff of white, nauseating smoke. + +"We've hit it," announced the executive calmly. "Now, bore another hole +on the same line but about six feet to the left, so we shall get a draft +through the enclosed drift." + +This was promptly done. + +The superintendent, as soon as the noise of the drill had ceased, placed +his lips close to the hole thus made. + +"Hello, in there! Is anyone alive in there?" + +No answer came from the closed drift. + +"They're dead. What's the use in bothering about them?" growled Spooner. + +Mr. Penton shot a withering glance at the contractor. + +"We will proceed on the theory that they are alive until we have learned +that they are not," replied the superintendent coldly. + +"Shall we go on raising the lagging?" asked the timber-man. + +"No; wait until the powder smoke is out of the drift and some fresh air +has taken its place. The two men in there will be suffocated unless we +free the place of powder fumes. Remove the drill from the pipe and force +a little air through the vent holes. Not too much; just enough to +dislodge the smoke and force it out. It won't stand much pressure. +There, that will do. Now, jackmen, get to work. Keep on shoveling below +there." + +Giving his orders calmly and encouragingly, the work proceeded with +great success. The diggers were gradually boring in under the timber +that the jacks were raising. + +After a time their shovels and bars poked a hole through the debris into +the drift. It was a small hole, so small that the average man would have +difficulty in getting through it. + +Among those who had hurried to the scene was Bob Jarvis. He had been +using a shovel industriously, and when the opening had been made he +stepped up to the superintendent. + +"I think I can crawl in there now, if you will let me. I want to get +that Hurry-up kid out," added Bob. + +"Go in, if you think you can get through," nodded the superintendent. +"Better tie a rope to one foot before you start, so we can pull you out +if you get wedged in." + +While Bob was making ready, the official got down on his hands and knees +and examined the opening in the attempt to satisfy himself that it would +be safe for a man to go through. + +A moment more and Bob Jarvis was wriggling through the little tunnel on +his stomach. There was still so much smoke in the drift that he nearly +choked as he pulled himself up and began groping about in the darkness. +Now that he was in he lighted his candle, and there before him lay the +man and the boy. + +Bob gave Rush a violent shake. Steve opened his eyes. + +"So you're all right, eh?" + +"Ye--yes. Have--have you come to li--lick me?" mumbled Steve closing his +eyes. + +"No; I've come to get you out of this hole. We'll talk about the licking +later on. Is the other fellow dead?" + +Rush pulled himself to a sitting posture at this. + +"No; I think not. He was alive when I went to sleep. He may be dead now. +Come, we must get him out. How did you get in?" + +"Crawled in through that hole. Come along; I'll help you out first. You +need looking after, judging from your appearance." + +Steve Rush's face was ghastly white and covered with blood in spots. He +had sustained a scalp wound where a sharp-edged rock had hit him. It was +evident, however, that the powder-man was in much more serious +condition. The man was still breathing when Bob peered into his face. + +"Yes; he's alive, but I'll help you out now," Jarvis repeated. + +"You will do nothing of the sort. This man needs attention first. I'll +help you with him. How are we going to get him through that small +opening without hurting him?" + +"We'll have to do the best we can," answered Bob. + +"I'll tell you, Jarvis; you crawl in backwards and I will hand him to +you. Tell those on the outside to get hold of your feet and pull when +you get far enough in. Do you think he will go through the hole?" + +"No; we've got to dig away some dirt inside here first. This end is the +smaller. The other is large enough for him. It's lucky he isn't a fat +man, or we could not do it." + +Together the lads labored industriously for several minutes. + +"Are they alive?" called the voice of the superintendent through the +hole. + +"Yes, both of them. Powder-man badly injured, I think." + +All preparations being made, Bob crawled into the hole, while Steve, as +carefully as he could, thrust the powder-man in after, feet first. + +It was a difficult task that Jarvis had set for himself, but he went at +it with stubborn determination. Finally, after moments of wriggling and +inch-by-inch progress, the men outside the drift managed to get hold of +his feet, as Steve had directed them to do. The rest was easy. + +It was now Steve's turn, and he crawled through the hole as quickly as +possible, though he felt himself growing momentarily weaker. At last he +stood outside the drift. He was swaying giddily. + +"Take this boy to the hospital," directed the superintendent. + +"I'm all right, sir. That is, I will be as soon as I recover from the +effects of the smoke. I'll----" + +"I suppose you hid behind the powder-man to save yourself," sneered +Spooner. + +Mr. Penton turned on the man, his face flushing hotly. It was the first +time the superintendent had shown the slightest trace of excitement. + +"That will do, Spooner. You cut that out. You ought to be ashamed of +yourself after this boy has saved your life. I know all about it. You +will see to it that he gets full time while he is laying off in the +hospital." + +"Not at my expense he won't." + +"Very well; then let it be at my own. But I shall see to it that you do +not get another contract in the Cousin Jack Mine after you have finished +with this one. I shall have something to say to you later, also, about +this accident." + +"Oh, of course I'll pay him if that's the way you feel about it. I'll +pay him." + +"I thought you would," answered the superintendent dryly. + +In the meantime the powder-man had been conveyed to the surface and +removed to the hospital in the superintendent's carriage, the driver +having received orders to return at once. + +"Do you feel able to walk, Rush?" questioned the executive. + +"Ye--yes, sir; I--I think so, sir." + +"I'll help him," spoke up Bob Jarvis quickly. + +"Yes; help him to the cage and go up with him." + +Steve found that he was weaker than he thought, but leaning on Bob's +strong arm he made his way to the lower level, where the lads caught the +cage a few moments later and were conveyed to the surface. + +"I'll not forget this, Jarvis," murmured Steve. + +"Forget what?" + +"Your kindness to me." + +"I'm kind to you for another reason. I'll see you later. When you get +well I'll have something to say to you, Miss Hurry-up," was Bob's +parting shot, as he lifted the lad into the carriage and turned back to +the shaft to return to his work below ground. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +BOB MAKES GOOD HIS WORD + + +"The superintendent wishes to see you at his office when convenient." + +This message was brought to Steve Rush at his boarding house on the day +following the accident in the drift. The lad's wounds had been treated, +and he had been allowed to go home late in the afternoon of the same +day. The powder-man, however, had been much more seriously injured. It +was doubtful if the man ever would be able to work in the mines again. + +Steve would have returned to work on the following morning, had the +superintendent not given orders that he was not to do so, and the +superintendent's orders were law in the mines. + +The lad was somewhat surprised at the summons. However, he lost no time +in going over to the offices. The superintendent was out at the moment +and Rush was ushered into the handsome private office, where he was told +to wait. Steve gazed about him, nodding thoughtfully. + +"One of these days I shall have an office like this," he thought aloud. +"Some day, in the distant future, I shall be a superintendent, too." + +"So you want to be a superintendent, eh?" + +The boy turned to find himself looking into the smiling face of Mr. +Penton. Steve's face flushed rosy red. + +"I--I guess I must have been thinking out loud, sir." + +"Your ambition is a worthy one. Keep on in the way you are going and +promotion is sure. You are now a part of one of the greatest games in +the industrial world. Realize this and you have made a long stride +forward. How are you feeling to-day?" + +"I do realize it, sir, and I am proud of the very small part I am +playing in that world. In answer to your question, I am feeling +perfectly well to-day; I am ready for work." + +"To-morrow will be time enough. Take the day off. Your pay will go on +just the same. In this connection there is another little matter that I +have sent for you to adjust. You are not of age?" + +"Oh, no, sir." + +"I will state what I have to say, just the same. It is customary, when +one has been hurt in the mines, to have our claim adjuster call upon him +at proper time and make such settlement as can be agreed upon, after +which the injured party signs a release. I have prepared a release here +with the amount left blank. You have done a very brave act; I am +willing to do what is right in the matter. To what extent do you think +you have been damaged, Rush?" + +There was a quizzical look in the eyes of the superintendent as he asked +the question. + +"Have you the release?" + +Mr. Penton handed a paper to the boy. The latter read it through +carefully, then asking for a pen, drew a line through the space left +blank for the amount and signed his name. + +"I am not that kind of man, Mr. Penton," said Steve. "If you wish my +mother's signature to the paper, I will have her sign it. I do not care +to receive any money that I have not earned." + +"Rush," said the superintendent, rising and placing a hand on the boy's +shoulder, "you talk like a true man. You _are_ a true man. It is not +your refusal of the money that causes me to say that, but the principle +that prompted the refusal. I felt that you would act as you have done. I +see I was not mistaken in you. You will get on. No boy with your spirit +could help getting on. Do you wish to be transferred from Spooner's +shift to one not so hard?" + +"No, sir; I am not looking for an easy job. I am looking for hard work +and to learn everything there is to learn in this great industry. When I +have earned promotion I want it." + +"And you shall have it. Finish the week in level seventeen and I'll see +what can be done for you in some other direction. Do you think you will +be able to work to-morrow?" + +"Oh, yes, sir." + +Mr. Penton shook hands with him and the lad departed, light hearted and +happy. He did not waste the time that he was resting--not Steve. Instead +he went directly back to the works, remaining all day in the vicinity of +the shaft watching the progress of the work and asking questions +whenever he could find anyone willing to answer them. He visited the dry +houses, where the miners changed their clothes and took their shower +baths, a clean, comfortable building provided with numbered lockers for +the street clothes of the employes of the company, and where those who +chose might eat their lunches in the cold weather. + +Steve learned a lesson that he did not forget. He learned it from the +old pensioner in charge of the dry houses. + +"Make your men comfortable, look out for their safety and you will get +fully a third more work out of them," said the old attendant. And this +was the principle on which the company acted. + +The day passed quickly, and Steve went early to bed, in order to be up +early on the following morning. This time he took no chances of getting +lost in the mine. He followed one of the trammers who worked in his part +of the mine, and reached Spooner's contract some fifteen minutes before +the hour for beginning work. The contractor liked to have his men on the +job early, and when he could drive them into doing so, he managed to get +ten minutes or so extra work out of them before the whistle on the level +blew the signal to begin work. + +Steve smiled good-naturedly when Spooner ordered him to get in and begin +shoveling. The lad was not averse to doing so. All evidences of the +accident had been removed and once more the drift was open and workable. +A new powder-man had taken the place of the injured man, a quiet, +self-contained young fellow on whom Spooner's bulldozing tactics had no +effect. + +"See here, boy, how about that shovel?" demanded the contractor, after +the lad had been working a short time. + +"What do you mean, sir?" + +"I mean the shovel you banged up hammering on the drift to make us +hear." + +Rush looked puzzled. + +"What about it, sir?" + +"Shovels cost money. I have to furnish the tools on my job. I'll expect +you to pay for that one. Got any money with you?" + +"No, sir." + +"Well, see that you bring it to-morrow. The shovel's worth a dollar." + +"Yes, sir. I will speak to the superintendent about it, and if he says +it is proper for me to pay you I will do so," replied the lad wisely. + +"Speak to the superintendent?" shouted the contractor. "You'll do +nothing of the sort. I'm running my business; the super isn't. If you +try that game on me I'll fire you. You don't have to pay for the shovel +if you don't want to. But you're a cheat if you don't." + +"I am not a cheat," protested Steve indignantly. "As I said before, if +the superintendent says I ought to pay you, I shall do so gladly. You +can fire me if you wish to. I am not so much in love with number +seventeen that I would shed tears were I ordered out of it." + +The contractor glared, started to speak, then gaining control of +himself, turned and walked away. Rush, in the meantime, was +energetically throwing dirt and when the long day was ended he had +shoveled into ore cars ten tons of soft ore. The lad handed his tally +slip to the contractor at the close of the day's work. + +Spooner uttered a grunt of disapproval. + +"Only ten tons!" he groaned. "You'll have to do better than that. Unless +you can handle twelve you're not fit to be below ground." + +"I understand, sir, that twelve tons a day is the record and that only +one man has accomplished that in the last ten years," answered the boy +promptly. "But I'll equal it before I am through here; not especially to +gratify you, but for my own satisfaction." + +Mr. Spooner had no more to say. + +"How many tons a day does he get out of this contract?" asked Steve, as +he was waiting for the cage to ascend to the surface. + +"Fifty tons is the most we ever got out in a day," was the answer from +Steve's companion. + +"How much does he get a ton?" + +"That we don't know. He never tells his business. Some contractors get +less and some more, depending upon how the ore runs, how much paint rock +there is to be thrown out in the dirt." + +"Do the others run about the same?" + +"I reckon they do." + +Steve was always seeking for information, and what he was learning in +these early days was to serve him well in the future. + +For the rest of the week he worked diligently, increasing his daily +output by at least a ton. One day he fell considerably below this, as +the ore came out hard and was not delivered to the car men as fast as +they could handle it. That was a day that Spooner was at his worst. + +Saturday came, the day that the young miner was to receive his first pay +envelope. He had made it a practice to carry his lunch below and eat it +there. This saved him considerable effort, and gave him an opportunity +to rest before the whistles blew to resume work. Steve usually chose +some quiet spot in an unused drift, where, seating himself by the side +of a little stream of water trickling from the rocks, he would stick his +candle-holder in a crevice and tuck the cover of his dinner pail under +the trickling stream to catch water to drink with his meal. + +He had just settled himself down for his noon-day meal, on this Saturday +afternoon, when he was attracted by a bobbing candle on a miner's cap +approaching him from down the drift just off the main level. + +"Now, I wonder what he wants?" mused Rush, peering out curiously. "I +believe that's Bob Jarvis. He is probably coming in here to eat his +dinner. He'll be surprised to find me here. Hello, Bob." + +"Hello yourself." + +"I just did. Sit down and have lunch with me." + +"I ain't lunching to-day. I----" + +"Eat some of mine if you haven't yours with you. There is enough for +both of us in my pail, and here is some of the finest water you ever +drank. It's colder than any ice water I ever tasted." + +Bob did not reply. He was standing over Steve, peering down at the +latter with a steady gaze. Presently Rush noticed that Jarvis was acting +peculiarly. There was a constraint in his manner that Steve had never +seen there before. + +"What's the matter? Anything gone wrong, Bob?" + +"No; nothing has gone wrong. Something's going that way pretty soon, +though." + +"What do you mean?" + +"I promised you a licking, didn't I?" + +"I believe you did, but that is all past now. You saved me from the +drift. I shan't forget that, old fellow. I hope I get a chance to do you +a good turn one of these days." + +"You're going to get it now." + +"I am going to get what?" + +"The licking." + +Steve rose slowly to his feet after carefully placing his dinner pail to +one side. + +"Do you mean you want to fight me after having saved my life, Bob +Jarvis?" + +"That's what!" + +Rush gazed steadily at his companion of the moment. The taller boy had +assumed a pugnacious attitude. + +"I don't want to fight you, Bob." + +"Then you'll stand for a coward; you'll be a 'missie' for certain." + +Steve began slowly to strip off his oilskins. His blouse and flannel +shirt came next. These removed, he stuck his candlestick in a crevice in +the rocks high enough up to shed a fairly good light over the drift. + +"How'll you have it?" he asked coolly. + +"No hitting below the belt; hammer in the clinches when we can. All fair +and above board," answered Jarvis, making himself ready for the fray. + +"Very well," replied Steve. "I am ready whenever you are." + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +YOUNG GLADIATORS MEET + + +"Going to take off your boots?" questioned Steve. + +"Sure." + +"Then I'll take mine off, too." + +He did so, tightened his belt and stepped out into the drift well within +the flickering circle of light shed by the two candles. + +"How are we going to decide it, Bob?" + +"The fellow who gets knocked out first loses. No second chance. Are you +ready?" + +"I've been ready for the last five minutes." + +"Look out--I'm coming!" + +Jarvis made a rush, swinging a quick blow at the head of his opponent. +Steve ducked and went under it, at the same time giving Bob a jolt in +the ribs that made the larger boy grunt. + +"Hello! You ain't such an easy mark as you'd have me believe, eh? Been +playing off, have you? Said you couldn't fight." + +"I never said so. I said I wasn't a fighter. I hope I have higher +ambitions in life than that. But is this a fight or an argument?" + +"It's a fight," shouted Jarvis, dancing in, his arms working like a +piston rod. + +Both boys led for the head at the same instant. Each countered with his +left, receiving the other's blow on his arm. After a rapid exchange of +blows, none of which landed, they backed away. But Steve, without +waiting for his opponent to take the lead, became the aggressor now. He +sprang in as lightly as a cat, and ere the taller boy could get his +guard up, had planted a blow on Jarvis' nose that sent the other's head +back and the blood spurting from his nose. + +Whack! + +Steve landed another on the side of Bob's jaw. It was a glancing blow, +Jarvis having turned a little, else the boy would have been knocked out +and the battle ended then and there. + +Quick as a flash, Jarvis put a fist to Steve's neck and the lad went +down in a heap while Bob stood over him exultingly. + +"Got your medicine that time, didn't you?" he jeered. + +Steve, on all fours, was getting ready to spring up. His eyes were on +his adversary, watching him narrowly. Rush's head was aching, but he +gave no heed to that. + +"You will have to give it to me in bigger doses than that if you expect +a cure," retorted Steve, with a short laugh, as he sprang up and danced +away from the taller boy for a few seconds. Then he closed in like a +whirlwind. For a full minute it was give and take. Both lads were +strong, and each was handy with his fists, though Steve Rush showed more +skill than did his opponent. This was offset by Jarvis' greater height +and weight. + +Many a hard blow was struck in that round, after which the boys backed +away instinctively. Jarvis' nose had sustained several bangs. It was +somewhat larger than when the fight had begun; Steve, on the other hand, +had a half-closed eye. + +"I'll put a spectacle on the other one before I've done with you," +jeered Bob. + +"Then I'll give you one of the same sort," retorted Steve, planting a +blow on Bob's right eye. Bob dropped as if he had been hit with a club. +But he was up like a flash. This time he was thoroughly angry. He +charged Steve with a roar, receiving two quick, short-arm jolts on the +side of the head that made that member spin dizzily. + +For the next five minutes it was give and take again. Then Steve struck +his opponent a blow in the ribs that brought a loud "ouch!" from the +taller boy. + +Rush grinned, but there was no mirth in the grin. It was one of savage +satisfaction. Now the lad settled down grimly to his work. He battled +with dogged determination, taking his punishment as a matter of course, +beating, hammering, dodging, ducking, but without the slightest trace of +anger or excitement in his face. His was a will that in the battle of +life sweeps all obstacles from its path. + +The battle had not been in progress long before a miner passing the +outer end of the drift had discovered what was going on. Summoning some +of his companions, the men ran down where the fight was in progress. +They were about to interfere, when Steve, in a momentary lull, said: + +"Please don't interfere. This is a perfectly friendly little argument. +We've got to fight it out." + +The men laughed uproariously. + +"You look the part, both of you. Go it, then, if you've got to fight. +We'll see that each of you gets fair play." + +But the boys did not hear. They were at it again and with a savageness +that had not marked their fighting before. Two blows delivered at the +same instant landed both boys on their backs on the ground. + +The miners yelled for sheer joy. + +Bounding to their feet, the combatants went at it again hammer and +tongs; and, though they were mere lads, it is doubtful if the +spectators ever had witnessed a more scientific battle with fists. The +lads were side-stepping and dancing in their stocking feet, not heeding +the sharp pieces of rock and ore that cut into their feet, drawing the +blood at almost every step. + +They had battled steadily for over ten minutes. The face of each was +covered with blood and it was with difficulty that the lads were able to +see at all. They had barely one set of good eyes between them. Jarvis +was getting more and more desperate. Try as he might his superior +strength was not equal to the task of putting Steve Rush down and out. +For every blow delivered Bob got a return that he felt all over his body +from his head to his feet. + +At last Bob thought he saw an opening to deliver a knock-out blow. He +let go with all his strength. The blow struck nothing more substantial +than thin air. Then, like a bolt of lightning, the fist of Steve Rush +shot out, catching Jarvis under the nose, lifting the larger boy from +his feet, sending him crashing against the shore wall of the drift. + +"That settles him," shouted the spectators. "My, what a wallop! That +would have knocked down one of the mules in number seven level. I'll bet +he doesn't wake up in----" + +Bob Jarvis was already awake. Despite the terrific blow under which he +had gone down he was quickly on his feet. It was observed that he +staggered a little. Both boys were beginning to show their weariness, +though Jarvis exhibited more of this than did Steve. + +"Call it a draw, lads," yelled the miners. + +"Not till I give him back for that last one," roared Bob, making a +vicious lunge at his companion. + +The blow barely grazed the left cheek of the smaller of the lads, he +having moved his head slightly to one side to avoid the blow. + +"I'll hand it out to you, Bob," said Steve. + +Once more Jarvis was lifted from his feet and this time he was laid on +his back on the ground, while Steve leaned against the wall of the +drift, panting heavily. + +"Call it off! Call it off, or we'll take a hand in the game," warned the +miners. + +Jarvis had staggered to his feet and Rush was lurching to meet him. + +There was a slow exchange of blows and the lads clinched, each with an +arm about the other's neck. For a full minute they stood thus, panting, +striving to collect their strength to continue the battle. + +Jarvis made a feeble effort to deliver a right-hand hook on his +opponent's jaw, but there was not enough steam in the blow to do any +damage. + +Steve retaliated with a vicious punch in the pit of Jarvis' stomach--a +blow that made the larger boy grunt and cling heavily to the neck of his +adversary. + +"Have you got enough?" breathed Steve. + +"No!" + +Bob managed to land a fairly strong blow on Steve's neck. + +The latter returned the compliment by a vicious punch in the ribs that +caused the larger boy to hug his opponent closer. Then all at once, with +the last ounce of their failing strength, the two youthful gladiators +began delivering short-arm jolts, each standing with an arm about the +other's neck, driving in the blows with all the strength he had left. + +Not for a moment had either lad sought to foul the other. It was a +"square" fight, such as is seldom seen between professionals. + +No more steam was left in their blows. They had fired their last round. + +"Shall we call it quits, Bob?" breathed Rush in the ear of his opponent. + +"I--I guess we'd better, if we expect to report for duty this +afternoon." + +Steve promptly released himself from the grip of the other boy's arm, +and, staggering to a side wall, leaned against it heavily. Jarvis did +the same. + +Just then the whistle blew three sharp blasts. It was the signal for the +miners to return to their work. Jarvis staggered out into the centre of +the drift, extending a hand. Steve met him half way. + +"Shake!" said Bob. "You're the squarest and the pluckiest bundle of +muscle that I ever went up against." + +"The same to you," glowed Steve Rush, gripping the hand of his late +adversary. Then each with an arm about the other's shoulder started for +the main level. The desperate battle that was to be the beginning of a +friendship of many years, had ended in a draw, with Steve having a shade +the better of the argument. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +IN A NEW JOB + + +That afternoon was the longest that Steve Rush ever remembered having +put in. Spooner saw at once that the lad had been in a fight, and that +he was well nigh spent. The contractor took the keenest possible delight +in driving Steve, just because the lad was in no condition to work. + +The Iron Boy, however, possessed too much grit to show the white +feather. In spite of his swollen face and aching body, he summoned all +his courage and worked as he never had worked before. + +With Bob Jarvis it was different. Bob worked half of the afternoon, when +the shift boss under whom he was laboring, observing that the lad could +scarcely stand up, sent him home, and Jarvis promptly went to bed. The +shift boss reported the circumstance to the mine captain and the latter +made a written report to the general superintendent, Mr. Penton. Another +report showed that Steve Rush had also been in a fight. + +When the superintendent had read these two reports, he at once +understood that Jarvis and Rush had had a battle. The rules against +fighting were very strict; therefore he sent for the mining captain, the +one directly in charge of all the operations underground. The two men +had a long interview and when the captain finally left the +superintendent was smiling broadly. + +On the following Monday morning Steve was requested to call at the +office of the general superintendent before reporting for work in the +mine. + +"Bob, he's heard about our difficulty and he is going to fine or fire +me," said Steve. + +Bob's face took on a serious expression. + +"Then I'm going to see the superintendent," he said in an emphatic tone. + +"What for, Bob?" + +"I am going to tell him that you are not to blame--that I forced you +into the fight. I'll take whatever punishment is coming to me, but I +won't stand by and see you get the worst of it--not for a skip full of +red ore." + +The boys were in their room at the boarding house, they having asked the +boarding boss to bunk them in the same room after their fight in the +mine. This had been done willingly enough and to their mutual +satisfaction. + +"I guess not," replied Steve firmly. "What do you take me for?" + +"You know what I take you for. I have already told you." + +"If I remember correctly, you called me Little Miss Rush up to a couple +of days ago," answered Steve, with a twinkle in his eyes. + +"Forget it. I've changed your name. You're Mr. Big Rush now. Such a +walloping as you gave me I never had before in my life. You're a regular +little cyclone. And to think that I had picked you for an easy mark." + +Bob smiled as broadly as his swollen face would permit. + +"We have agreed to forget that. It was worth while, though, because it +was the beginning of our friendship," replied Rush thoughtfully. "We +shall never have another misunderstanding." + +"I hope not." + +"But we must be going. You will be late for work. I will see the +superintendent; then I'll let you know, to-day noon, what he wanted of +me." + +The lads hurried out. + +"I wish you would let me go with you and tell him," urged Bob. + +"No. Time enough when he sends for you." + +As the lads moved along the workmen laughed and some of them jeered, for +it was plain that the lads were on terms of intimate friendship. The +story of their great battle had been circulated until most of the men in +the mine had heard of it. + +Bob's face flushed angrily. + +"Never mind, old man," said Steve in a soothing tone. "A lot of those +fellows who are laughing at us to-day will be shoveling dirt for you and +me before many years have passed." + +"I doubt it." + +"I do not. There are great opportunities in this big corporation, and I +am going after them. I am after them now, and I propose to take you +along with me. You'll find the company will be glad to help us on if +they find we are worth helping. Here we are at the superintendent's +office. I shall have to leave you now." + +The boys shook hands warmly, Bob turning reluctantly and going on his +way, while Steve ran up the steps and entered the executive building. He +asked for the superintendent and was told to go in at once. The clerks +all smiled at Steve's disfigured face, but he pretended not to have seen +their scrutiny of him. + +"Good morning, Rush," greeted Mr. Penton, with a quizzical look at his +caller. + +"Good morning, sir. You sent for me." + +"Yes; sit down." + +The superintendent was a large man, six feet tall, big, broad and +powerful, but good nature shone from his round, full face, and his eyes +always appeared to be sparkling with laughter. For all of that, Mr. +Penton was a strict disciplinarian, as a number of those who had worked +under him had reason to know. + +"Who was the young man with whom I saw you shaking hands in front?" was +the superintendent's first question. + +"Bob Jarvis, sir. He is my roommate." + +"Oh, is that so?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"How long have you been rooming together?" + +"Since Saturday." + +"Indeed. This is somewhat surprising. But, Rush, what has happened to +you? You look as if you had been through an ore grinder." + +Steve flushed, then straightened up, eyeing the superintendent steadily. + +"I have been in a fight, sir. I had a little disagreement, but it is all +right now." + +"My lad, did you not know that it was against the rules of the company +to fight?" + +"I did not at the time." + +"With whom did you fight?" + +"Must I answer that question, sir?" + +"Yes." + +"I fought with Bob Jarvis," replied the lad, after slight hesitation. + +"Who started the fight?" + +"I guess I was the one most to blame." + +The superintendent already knew all about the matter. He well knew who +had started the fight and why, and he knew also of the warm friendship +that had sprung up between the two boys since the battle; but Mr. Penton +was a shrewd man--one who judged men with almost unerring instinct. He +was drawing Steve out to verify his own impressions. + +"And you two are rooming together now?" + +"Yes, sir. We are friends now. There will be no more trouble between us. +As a matter of fact, our little battle was an entirely friendly one." + +The superintendent leaned back, laughing heartily. His plump sides shook +with merriment, while Steve sat calm and respectful, his eyes fixed on +the face of his employer. + +"You are quite sure that you two will not fight again, are you?" +questioned Mr. Penton, after regaining his equanimity. + +"Oh, yes, sir." + +"Who won the fight?" + +"Neither of us, sir, though Bob gave me about all I wanted." + +"And I understand that you gave him a little more than he wanted. Now, +Rush, let me give you a piece of advice. Never indulge in fights, unless +in self-defence, in defence of the company's property or to save +another person. We have a rough element in the mines. Naturally that +cannot be wholly avoided, especially among the foreigners, though many +of them are self-respecting citizens. It requires a strong man to cope +with them and every executive must be equal to the task, but we cannot +tolerate any rows except for the reasons mentioned." + +"I understand, sir. I think you can trust me." + +"I am sure of that. I want to see you get ahead. You are both fine boys. +You have the making of men worth while--in other words, you are 'live +ones,' and this company is always in the market for just that kind of +material." + +"Thank you, sir." + +Steve's face glowed happily. + +"I am going to take you off the Spooner contract and give you another +place to work. I have taken a keen interest in you, and I want you to +learn all about the workings of the mine." + +"That is what I am going to do, sir," answered Rush in a quiet but firm +tone. + +"I have decided to place you at the main chute on the same level where +you have been working. Your duty will be to dump the cars as they come +in. You will be right by the tally-boards and you will learn how we +count up there, besides many other things. It is an important point, +the central point of each level. After you have become familiar with the +operations at that point, perhaps I may be able to transfer you to some +other." + +"I thank you very much, sir. May I ask where Bob Jarvis is going to +work? He said he was to be transferred to-day." + +"Yes; I have put him on the Spooner contract to fill the place you had." + +Steve smiled. He could well imagine what would happen if Spooner treated +Bob as he had treated Steve. Bob was too hot tempered to endure the +contractor's insults without resenting them. + +Mr. Penton seemed to understand what was in Steve's mind. + +"It will be good for the boy," he nodded. "Every boy needs a certain +amount of hard knocks. They make a man of him." + +"Bob is quite a man already," replied Rush, with a faint smile. + +Mr. Penton laughed good-naturedly. + +"Yes, I understand. You will report at the chute at once. Tell the mine +captain to inform the time keepers of your change of place. That will be +all." + +Expressing his thanks to the superintendent, Steve left the office and +made his way to the mine, to take up his new work--work that was to be +much less trying than that of the previous week. + +After the lad's departure Mr. Penton spent a long time in studying a +bundle of reports of the work in the Cousin Jack Mine. His eyes soon +lost their twinkle, and his forehead wrinkled with perplexity. + +"This passes all understanding. This shortage in the output is something +that I cannot understand. If I do not find the leakage soon I shall be +in trouble with the company," he muttered. + +Then, putting on his coat and hat, he left the office and started for +the mines. + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +RUSH MAKES A DISCOVERY + + +Steve's new station was located on the main line of the electric tram +road. Long rows of dump cars were drawn there by an electric motor, on +which sat a motor-man controlling the speed of the car with one hand, +and with the other continually ringing a gong warning everyone to get +out of the way. + +In the narrow levels, there was barely space enough for one to stand +between the trams and the wall, but the trams never stopped. Miners were +supposed to look out for themselves, according to the code of the tram +motor-man. + +At the chutes, however, there was a large open space at one side, with a +plank floor laid down, and above this hung the tally-boards, a series of +boards with quarter-inch holes bored in them. Every time cars were run +over the chutes the men on the cars would call the name of the +contractor or the drift whence the cars had come, and the tally-boy or +man, as the case might be, would then move the peg in the board forward +as many holes as there were cars. Each contractor had a tally-board, as +had each drift operated by the mining company's own labor. + +The tally-man at the chutes on level seventeen was a man named Marvin. +Steve took a violent dislike to the man the moment he set eyes on him, +and the questions that the lad would have asked about the working of the +tally-boards remained unasked. + +Rush's duty was to strike the catch on the side of the car with an iron +bar, permitting the side board to swing out, whereupon the load of ore +would drop through the iron chutes to a lower level. From there it was +shot to the surface in the fast-moving skips, or ore elevators, that ran +up an inclined plane. + +"This work is so easy that I am ashamed to draw pay for it," muttered +Steve, after an hour or so had passed. + +Still he was obliged to keep a sharp lookout for approaching trams, as +every second in this operation counted. The tram trains must unload and +get back for other cars promptly, else miners working in the drifts +would be held back and the work of that level delayed. + +As soon as a car was dumped, the dumper would call out "clear," +whereupon the motor-man would shove his train forward. Though the work +was easy, it had to be done quickly. + +During the forenoon Superintendent Penton and the mine captain came +swinging along the tracks. The superintendent spoke pleasantly to +Steve, after which the two men took a seat on a bench in the planked +alcove close to the place where the boy was dumping cars of ore. + +"This shortage is troubling me greatly Jim," said Mr. Penton. + +Steve could not help but hear their conversation, his station being on +that side. + +"It has me beaten, too, sir," answered the mine captain. "I have been +through this mine from top to bottom, and from end to end, and for the +life of me I can't see where any such shortage as you say the reports +show could have occurred." + +"You are sure the tally-boards are being properly kept?" + +"Yes; I have looked into that. Have you any idea that someone is +tricking us?" + +"No; I hardly think so. I believe, rather, that it is the result of +carelessness somewhere. The report sheets show more ore mined than +weighs up after it is put on the cars. In other words, the output shown +on our reports doesn't check up with the company's tally-sheets at +Duluth. We are a good many tons short. It is up to you, Jim, to put your +finger on the shortage. There is going to be trouble over this, unless I +am greatly mistaken." + +"Yes; there'll be trouble enough when we find out where it is--trouble +for the fellow or fellows who are to blame for it," answered the mine +captain. + +"Well, keep your eyes open. If you need any help, let me know." + +"I've had the inspectors on the job for a week now, and they are no +nearer solving the mystery than they were before they began." + +Mr. Penton was watching Steve at work with a thoughtful expression in +his eyes. + +"That's a promising boy, Jim," he said. + +"You mean young Rush?" + +"Yes. This is the kind of job I should like to turn him loose on, if he +had more experience. He's as sharp as a steel trap." + +"That is true." + +"He has that dogged persistence that would make him hang on like a bull +terrier. I'm going to push him along as fast as seems advisable." + +"He's a likely youngster," admitted the mine captain, studying Steve's +back as the lad swung his iron bar with unerring precision. "Yes, he's a +very likely lad." + +"I want to make an inspection of number twelve," said the +superintendent, rising. "Will you come along?" + +The captain followed his superior officer, the two men soon disappearing +down the level. Steve watched their bobbing candles until he could see +them no longer. + +"Something is going on here," muttered the boy. "Reports show more ore +taken out than has really been mined. I didn't want to listen, but I +couldn't help hearing what they said." + +For the rest of the forenoon Steve occupied his leisure moments in +trying to study out how such a mistake could occur. He was not +thoroughly familiar with the working of the system as yet, but he +possessed a good general idea of the methods employed to protect the +company against mistakes and dishonesty. + +The time-keepers made their rounds four times a day, and any man not at +his post lost his time until the next round. The ore was tallied at the +chutes and weighed again after it had been placed on railroad cars for +transportation to the Great Lakes. All this Steve went over, his mind +working actively on the subject while his hands were busy dumping cars +of ore. + +"The mistake, if it is a mistake, must occur somewhere between this +chute and the freight yards," was the lad's mental conclusion. + +In this he was right. So full of his subject was he that, when the +whistle blew, he sat down on the bench that the superintendent had +occupied a few hours before and studied the tally-boards as he ate his +lunch. The manner of the tally operation was clear to him. There was +nothing complicated about it. + +Having finished his lunch, the lad strolled over to the tally-boards, +and, with hands behind his back, began studying the names of the drifts +or contractors represented there. Spooner's was the first to attract his +attention. + +"I'll bet I have shoveled that board full half a dozen times," muttered +the lad, with a grin. + +"What do you want here?" demanded a surly voice at the lad's elbow. + +Rush turned and found himself facing the tally-man, Marvin. + +"I was just looking over the boards as a matter of curiosity." + +"Oh, you were, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, folks' curiosity sometimes gits them into trouble," sneered the +tally-man. + +"There is no harm in my looking at the boards, is there?" demanded +Steve, raising his voice ever so little. + +"Git out of here! Git out, I say! If ever I catch you fooling around +these boards I'll trim you so you won't forget it," growled Marvin. + +Steve stepped back. Perhaps he had no business there, but he resented +the manner in which the information was delivered to him. + +"I do not think it will be well for you to lay hands on me," he +retorted. + +"What's that?" + +"If you don't hear well, I'll shout. I don't think it will be well for +you to lay hands on me." + +The tally-man strode across the planking and stood threateningly over +the lad, who had reseated himself on the bench. + +"Git off this platform!" + +"Oh, no, you don't. I have as much right here as you have. You can't +drive me away from here, my friend. I'll stand on my rights here. This +is the place where I'm going to stick until the whistle blows to go to +work. If you think I am not going to do so, just try to put me off." + +Rush's jaw assumed a stubborn set. The man and the boy eyed each other +for a moment; then Marvin turned on his heel and walked away. + +Steve grinned appreciatively. + +"I guess I had better look out for him. He surely has it in for me now." + +The whistle blew soon after, and work was resumed. Steve, during the +afternoon, was too busy to pay much attention to the tally-boards, for +the cars were coming fast, additional motors having been sent out to +take care of the rush. But every time the lad glanced toward the boards +he found Marvin watching him narrowly. + +Once the lad observed something that set him to thinking harder than +ever. After that he paid no further attention to Marvin, nor to +Marvin's work. When the whistle blew at six o'clock Rush picked up his +dinner pail and made his way to the shaft, and a few minutes later had +been hoisted to the surface by the cage. He waited at the mouth of the +shaft until Jarvis came up, when the two boys started for home together. + +"How did you get along on the Spooner contract?" questioned Rush, with a +quizzical smile. + +"Never did such a day's work in my life! That fellow is a slave driver." + +"He is all of that," agreed Steve. "Have any words with him?" + +"Nothing of consequence. I threatened to break his head with a shovel +once--that's all." + +"I should think once would be enough," replied Steve, laughing softly. +"Don't let him run over you, but keep your hands off him. It's a pretty +serious thing to have an argument with one's superior, even if he _is_ a +brutal contract boss." + +"I'm surprised that they have a fellow like that in the mines." + +"He gets out the ore, that's why," answered Rush. "And, by the way, I +want to talk over something with you after supper to-night." + +"You have something on your mind, eh?" + +"Yes; I have something that I want you to help me with. Perhaps we may +be able to do a great service for our employers. I am not quite sure +yet. I can't be until we have tried something." + +"I'm with you in anything, Steve," answered Bob with emphasis. + +After supper, that night, the boys went directly to their room, where +they were soon lost in earnest conversation. Their conversation was +carried on in whispers and the hour was well along toward midnight when +they had finished with their plans. + +"Now what do you think of it?" questioned Steve, as they started to make +ready for bed. + +"If you've struck it right we have stumbled on to the biggest game of +crookedness in the mines. I mean _you_ have discovered it; you didn't +exactly stumble on the game." + +"Be very careful. Don't make any mistake. I, on my part, will keep my +eyes open if I find I can do so without attracting attention. To-morrow +night we will compare notes." + +"Don't worry about me. I'll have it down pat. All ready to turn in?" + +"Yes." + +Bob blew out the light and the boys tumbled into bed, where they were +soon fast asleep. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE BOYS EXPOSE A PLOT + + +On the following morning, when the lads reported for work, they were +full of their new purpose. Each was silent as to what that purpose was, +but a close observer would have noticed that the boys were keenly +watchful of everything that was going on about them. To all intents +Steve was devoting his energies to unloading the dump cars in the +shortest possible time, and Bob to filling them again in record time. + +Up to the noon hour nothing had occurred of interest. The two boys did +not meet at the lunch hour, deeming it best not to arouse suspicion by +their actions, and thus possibly defeat their purpose. Steve ate his +lunch in silence, not once looking toward the scowling Marvin. In fact, +Marvin had not caught the boy looking at him during the forenoon. + +"I think the fun will begin before long," mused Steve, wiping his mouth +and moving over to a trickling spring on the other side of the level. "I +have prepared the way and now we shall see." + +A long train of ore cars came in a few moments after the whistle blew, +and the tally-man was kept busy plugging the holes in the boards as the +cars were called out. + +So busy was Marvin that he did not get a chance to turn about to look at +Steve. Perhaps he would not have done so, at any rate. Steve, however, +was looking at the tally-man, watching the latter out of the corners of +his eyes. + +The pegs moved skilfully and quickly from hole to hole on the boards, +then the man Marvin sat down while the unloading progressed. + +Rush had seen that which sent the color to his cheeks, and caused his +heart to beat a little faster. His sharp eyes had made a discovery. He +was as positive as it was possible to be but there was more to be done +before his case was fully made out. + +The lad could hardly wait until night to see his companion. During the +afternoon Steve obtained further evidence to strengthen his case. By +quitting time his face had taken on a look of stern determination that +had not been there when he went to work that morning. + +"What luck?" demanded Bob, in a low voice, as he joined his companion +near the mouth of the shaft. + +"The best," answered Steve. + +"Tell me about it." + +"Not here. Wait until we get home. I do not dare to speak of it now. +Someone might overhear us and then all our efforts would have been for +nothing. I'll tell you all about it before we sit down to supper." + +"Well, that beats all," muttered Jarvis. "I didn't think we should +succeed so easily. What are you going to do about it?" + +"I'll answer that question also when we get home, old man." + +The boys did not wait until after supper that night. Closing and locking +the door after reaching their room, Steve asked: + +"How many tons did the Spooner contract turn out to-day?" + +"Forty by the dump cars." + +"Is it possible?" + +"Yes. What does the tally show?" + +Steve leaned over and whispered in his companion's ear, whereat Bob +uttered a low, long-drawn whistle. + +"You--don't--say?" + +"That is exactly what I do say." + +"This will raise a merry row." + +"I think it will. And there's another thing: I will wager that this is +not the only place the same game is being worked." + +"Maybe you're right. What shall we do?" + +"Go to the superintendent. We will go to him as soon as we finish our +supper." + +"But he isn't at his office." + +"No. We will go direct to his house. I rather think he will be glad +enough to see us when he hears what our mission is. Come, now, we'll go +to supper, but not a word at the table," warned Steve. + +"I should say not." + +Supper finished, the Iron Boys went to their room, returning a few +minutes later and strolling from the house as though they were going +nowhere in particular. After they had put a block between themselves and +the boarding house they quickened their pace. Bob was excited, but Steve +was as calm and collected as if nothing unusual had occurred. + +"Do you know where the superintendent lives, Steve?" + +"Of course I do. I make it my business to know everything that I ought +to know. 'Live and learn' is my motto. It's a good one for you to adopt, +too." + +"I am beginning to think you are right." + +Reaching the house of the general superintendent, Rush halted. The +blinds had not been drawn and, looking through the front room into the +dining room beyond, the Iron Boys could see the superintendent seated at +the table with his family. + +"I think we had better walk up and down a few times until Mr. Penton +finishes his supper," suggested Rush. + +"He'll be better natured if we do, I guess," agreed Jarvis. "You have a +long head on you, Steve, but the trouble with you is that you keep that +fact so carefully concealed that a fellow doesn't get wise to it until +it's too late." + +Steve laughed softly. They had made their third trip around the block +when, halting once more in front of the house, they saw that the +superintendent had finished his supper. He was standing in the dining +room, hat in hand, talking with a member of his family. + +"Come on," called Steve, running up the walk, up the steps and ringing +the bell. + +"My, but you do bear out your name, the way you rush about," laughed +Jarvis. + +The door was opened by a servant. Steve gave his name and asked to see +Mr. Penton. The latter came out into the hall a few seconds later. + +"Good evening, boys. I was just on my way downtown to the post-office. +You may walk along with me and tell me what I can do for you." + +"We would rather speak with you here, sir, in private," answered Steve +earnestly. + +"Is it so important as that, my lad?" + +"It is, sir." + +"Come into the parlor," said Mr. Penton, leading the way and switching +on the electric lights. "State your business as briefly as possible." + +The superintendent seated himself, motioning the boys to be seated also. + +"By chance, I overheard a conversation between you and the mine captain +at chute seventeen the other day," said Steve. "I did not want to +listen, sir, but I will confess that what you said impressed me so +strongly that I took a deep interest in it." + +"Conversation about what?" demanded Mr. Penton rather more sharply than +was his wont. + +"About a shortage in the ore. You said the mine count did not agree with +the figures as reported from the head office, sir." + +Mr. Penton gazed shrewdly at his callers. Then he rose, and, closing the +door leading into the dining room, returned to his chair. + +"Well, lads," he said. "Have you come to see me on this subject?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I suppose you think you might be able to solve the mystery?" This was +said smilingly. + +"We have solved it, sir." + +"_What?_" + +"I said we have solved it; at least, enough of it to make the rest +comparatively easy." + +"You astound me beyond words. Will you be good enough to tell me then +the cause of this shortage?" + +"Yes, sir; the fault lies with your tally-boards." + +"That was my idea originally, but the mine captain assures me that he +has careful tally-men on every board." + +"I think he has very careful men there, sir. At least, they seem to me +to be looking out for their own interests pretty carefully." + +"You are making a most serious charge, Rush. Are you able to +substantiate this?" + +"I am, sir." + +"Do so." + +"Sub-level seventeen, to-day, as you will find by referring to your +report sheet, has sixty tons to its credit." + +"Wait a moment, Rush. My report sheet is in my desk in the library." + +The superintendent left the room, returning with the report sheet. He +ran down the page, placing his finger on a line, which he followed out +to the margin. + +"Your information is correct," he said, glancing up. "How do you happen +to have these figures?" + +"I have been watching the boards for two days." + +"Indeed?" + +"Yes, sir. As a matter of fact, though the tally sheet shows sixty tons +as having come from number seventeen sub-level, only forty tons were +actually mined there to-day." + +Mr. Penton gazed at Steve Rush, who had risen and was standing before +the superintendent, erect, steady-eyed and calm. + +"Again, my lad, I ask you how you come to be in possession of these +figures?" + +"My chum, Bob, here, got the figures from the drift to-day." + +"Ah, I see. You had arranged the plan?" + +"Yes, sir. Bob kept a very careful tally." + +"Jarvis, were you absent from sub-level number seventeen at any time +during the day?" + +"No, sir, excepting at meal time." + +"Are you positive enough of your own tally to be willing to swear to +it?" + +"I am, sir." + +"Then you have rounded up the whole case. There is nothing more to be +done--nothing more left for me to do except to act on the information +you have furnished me, which I shall do at once." + +"May I make a suggestion, sir?" + +"Certainly." + +"If you have any reason to believe this will not fully account for the +shortage, would it not be an excellent idea to have the other tally-men +inspected?" + +Mr. Penton reflected. + +"An excellent idea; yes, it shall be done. Tell me how the tally-man, +Marvin, worked his end of the game. Although you have not explained that +part of it, it goes without saying that he was in collusion with +Spooner." + +"Yes, sir; so I suspected from the first. I did not like his actions. He +appeared to be watching everyone about him. That aroused my suspicion +after hearing what I did when you and the mine captain were there. So I +watched him without pretending to do so. In the meantime he had driven +me away from the tally-boards while I was standing there looking at +them. While watching him I distinctly saw the fellow juggle the pegs and +give the Spooner contract credit for more loads than were then on the +chute. I counted and kept track of the Spooner cars, so that I could +check up with Bob. You see, I wanted to make absolutely sure that I was +right." + +"And your figures tallied?" + +"They did." + +"Lads, you have done the company a great service. I have no doubt but +that both of you will receive a substantial reward. Personally, I cannot +find words to express my appreciation. You have relieved me from a very +embarrassing situation. I shall show my appreciation in a more +substantial manner in due time." + +"We do not wish to be rewarded, Mr. Penton," returned Steve. "We are +working in the interest of the company that pays us our wages, just the +same as we should expect men to serve us if we were employers." + +"And you would find that you would be sadly disappointed in the rank and +file, boys. When I said 'reward,' I did not mean exactly a money reward, +although indirectly it will amount to the same thing. This company is +not slow to recognize merit. It gives every man a chance to show what +sort of stuff he is made of. If his is a low grade of ore, as we would +term it in the mines, then he stays where he is, but if of a higher +grade from which the finest steel is made, then the man goes on up as +fast as he is fitted to hold higher positions. There is practically no +limit to the positions to which young men in this company may aspire. +Take, for instance, the present president of this mining company, who is +now drawing a salary equal to that received by the President of the +United States. How do you suppose he began his career?" + +"I--I do not know, sir. I never heard," answered Steve. + +"He began with a shovel in his hands, just the same as you did something +like a week ago, and so did I, and so did the most of us who have risen +to the higher positions. But to return to our subject, I will have the +other tally centres investigated secretly." + +"It might be a good plan for you to have your captain watch the +tally-board at level number seventeen to-morrow. He can do so by +secreting himself in the skip shaft," suggested Steve. + +"I think your suggestion is a good one. In the meantime, of course, you +lads will be discreet--you will not mention what you have told me?" + +"You may depend upon us, sir." + +"Yes, I am aware of that. Come to see me to-morrow. I shall want to talk +with you. Good night, lads." + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +STRAIGHTENING THE CROOKED ONES + + +A brief investigation on the part of the mine captain on the day +following verified all that the boys had told the superintendent. +Watching the tally-board man from behind the partition that shut off the +skip shaft, the captain saw the man falsify the tally of the ore cars, +making it show a considerable excess of the actual amount of ore +contained in each car. + +At noon Marvin was summoned to the office of the superintendent and +confronted with the facts. After a few minutes of stubborn denial, the +rascal gave in and told the whole story. He was to share half of the +amount thus gained with the man Spooner. Up to that time the two men had +made a substantial rake-off six days in every week. + +After the tally-man had made a clean breast of the steal the +superintendent said: + +"Go back to your post. You will receive further orders later in the day. +But see to it that nothing is said to Spooner until I have seen him; +then you two can talk and growl all you wish. You will have something to +growl about, I promise you that. How long has this thing been going +on?" + +"For six weeks, sir." + +"How much have you cheated the company out of thus far?" + +Marvin handed Mr. Penton a slip of paper on which he had made some +figures while talking, after which the tally-man departed very much +crestfallen. + +Spooner was the next man summoned, and the contractor passed the most +uncomfortable hour of his life under Mr. Penton's shrewd questioning. +Spooner had been a miner and his contracting was of only recent date. +When he saw that the superintendent was in possession of all the facts, +he admitted that he had been receiving pay for many tons a day more than +he had delivered to the company. + +Mr. Penton considered the matter for some moments, while the contractor +stood before him twisting his hat nervously between his hands, now and +then shifting his weight from one foot to the other. + +"What do you think I ought to do with a rascal like you?" finally +demanded the superintendent. + +"I'll give up my contract and go back to working in the drift." + +"You will do nothing of the sort! You will keep on with your contract +until you have paid back what you have robbed the company of, you and +your partner in crime, Marvin. You are a fine pair. By rights I ought to +send both of you to jail. Perhaps I may do that yet, but that will +depend upon what officials higher up order me to do. For the present, +however, you will engage to pay back what you have stolen; that is, +unless you prefer to hand over the money in a lump." + +"I haven't that much money--I have no money." + +"I thought not; therefore two thirds of the amount will be deducted from +the money due you each week and one third from the wages of the +tally-man." + +Spooner essayed to speak, but the words seemed to stick in his throat. +Finally he managed to mumble: + +"All--all right, sir." + +"But, mind you, no more of your thieving tricks, or I'll have you in the +cooler before you realize it." + +"All right, sir. I--I'd like to ask a question." + +"Ask it." + +"Who was the man who gave me away?" + +"You ought to know better than to ask me that question. Frankly, it is +none of your concern. We have been looking for this leak for some time, +and we have found it. Had you possessed a grain of common sense you +would have known that, sooner or later, you would have been checked up. +You're checked. The interview is ended. Go back to work." + +"I'll _find_ the man!" growled Spooner. "I'll find him if it takes all +the rest of my life to do it, and when I do----" + +"What then?" interrupted the superintendent, fixing stern eyes on the +man before him. + +"I'll tell him what I think of him," answered the contractor lamely, as +he left the room. + +All the other contract drifts had been found to be working regularly, so +it was reasonable that the entire shortage might be charged to Spooner. +As a matter of fact, this shortage tallied very closely with the figures +that the tally-man had given to the superintendent. + +When the contractor returned to his drift he was more subdued than any +of his regular shift had ever before seen him. They could not understand +the sudden change. There was one there, however, who did understand. +That one was Bob Jarvis. Bob was leaning against the "shore" just +outside of the vein the men were working. He was doing nothing in +particular. + +Some moments passed before Spooner discovered this. + +"Get in there, you, before I shove you in! Get hold of a shovel! What do +you think I'm paying you for? What are you trying to do--hold up the +wall? The lagging will do that without your help. Get to work." + +"I am working," answered Bob coolly, making no effort to obey the order +of the contractor. + +"You are working, eh?" + +"Yes." + +"May I inquire what you are working at?" + +"Yes, I'm working for the company. My particular business at this moment +is watching you." + +"Watching me?" + +"Yes, sir; I am here to check you up. I am not working for you to-day. +As I said, I am working for the company. Don't let me disturb you, sir. +I'll try not to get in the way." + +"Do you know why you are doing this?" + +"Yes; because I am ordered to do so." + +"Is that all you know?" + +"It may be, and then again it may not be." + +With a growl, Spooner turned and began to abuse his men, while Bob +remained leaning against the wall, checking each car as it was filled. + +In the meantime, when Marvin returned to his station on the level below, +he stepped to the tally-board and relieved the man who had been placed +there to act during the regular man's absence. + +As Marvin was looking over the boards Steve stepped up, touching him on +the shoulder. The tally-man's face flushed angrily. + +"What do you want?" + +"Merely to say to you that I have had orders to check you up, to see +that you check every car properly." + +"I won't stand it. I'll----" + +Steve shrugged his shoulders. + +"That is a matter with which I have no concern. You will have to fight +that out with the superintendent. I shall obey my orders and it will be +better for you, I should imagine, to submit without trying to make +matters uncomfortable for me. I shall do what I have been told to do, +just the same. When a train draws up you will plug only when you see +that I am looking at the board, please. I'll dump the cars after you +have done that and I shall know if you have moved the plugs when I am +not looking." + +Marvin's face twitched nervously, but he made no reply. + +There was nothing of triumph in Steve's attitude. The lad was attending +to business to the best of his ability. He discovered, after a time, +that Marvin was watching him narrowly. As he watched, the tally-man's +face grew blacker and blacker. + +"I wonder if he suspects?" thought Rush. + +As a matter of fact, Marvin was beginning to see light. At noon the +tally-man hurried away, after sulkily asking Steve to watch the +tally-board. First, however, the man made a memorandum of the tally, so +that Steve could not change it without Marvin's being aware of the fact. +The lad pretended not to have observed this, but a quiet smile hovered +about the corners of his mouth as he laid out his lunch on a clean, +white napkin on the bench beside him. + +Instead of going up in the cage, Marvin hastily climbed a ladder to the +sub-level, where he waited for Spooner to come out. + +"Well, what is it?" demanded the contractor in a surly tone. + +"I've got wise to something. Where can we talk?" + +"Come over in the drift here. There's no one near by." + +The men slipped into a dead drift, extinguished their candles and +engaged in earnest conversation. + +Bob Jarvis' shrewd eyes had observed the actions of the men. He was +sitting in the Spooner contract eating his lunch, but they had not +noticed him. + +"I wish I could find out what they are talking about," he muttered. "But +I am not a spy. I don't know that I care particularly. I'll tell Steve, +for I have an idea there is mischief in the air. There they go down the +level." + +The two men climbed down the ladder to the main level. A few minutes +later Steve saw Spooner alone, sauntering along the tracks. When the +contractor reached the chute he halted, peering over at the lad as if he +had just discovered him. + +"Hello, Rush," he greeted, turning and coming over to where Steve was +sitting. + +"Good afternoon." + +Spooner sat down on the bench, and, for a moment or two, nothing was +said, Steve continuing with his lunch as indifferently as if the +contractor had not been there. + +"So you're the sneak who gave me away, are you?" demanded Spooner, +turning upon the lad savagely. + +Steve eyed the contractor calmly. + +"Am I?" + +"You are!" + +"I may be the man, and in fact I will admit that I was instrumental in +exposing your crookedness, but I am not a sneak. It strikes me that you +have laid yourself open to being called one." + +The man's face turned white with anger. He opened and closed his +fingers, with difficulty restraining himself from fastening them upon +the calm-faced boy beside him. Steve munched his food steadily, but he +was watching the man narrowly. + +"I--I'll be even with you for that, you sneaking cur!" shouted Spooner. +"Yes, I'll be even with you!" + +"I wouldn't threaten, were I in your place. If anything should happen to +me you might be accused, you know," answered Rush in a tantalizing tone. +"What do you propose to do to me?" + +Spooner leaped up and shook his fist under the Iron Boy's nose. The +latter did not flinch. + +"What do I propose to do to you? I'll tell you what I am going to do to +you. I'm going to drive you out of this mine. I'll never stop till I've +driven you off the range and out of the mine country. You'll never be +able to get a day's work in a mine on this range after I get through +with you, if nothing worse happens to you in the meantime. I'll----" + +"It strikes me that you are pretty much in the same box yourself----" + +"Oh, I wish you were a man! I wish you weren't a weak, baby-faced kid! +I'd beat you to a pulp right----" + +"Don't let that worry you, Spooner. Sail in, if you feel you have got to +take it out of me. Perhaps you will feel better after you have vented +your ugly temper on someone, even if it is a boy. Now get off from this +platform!" commanded Rush, with a sudden change of tone, as he rose +quickly to his feet. "You've got no business here, anyway. Get out!" + +Steve grabbed up the iron bar with which he dumped the cars and started +for the contractor. He had no intention of using it on the man, but he +did not wish to engage in a fight with the fellow, being pretty sure +that he would get the worst of it, for Spooner was a large and powerful +man. Therefore the Iron Boy chose what he considered to be the most +effective way of ridding himself of the contractor's presence. + +Spooner hesitated a moment, then began backing up, his face pale with +rage, his fists clenched. + +"You had better turn about and face the other way, unless you want to +fall through the chutes," warned Steve. + +Spooner turned with an exclamation. A second more and he would have +fallen in and shot down to the level below. As it was, he was obliged to +jump over the opening to save himself, landing on the other side of the +track. There he paused and renewed his abuse of young Rush. + +"I've had enough of your nonsense! Get out!" commanded the sturdy lad. +He, too, leaped the chutes and made for the contractor, brandishing his +iron bar. Spooner turned and ran down the level until he reached the +ladder, up which he climbed to his own drift. + +"There, I guess I shall not be troubled by that fellow any more," said +Steve, returning slowly to his interrupted lunch. + +But he had not heard the last of Spooner. + +The contractor, fuming with rage, was already plotting the downfall of +the lad who had been the cause of his undoing. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +LAYING THE TRAP + + +Steve Rush and his companion had held a long consultation over the +events of the past few days. They had decided that it would be well to +watch both Spooner and Marvin. Bob had overheard a conversation, or +rather a few words, between the two men that warned him they were +plotting mischief. + +"What can they do?" asked Steve. + +"If we knew, we should have no cause to worry," answered Bob. + +"It is my opinion that they will put up some sort of job to waylay us +outside one of these nights. Well, we shall be ready for them. +Forewarned is forearmed, you know. If they try any such trick they'll +find we are pretty well able to take care of ourselves, even if we are +'weak kids,'" said Rush, with a smile. + +A number of weeks passed without incident. During that time Spooner and +Marvin made good their stealings. They were then called to the office +and both men were discharged. This occurred at the noon hour. They were +told to go back to the mine, get their tools and clear out. When the men +did return Steve and Bob Jarvis were eating their lunch up in the +Spooner drift. + +"There are the cubs now," whispered Marvin, pointing to the end of the +drift. "It's our chance." + +"Is it safe?" + +"As safe as it ever will be. If you haven't got the nerve to do it, I'll +do it myself." + +"I've got the nerve, all right, but I don't propose to put my neck in a +halter. I'd rather come back at some other time and carry the thing +through." + +"Getting cold feet already?" jeered Marvin. + +"Don't you talk to me like that, or I'll pound you right here and now. +Nobody ever accused Bob Spooner of having cold feet without getting +hurt." + +"You talk like it. But never mind; I'll do it. I owe him one and I owe +the mine more than one. They'll have something to settle and it'll cost +them a pretty penny, I reckon. It's now or never, for you and me. We'll +never get a better opportunity. How do you suppose we are going to get +in here after we leave to-day? Why, they wouldn't let us inside the cage +after the orders the big boss will give them at the top of the shaft." + +"Stop it! I'll do the trick. Where are the tools, though? I haven't a +saw in my kit." + +"I know where there is one. I sneaked it from the boss timber-man +yesterday after we had our talk. I hid it behind the lagging about half +way down the drift there. Come with me; I'll get it for you." + +"Be careful," warned Spooner, peering around a bend in the drift at the +two boys in the far end. From that distance he could see only their +bobbing candles. "All clear. Hurry!" + +Marvin reached to the top of the lagging at a certain point, and when +his hand came away it held a saw. + +"Here it is. Hurry, now!" + +Spooner tucked the saw under his coat. This done, he moved along the +drift away from the place where the boys were sitting, until he came to +a slanting partition. + +"There is a ladder inside. You know how to climb down it," whispered +Marvin, as he cautiously opened a door in the partition. The interior +was so dark that the men could see nothing. There was a sudden rush and +some unseen object tore by them in the blackness. It was an ore skip, +with its load of iron ore thundering to the surface. Its force was so +great as to extinguish the candles of the two miners. Marvin quickly +relighted them. + +"Now get in and be lively. You will have to get away before the +afternoon shift starts in, or you may get something down on your head." + +"You go down and stay on guard. If there is any danger, if anything +turns up, stamp three times on the floor when there is no skip going by. +Otherwise I shall not hear it." + +"I'm wise. Good luck! We can't lose this time and we'll be even with the +whole bunch for all time." + +Spooner stepped inside the dark chamber, pulling the door cautiously +shut after him. His long service in iron mines had given him an +excellent knowledge of every foot of the mine he was then working in, +and though in deep darkness, he was not at all uncertain in his +movements. + +The contractor was now in the large shaft through which the ore skips +ran with their cargoes to the top of the shaft, where they emptied the +ore into waiting trams which ran out over a trestle and dumped it on the +pile where Steve Rush had begun his work when he first came to the +Cousin Jack Mine. It was a dangerous place for one who was not wholly +sure of himself, but Spooner descended the ladder confidently, making +his way to the bottom, then down a short ladder to a platform that was +directly beneath that on which the tally-man and the dumper in level +seventeen stood when at their work. + +Reaching this platform, the contractor removed his candle from his hat, +making a careful examination of his surroundings. His attention finally +centred on a section of the flooring above. That particular part was +held up by a post some three feet in length, the latter being supported +by a two-inch plank laid across two other posts that protruded up +through the floor of the lower platform. + +"I wish those skips would get busy," muttered Spooner. "They'll hear the +saw above there if I am not careful." Then it occurred to him that, it +being the noon hour, the skips were not running regularly. With an +exclamation of disappointment, the man stepped up to the main post and +ran his hands over the plank that supported it. + +"I guess this will be about the right spot," he decided, placing his saw +about midway on the right-hand side of the post. Spooner took off his +blouse, throwing this over the saw to deaden the sound. Then, holding a +corner of the coat up by one hand that he might see what he was doing, +he began drawing the saw rapidly across the plank. The latter being hard +wood, his efforts were not productive of immediate results. But the saw +slowly ate its way into the tough timber until at last the man withdrew +it, and, holding his candle low, examined the cut he had made. + +"I think that will be enough for this side. I'll open up the other side +a little," he muttered. + +Spooner had just begun to saw when a sound somewhere above him caused +the man quickly to extinguish his candle. He stood still and listened. + +"What's this door doing unlatched?" demanded a voice, which the fellow +recognized as belonging to the mine captain. + +Spooner did not catch the reply. + +"Somebody will be tumbling into the shaft, first thing you know, and +then we shall have damages to pay." + +"I reckon you'll have some to pay as it is," muttered the man below. "I +hope this costs you a million!" + +The door through which Spooner had entered the shaft was closed with a +bang and he heard no more of the voice above him. + +"I've got to look sharp or I'll be caught. I haven't had a signal from +Marvin yet, so everything must be clear above us." + +Once more the steady rasp of the saw began on the other side of the +post, and a few minutes later the contractor used his candle to examine +his work. + +"I guess that will do the business," he chuckled. "And now I must be +getting out of here lively." + +Instead of taking the saw with him, the fellow tossed it over to one +side, then began climbing the ladder. Very soon he was at the door +opening on to the sub-level where his contract had been located. Spooner +opened it ever so little and listened. He could hear subdued voices. He +opened the door a little wider, and, as he did so, Steve Rush and Bob +Jarvis sauntered by. + +"Keep your eyes open, old chap," was Bob's parting salutation. + +"I will," answered Steve, starting down the ladder to his post. + +Jarvis returned to the drift where he was working--Spooner's old place. +This was the chance for the other man to get out of the shaft. He knew +it was time for the afternoon shift to go to work, and just as he slid +from the shaft and closed the door behind him the whistle blew the +signal to resume operations. The contractor ran along the drift, +gathering up his tools and starting down the same ladder that young Rush +had taken. + +Reaching the main level, the man took his time in going to the cage. At +the bottom of the shaft he was joined by Marvin. + +"Did you fix it?" whispered the latter. + +"Sh-h-h!" warned Spooner. + +The men ascended to the surface without exchanging further words. Once +in the open, however, Marvin said in a low tone: + +"Tell me about it." + +"It's done; it's all fixed." + +"You think it will work?" + +"I am sure of it." + +"Then somebody's stock will go down, and I don't know as I care a rap +whose it is." + +"I don't think we'll have to guess far to know whose it will be," +answered Spooner, with a grin. + +"What are you going to do?" + +"I am going over to Tracy to get a job. We can both get work there, but +they haven't lost us yet. No, sir; the Cousin Jack has not done with you +and me, by a long shot. We've got a few tricks left up our sleeves that +will open their eyes. But we have made a mighty good start; yes, sir, a +mighty good start." + +Chuckling at his own villainy, Spooner hurried along, the other man by +his side. + +Steve and Bob had returned to their work at once. The former was now +filling the place of the man Marvin at the tally-board, and at the same +time dumping the cars. The two jobs kept him continually moving, but +this Steve, true to his name, thoroughly enjoyed. He liked to be +driving ahead every minute of the day. + +From the moment the whistle blew he was hard at work. He had no time to +talk with the motor-man as he had before when dumping the cars, for he +had to keep the number of cars and the drift or contractor in his mind +while he was dumping them, and until he could jump back to the +tally-board. + +When night came Steve was ready to turn in. He confessed that he was +tired. For one thing he felt no little relief, and that was that Spooner +and Marvin were no longer in the employ of the company. + +The next morning the boys went to work in high spirits. The shift had +been at work something more than an hour, when the catch on one of the +tram cars caught as Steve sought to release it, and resisted his efforts +stubbornly. + +"Smash it!" cried the motor-man. "I'm in a hurry." + +"I'm going to," answered Steve. + +Raising the iron bar above his head, he brought it down on the offending +catch with all his strength. A crash followed and the ore shot down +through the chute with the roaring sound of a cataract. + +Instantly the second car was pushed over the chute. + +"Get busy, there!" yelled the motor-man when he saw that no effort was +being made to release the ore. + +He shouted several times, but there was no response from Rush. + +"Where's that lazy bones?" he demanded, hopping from his motor and +running around the end of the train. "What, what---- Something's +happened! Look!" shouted the motor-man, pointing to the platform. + +Steve had disappeared. In the place where he had stood a moment before +was a black hole about three feet square. Through this hole could be +heard the thunder of the skips as they rushed back and forth at almost +projectile speed. + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +BORNE SKYWARD ON A SKIP + + +"He's gone through the hole! Call the captain! Where is he?" + +"I saw him on the sub-level above a minute ago," cried a brakeman, +running up the ladder to summon the mine captain. + +The latter was on hand, it seemed less than a minute later, and behind +him came Bob Jarvis. + +"What is it?" shouted the captain before he had reached the scene. + +"Tally-man and dumper gone down through the hole there." + +The captain started in amazement. + +"How did it happen?" he demanded excitedly. + +"I don't know. He just went through, that's all." + +"Who--who was it?" stammered Bob. + +"Steve Rush." + +Jarvis uttered a half articulate cry and began to let himself down into +the opening. The mine captain grabbed him. + +"You'll be killed," he said sternly, dragging the lad back to the +platform. "You cannot help your friend by going through that way." + +The captain opened the door leading into the skip shaft and ran down the +ladder. His quick glance took in the broken-down supports, but what he +did not see was that the planking beneath the post had been sawed part +way through. There was no planking there to see. + +There were no signs of Steve on the platform below. The captain hurried +back. + +"Jarvis, run to the telephone on this level, and tell each level below +to look for the body of a man who fell through the shaft." + +Bob started on a run. Despite his pluck, Bob Jarvis was trembling from +head to foot. + +"He's dead, he's dead! _They've_ done it. But how? No, it is impossible. +They couldn't be to blame for that. It was an accident." + +Word came back that there was no one in the shaft. + +"Who opened the hole?" asked Bob. + +"It is an old trap that has been closed for years. It simply caved in, +that's all. Order the timber-men to put in a new piece and some fresh +supports. Telephone to the top and find out if they have heard anything +there." + +No one seemed really to know what to do. All believed that Steve Rush +had been dashed to death. + +"Did--did he fall on a skip?" asked Bob in a trembling voice. + +"I am afraid that is what has happened," replied the mine captain. "I am +waiting to hear from the surface and if they have seen nothing of the +body, we will examine the shaft all the way up." + +Bob groaned and, walking over, leaned heavily against the partition. + +Steve's fall had been so sudden that he had no time even to utter a cry. +The blow that he had given the catch on the tram car had been too much +for the sawed support under the old trap. The support had collapsed +under his weight and Rush had dropped through the opening. + +He shot down feet first to the platform below, bounded off and dropped +into the shaft itself. + +Something caught and lifted him through the air at a frightful rate of +speed. Steve had been caught by the ore skip, and was being borne to the +surface nearly two thousand feet above. The lad had by this time lost +consciousness, for the shock when the skip caught him had been a heavy +one. It seemed as if it must have broken every bone in his body. + +On roared the skip with its human burden. The car shot out into the +daylight, then darted up the fifty-foot shaft that towered above the +opening to the mine. + +Reaching the top, its burden of ore was dumped into a waiting tram car +on the trestle, after which the skip dived down into the depths again. + +The dump-man on the trestle caught sight of something that was not ore +falling into his car. Instead of starting the car along the trestle, he +sprang up on the side board. + +"I wonder what that was? It looked like a human being!" he exclaimed. +Then his eyes caught sight of a piece of clothing. The man tugged at the +cloth, but it did not give way. + +"It's a man!" he shouted, clambering over on the car and beginning to +dig frantically with his hands. "Stop the skips, _stop_ them quick!" + +But his warning came too late. A skip load of ore was dumped down on the +loaded car, most of it sliding off to the ground fifty feet below. +Enough remained, however, to bury the dump-man and the man he was trying +to drag out. + +But the dump-man was full of grit. He fought desperately and in a moment +succeeded in pushing off the ore that held the body down. He was now +working with frantic haste to get the other man out, knowing full well +that the unfortunate one would be suffocated if he already were not +dead. + +By this time other men, attracted by the dump-man's cries, were scaling +the trestle at a dozen different places. Among them was the +superintendent himself, who, on his way to the dry house to put on his +miner's suit preparatory to going below ground on his usual daily round, +had heard the cry for help up on the trestle. The superintendent, +despite his size, got to the top of the trestle ahead of any of the +others and started on a run for the scene. + +"What's the trouble, Collins?" he shouted. + +"Man thrown up on the skip, sir." + +"Is he dead?" + +"I can't say, sir. I think most likely he is." + +"Who is it?" + +"Don't know him, but he's a young 'un. He's pretty badly banged up, so +far as I can see." + +Superintendent Penton threw himself to the top of the ore car and +assisted in getting the man out. At first he did not recognize the limp +figure as being that of Steve Rush, for the red ore had been ground into +the cut and bleeding face of the lad until he was almost unrecognizable. + +"Send for the stretchers. This man must be gotten to the hospital on the +jump!" shouted the superintendent. + +The dump-man had lifted the boy from the car, had laid him down on the +trestle and with his handkerchief was wiping the dark-red ore from the +lad's mouth, eyes and nose. + +"He's alive, sir," called Collins. "But I reckon he won't be for very +long." + +Mr. Penton stepped over, after giving his orders, and looked keenly down +into the pale face before him. + +"What!" he exclaimed, bending close to the injured boy. "Good heavens, +it's Steve Rush! This is too bad. How did it happen?" + +"I don't know, sir. The first I knew about it he came out of the hopper +kerflop. I jumped up to dig him out, and then I went kerflop with a load +of ore on my back. Woof! It's lucky for me the car was full or I'd have +been at the bottom of the heap." + +Mr. Penton had picked Steve up in his arms. The burden seemed as nothing +to this powerful man. And even when he reached the ladder leading down +to the ground the superintendent appeared to experience no difficulty in +making his way down with the heavy load he was carrying. + +Steve was rushed to the hospital, followed by the superintendent +himself. The lad was still unconscious. A hasty examination by the +surgeon was made in the presence of the superintendent. + +"Well?" Mr. Penton threw a world of meaning into the word. + +"No bones are broken. There may be some internal injury. I should judge +there might be, from the fact that he is bleeding at the mouth. What +happened?" + +"He was thrown up by the skip. That's all I know about it now. I want to +know whether or not the boy is going to die. Then I will find out how it +happened." + +After working over the unconscious boy for half an hour, the surgeon +decided that there had been a severe concussion that might amount to a +fracture. A few hours, he said, would tell the story. + +"I'll be back within the hour. Let no efforts be spared to straighten +the lad out, if it be possible." + +Steve lay limp and pallid, his face almost as white as the sheets of the +cot on which he had been placed, and there was a troubled look in the +eyes of the big-hearted superintendent as he left the company's hospital +and hurried to the shaft. + +"Let me off at the seventeenth level," he directed, taking his place in +the cage. A few minutes later found him at the chutes where the accident +had occurred. Bob, pale-faced and anxious, had been placed at the +tally-board and the work of the mine was going on much as usual. + +"Please, Mr. Penton, is Steve badly hurt?" demanded the lad, running +over to the superintendent the instant he saw him approaching. + +"I fear he is, my boy. How did the accident occur?" + +"We hear he was carried up on the skip and dropped on the trestle." + +"I mean what happened here?" + +"The boy fell through the old trap there," explained the mine captain, +approaching at that moment. + +"Fell through the trap?" demanded Mr. Penton in surprise. + +"Yes, the old trap that was closed several years ago. The men are fixing +it so a similar accident won't occur again." + +"Tell me exactly what happened." + +"I didn't see it. The motor-man there can tell you. He is just coming in +now." + +The motor-man explained that young Rush was hammering at the dump-car +catch when the trap gave way beneath him and he went down. That was all +that anyone below ground knew about the accident. In fact, that was all +there was to tell so far as any one in the mine knew. + +Mr. Penton looked grave. It was an accident that reflected on him, for +the corporation looked to him to make the mine safe. He was greatly +disturbed, but more on Steve's account than on his own. + +The superintendent climbed down into the skip shaft and made an +examination on his own account. + +"Where are the supports that held up the trap?" he demanded upon his +return to the platform. + +"If they ain't there we must have thrown them into the shaft," explained +the timber-man. + +"You should have known better than that. Was it a break?" + +"It was a break, all right. The thing just gave out, and that's all +there was to it. But you can bet this one won't give way, not in a +thousand years. It'll be here long after the old mine has caved in." + +Mr. Penton did not go on with his inspection of the mine that day. He +was too full of anxiety for Steve Rush. Bob had begged to be let off for +the afternoon, and Mr. Penton had willingly granted his request. The lad +hurried to the hospital, after having changed his clothes, and at his +earnest request he was allowed to sit beside Steve. The boy could +scarcely keep the tears back as he gazed down into the pale face of his +companion. Bob was sure in his own mind that Steve was dying and Jarvis' +eyes were large and sorrowful as he watched the surgeon working over the +unconscious patient. + +Mr. Penton came, remained a short time, then went away; he, too, +convinced that Rush could not recover. Night came on, but still Bob sat +beside the hospital cot, one hand slipped under the sheet clasping a +hand of his companion. + +"You had better go home," said the surgeon, seeming for the first time +to be aware of Jarvis' presence. + +Bob did not answer. + +"I said, you had better go home, Jarvis." + +"I want to stay," answered the boy simply. + +"You can do him no good." + +"When will he get better--or worse?" + +"I do not look for any change before three o'clock in the morning or +thereabouts, so you see it will be useless for you to remain." + +"All right; I am not sleepy," and Bob turned his face toward the cot, +again fixing his gaze on the face of the unconscious Steve. + +The surgeon shrugged his shoulders and proceeded with his duties. The +hours dragged along, but Bob never changed his position nor even moved, +so fearful was he of doing something that might retard his friend's +recovery. Three o'clock came and still there was no change. Another half +hour elapsed. The sky was graying in the east. Steve uttered a low moan. +The surgeon was at his side in an instant. He placed an ear to the boy's +heart, then took his pulse, watch in hand. Bob's eyes were fixed on the +surgeon now. The latter shut his watch with a snap, then noting the +pleading question in the watcher's eyes, he nodded. + +"He is better. The change is coming, and unless something unlooked for +occurs he should return to consciousness soon." + +Bob drew a short, quick breath that was half a sob, settling down into +his former watchful position. + +Now the surgeon remained by the side of the cot. Occasionally he would +administer a few drops of medicine. When the patient choked a little and +swallowed, the surgeon would nod approvingly. + +All at once Steve Rush's eyelids fluttered open. His gaze was fixed for +a brief instant on the face of his companion. Jarvis held his breath. + +"Bob," murmured the lad, then closed his eyes wearily. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE SHAFT + + +"The crisis has passed," announced the surgeon in a relieved tone. + +Two great tear drops rolled down Bob Jarvis' cheeks. He brushed them +away and rose from the chair in which he had been sitting all night. + +"I'm going home. I must get ready to go to work. If he should become +worse won't you please let me know?" + +"Yes," answered the surgeon, giving the boy a quick, keen glance. "He'll +be all right now. No need to worry." + +Bob went to his boarding place happier and more light of heart than he +ever had been before. + +Steve's recovery was very slow, however. All that day and the next he +was too weak to talk, having lost considerable blood. Then again the +shock had been greater than many men could have sustained and lived to +tell about. + +At the end of a week the invalid was allowed to sit up, but ten days had +elapsed before it was considered prudent to permit him to dress and walk +about. Bob spent all his evenings with his companion, but they did not +discuss the accident. Each lad tacitly avoided the subject. + +The first day that Rush was allowed to go out of doors he walked over to +Mr. Penton's office, a hundred yards away, and asked permission to see +the superintendent. Mr. Penton welcomed the young man warmly. + +"I am glad to see you out, Rush. You had a pretty close call, didn't +you?" + +"I guess so, though I do not remember much about what happened beyond a +certain point." + +"If you feel strong enough I wish you would tell me exactly what +occurred leading up to the accident," said the superintendent. + +"Oh, yes, sir; I am strong enough. I could go to work and I think I +shall to-morrow." + +"We'll see about that." + +Steve related briefly what he knew of the accident, but his story shed +no new light on the affair. He could not even guess how it had happened, +beyond what Mr. Penton himself told the boy. + +"There is one thing I should like to do, sir," said Steve. + +"And what is that?" + +"I wish you would give me permission to examine the shaft where I fell +in." + +"That already has been done. Something gave way, and----" + +Steve smiled faintly. + +"I have reason to know that something gave way," he said. "I wish I +could satisfy myself, though, just how it happened." + +"Of course. There is no objection to your doing so." + +"I will ask Bob Jarvis to help me. He is a shrewd boy, and he may see +some things that I might not notice." + +"He will have to be pretty keen if he does," laughed Mr. Penton. "I +cannot imagine much of anything escaping your observation. But, my lad, +you have some reason for wanting to do this. What is it?" + +"I want to find out how the accident occurred." + +"Ah, you suspect something?" + +"I do not know whether I do or not. Perhaps I am curious. Most boys have +some curiosity, you know, sir." + +"Go ahead, but do not try it until you are well and strong. We can't +afford to have you laid up again. We need you, you know." + +A faint flush stole into Steve Rush's face. He had grown to be very fond +of the big-bodied, big-hearted superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine in +the few months that he had known him. + +"I thank you, sir. You are very kind to me. I want to tell you how much +I appreciate it all." + +"Rubbish!" scoffed Mr. Penton. + +On the third day following, Steve made his first trip below ground since +the accident. The lad was welcomed with enthusiasm by nearly every one +he met, many of whom he knew only by sight. + +"I never knew I was so popular," smiled Steve, after he had looked up +Jarvis, who was still at work at level seventeen. + +Bob grinned. + +"I reckon there are certain quarters where you are not so popular, eh?" + +"I should not be surprised if that were true. But those quarters no +longer exist, I understand." + +"Yes; the pair have hit the trail over the mountains. What are you going +to do down here to-day?" + +"I am going down in the skip shaft." + +Jarvis nodded understandingly. + +"Mr. Penton said you might knock off and go with me." + +"Did he? That's fine. I'll see the mine captain and tell him." + +"I have told him already. You may come with me now, and we'll make a +little examination on our own hook." + +Bob dropped his shovel, and, telling the shift boss where he was going, +accompanied Steve down the ladder to the level below. There the lads +looked over the platform by the tally-board, Steve pointing out where he +was standing when he went through the floor. + +"I never knew there was a trap there," he said, pointing to the new +planking that covered the hole through which he had dropped. + +"Nor I. I guess not many men in the mine knew about it. The timbers +supporting it must have been rotten." + +"Perhaps," answered Steve dryly. "Come on up to the sub-level; we will +begin our investigation there." + +Bob followed, though he did not fully understand the purpose of his +companion. Rush made his way to the door on the sub-level through which +the man Spooner had entered the shaft. The lad opened the door and stood +peering in, holding his candle ahead of him as he did so. + +"You are not going in here, are you?" questioned Jarvis. + +"Yes." + +"Why not go in on the level below and save this climb?" + +"I have my reasons, old man. Do you see the red mud on the rungs of the +ladder here?" + +"Yes, I see it; but what does that prove?" + +"No one has any business in this shaft and yet someone has been here +rather recently, for the mud is still soft. That mud came from some +one's rubber boots not so many moons ago." + +"You ought to be a detective," exclaimed Bob admiringly. + +"We will go down now. Be careful. This isn't a very safe place, and a +misstep would take you to the surface by the route I followed two weeks +ago." + +Once on the platform below, the boys halted. Holding their candles above +their heads, they looked about them curiously. A new post had been set +in place of the old one, the latter still lying on the platform. This +the boys examined carefully. + +"You see, the post is in good condition, Bob. The post didn't give way, +after all. I wonder how it was held up?" + +"Perhaps it rested on a piece of wood placed across these two posts that +project up through the floor," suggested Bob. + +"Yes, that's so. I think you are right. But where is the piece? I should +like to see it." + +Steve was hunting here and there with his customary energy, while Bob +Jarvis stood looking on, not being quite sure what he should do. + +"You look about on that side, Bob. Be careful that you don't fall into +the shaft. Here is sawdust on the floor, but I presume the men did that +when they put in the new support. Hello! I've got something." + +Steve triumphantly held up a saw that he had found. + +"This may mean something and it may not. We shall find out when we get +back again." + +Suddenly the boy uttered an exclamation. + +"What is it?" demanded Bob, hastening over to the spot where Steve was +pulling something from between the platform and the rock wall of the +shaft. What he had found was a piece of plank from which two pieces had +been split off. At the breaking point on each end they plainly saw the +cut of a saw. + +"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered Bob. "Is that the plank that +held up the post?" + +"Judging from the mark in the middle, I should say it was. Bring the old +post over here." + +Bob did so, and at Steve's direction placed the end of the post on the +broken piece of plank. The post fitted the faint outline perfectly. + +"Well, what do you think of that?" breathed Jarvis. + +"That somebody has tried to make a clean job of getting me out of the +way. That plank was sawed partly through so that it might not break at +once, but would do so when any extra weight was thrown upon it. We must +find those other pieces, Bob. Look about. I guess we'll have something +to report to Mr. Penton." + +Illustration: Steve Triumphantly Held Up a Saw. + +"Shall we say who did it?" + +"We can't really say. We may have our suspicions, but unless we get more +evidence we shall have to let it go as it is. I have some facts in my +possession that may help us, though." + +Steve got down on his hands and knees and began going over the floor +with great thoroughness. He was keen and alert and his eyes glowed with +resolute purpose. + +"Here's one of the broken pieces," cried Bob. + +"Good. See if you can find the other. We shall have our case complete in +a few minutes if we keep on having such good luck." + +But one piece was all that Bob was able to find, the other no doubt +having been thrown into the shaft. The one found was lying at the edge +of the platform near its end. + +"I guess there is nothing more here for us to do," decided the lad +finally. "We will take our evidence and go to Mr. Penton." + +"We haven't enough to hang a dead cat on." + +Steve smiled. + +"We shall see," he answered. "You tuck the saw under your coat and I +will carry the boards." + +Entering the first cage that stopped at this level, the boys were +quickly conveyed to the surface. Steve asked the cage-tender at the +mouth of the shaft if he had seen the superintendent about the shaft, +and was informed that Mr. Penton was at that moment in the dry house. He +was no doubt dressing to go down in the mine. + +The boys hurried to the dry house, finding Mr. Penton talking with one +of the time-checkers. + +"May we see you alone, sir?" asked Steve. + +"Certainly. Come into my dressing room. You have some news, eh?" queried +the superintendent, flashing a keen glance at them. + +"We think we have, sir." + +After entering the dressing room, Mr. Penton nodded for them to proceed. +Steve went right to the point. + +"We have been down in the skip shaft." + +"On seventeen platform?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Did you discover anything of consequence?" + +"Mr. Jarvis has a saw that we found there. It belongs to one of the +timber-men, and was stolen from him the day before the accident." + +The superintendent pricked up his ears at this. + +"I learned that fact this morning. He doesn't know that we have the saw. +We found it where it had evidently been thrown by the person who used +it. And here is something else, sir." + +Steve laid the broken pieces of plank on a table. Mr. Penton picked them +up, turning them over in his hands, pausing when he discovered the marks +of the saw, then he glanced at Steve. + +"What is this?" + +"It is the support that rested under the post holding up the old trap," +answered the lad. + +"Then--then----" + +"Someone had sawed it partly through, so the support would give way and +let someone else down. I happened to be the one who was let down." + +The smile vanished from the eyes of the general superintendent and the +lines of his face hardened perceptibly. + +"How do you know this piece supported the post?" + +"You will find the mark of the post on it. We fitted the post to the +mark to make sure. Whoever did the job, entered the skip shaft from +sub-level seventeen. I am sure of this, because I found fresh mud on the +rungs of the ladder. No one is supposed to go down there, is he, sir?" + +"No; no one does go down there. This is very serious. Why did not my men +discover all these things?" + +"I guess they did not look very sharply. The evidence was there to be +found if one looked hard enough." + +"Rush, you suspect someone?" said Mr. Penton sharply. "Whom do you +suspect?" + +"Perhaps this may answer the question," answered the lad, laying on the +table a brass time check about the size of a half dollar. + +"Where--where did you get this?" + +"On the platform where the job was done, sir," answered Steve, directing +a steady gaze at the stern face of the superintendent. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THEIR FIRST PROMOTION + + +"Wait a minute," said Mr. Penton, hurrying across the hall to the office +of the time-keepers. + +He was gone but a few moments and when he returned there was a look on +his face that Steve had never seen there before. It was a look that +meant trouble for someone. The superintendent sat down, gazing out of +the window at the towering shaft of the Cousin Jack Mine. + +"You did not answer my previous question. I asked you whom you +suspected." + +"I dislike to make so serious a charge against anyone, sir, but a +certain man was seen standing near the door leading down to the platform +the day before I fell in. Two persons saw him." + +"Who was the man?" + +"The man was Spooner, sir." + +"You are sure of that?" + +"Sure of it according to my information." + +"Well, lad, this is Spooner's time check that you have brought to me," +replied Mr. Penton in an impressive voice. + +"I reckon that evidence would hang a live cat," muttered Bob Jarvis. + +"Yes, it is sufficient evidence to warrant my looking up the man and +lodging a complaint against him. Was he alone when he was seen at the +door of the shaft, or don't you know?" + +"Marvin was with him, sir." + +"Ah! Rush, you have done well. You are a very shrewd young man. In fact, +I am proud of both of you. When we have anything of this sort on hand +again I shall get you to investigate it. However, I do not believe there +is another man in the mine who is wicked enough to attempt the life of a +boy. There is another matter that I have had in mind for some time. That +is, your advancement. You have learned fast. You already know more about +the mine and its operation than a number of men who have spent the +greater part of their lives below ground." + +"Thank you, sir. We have tried to improve our opportunities." + +"You have done so. You have done the company a great service in finding +the place where the shortage occurred. I have already expressed myself +on this point. After receiving my report in that case, the president of +the company wrote me to reward you as I saw fit. I shall do so by +promoting you. It is not much of a promotion, but it will give you an +opportunity to acquaint yourselves the better with the mine and its +operations. I now appoint you two boys inspectors of tracks. Your duties +will be to see that the tram tracks are in perfect condition. It will +keep you busy, for there are a good many miles of track in the Cousin +Jack. You, Rush, will take the east half and Jarvis the west. That will +take you both well over the mine. It would be simpler to divide your +territory by levels, but I consider the former plan the better one for +your own good. You will require some technical information that the +engineer will give you. He also will supply you with maps of the +trackage, which you will study carefully." + +"I am very grateful," breathed Steve, his eyes lighting up. + +"You're welcome, lad. I want to push you along as fast as you are ready, +but you must not expect to go too fast." + +"I think I have done very well as it is, sir." + +"Your pay will be two dollars a day." + +Twelve dollars a week! It was more money than either of the boys ever +had earned before. To them it seemed a large sum of money. They were +very happy and proud. Their new work was to begin on the following +morning. Jarvis went back to finish his day at drifting in ore, while +Steve returned to his boarding place, where he sat down and wrote a long +letter to his mother, telling her of his good fortune. + +In the meantime Mr. Penton set an inquiry on foot to locate Spooner and +Marvin. The men had applied for work in a neighboring mine, he learned, +but had failed to get employment there. Neither man had been seen in +those parts since. Mr. Penton decided that they had left the range, and +he was thankful for it, as it relieved him of an unpleasant duty. +However, that day he made a detailed report to the president of the +mining company by letter, giving the boys full credit for what they had +discovered. Mr. Penton also made report of the promotion he had given +them. This was afterwards heartily endorsed by President Carrhart. + +Early the next morning the boys went over the mine with an assistant +engineer. He gave them a long talk on tracks, Steve asking many +questions as they went along. That afternoon the Iron Boys began their +work, having laid out a certain number of levels that were to be visited +each day. As Mr. Penton had told them, their new position took them to +nearly every part of the mine, from the lowest working level to the tram +tracks on the surface and far up on the trestle. + +By the time that they had been at their new work for several months, +each lad had proved that he was worthy of the confidence placed in him +by the general superintendent. + +Steve had been figuring on a problem in his department for a long time, +and one day he went to the superintendent with it, or rather to learn +whether the problem were a problem at all. + +"I want to ask, Mr. Penton, if the expense of keeping up your motors +that draw the dump cars in the mines is very great." + +"I should say it is," was the prompt answer. "You see, they draw very +heavy loads. Those cars of ore are not light." + +"I am well aware of that. You will remember that I had a load dropped on +me once," smiled Steve. + +"We wear out, I should say, on an average of six motors a year. That +runs into money. And the repairs on them, in the meantime, are very +expensive." + +"Would any arrangement that would tend to lessen the strain on the +motors be of advantage to the company?" + +"That is self-evident. Of course it would. What is more, relieving the +cars of the strain to which they are subjected would save a few thousand +dollars a year. Have you something in mind?" + +Mr. Penton smiled good-naturedly on the young man who was standing +before him. + +"Yes, sir, I have a plan by which I think you ought to be able to save +your electric motors considerably and at the same time make greater +speed in getting ore to the chutes." + +"If you have a practical plan for doing that you will have accomplished +a great deal, young man. What is your plan?" + +"Well, sir, it is an engineering problem. Not being an engineer, I +perhaps shall not be able to overcome all the difficulties in the way. I +can tell you, though, what I think would help." + +"Do so." + +"I find that in most of the levels there is a considerable up grade to +the chutes where the tram cars are dumped." + +"That is a fact." + +"Would it not be much better to have the loaded cars run down grade to +the chutes? Then they would go back up the grade empty," suggested Steve +half hesitatingly. + +Mr. Penton gazed at him quizzically. + +"Do you know, my boy, you have made a suggestion that even the keenest +of our engineers evidently never have thought of?" + +"I am glad if I have suggested something worth while," said Steve, with +a pleased smile. + +"But how do you propose to go about it? The levels are made and the +tracks are laid to fit the conformation. How are you going to get over +that condition?" asked the superintendent, with a twinkle in his eyes. + +"As I told you, I am not an engineer." + +"But you have an idea?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Let's hear it." + +"I have watched the trackmen grading on the railroad and I do not see +why you cannot do the same thing here. You have plenty of waste dirt and +rock in the mine. It is being taken out every day. Why not utilize some +of it in raising the tracks at the 'rises'? That would give the cars a +good start and the electric motor would not have to wear itself out +getting the cars started. Continue doing this, even if you have to begin +cutting the level lower down by the chutes. I am sure that that feature +could easily be overcome by your engineers. In the sub-levels and new +drifts you could do the same thing." + +"How?" + +"Cut down to them, sir, when you are drifting in. I want you to know +that this is not wholly my idea. My friend Bob, in discussing the track +question with me, said it was a pity that the motors had to haul their +loads up hill in most instances. I got to thinking over this and out of +it all came the plan I have proposed, so you see he is the one who is +really entitled to the credit." + +"The credit is yours. Rush, you've a great head on that slender body of +yours, and it isn't so slender, at that, judging from the ease with +which you picked up a rail one day last week and laid it in place." Mr. +Penton laughed. "No; not so slender as it might seem to one who did not +know you. This is really a very important matter. It is a matter that I +shall have to take up with the main office at Duluth. I have an idea +that they will adopt your suggestion without very much delay," said Mr. +Penton. + +"Yes, sir." + +"The engineering department reports that the inspection of tracks has +never been done so thoroughly and intelligently as since you and Jarvis +have been on the work. This naturally pleases me very much. It shows me +that my estimate of you was correct. Have you anything else to suggest?" + +"No, sir; I think not. I think that will be about enough for to-day." + +The superintendent agreed with him and Steve went back to his work. Bob +Jarvis was quickly acquainted with what the superintendent had said, +much to the latter's gratification. In due time, the plan having been +passed upon by the company's engineers at the home office, word was +received at the mines that it had been adopted. The young men who had +suggested it were highly commended, President Carrhart adding in his +letter to Mr. Penton: + +"I knew that boy Rush couldn't help but do something, with a name like +his." + +The work was put in progress as soon after that as the plans could be +worked out, bearing in mind that the operation of the mine must not be +interfered with. It may be imagined with what keen interest Steve Rush +and Bob Jarvis watched the changing of the grades. They were also +interested in another direction, when, one pay day soon after, they +found that their salaries had been raised to fifteen dollars a week +each. + +Bob declared he felt like a millionaire. + +"What are you going to do with all that money?" asked Steve. + +"I think I shall buy some of the company's stock," answered Jarvis. + +"Not a half bad idea. That is what I am going to do when I get money +enough. As it is, I am sending home most of what I earn. But the money +is in good hands," he smiled. + +"Mine's in the bank. I am getting four per cent. interest on it, but I +haven't got to where I can live on the interest I receive from it. I was +figuring the other night, and at the present rate it will be twenty +years before I shall be able to live on my income--my interest, I mean." + +"Well, I don't want to live on my income. I want to be up and doing +something as long as I've got a kick left in me. Cheer up, Bob, you may +be a millionaire yet." + +"Yes; when I have long, yellow whiskers, maybe," laughed Jarvis. + +In the course of two months the new system was working to the +satisfaction of everyone. Already it was being applied to the other +mines belonging to the company, and even at that early day it was +apparent that the Rush Gravity System, as it was called, was destined to +prove a great saving to the company. The name, too, was considered +unusually appropriate. + +One day, a few months later, as Steve was on his rounds, he caught sight +of a man in miner's costume who instantly attracted his attention. The +man was rather tall and wore a full beard. Rush stopped and gazed after +the fellow until he passed out of sight. + +"I wonder who he is?" muttered Steve. "There is something about +him--about the way he folded his hand over his mouth, that is +unpleasantly familiar to me." + +On the day following, while Steve was chatting with one of the shift +bosses on the twelfth level, he saw the fellow again. + +"Who is that man?" asked the boy sharply, pointing to the one who had +attracted his attention. + +"His name is Klink--John Klink." + +"What does he do?" + +"He is acting as a drift inspector at present, I believe." + +"Klink?" mused the lad. "I don't think I ever heard the name before. Do +you know where he comes from?" + +"I think he comes from the San Juan Mine, over on the McCormick range. I +don't know anything about him, but he seems to know his business pretty +well. He is inspecting temporarily. The inspector whose place he is +taking is at home sick. Klink is a boss miner." + +"I must have been mistaken," thought Rush, as he proceeded along his +route inspecting the tracks on that level. "But I can't get it out of my +mind that I have seen the fellow somewhere before, and under unpleasant +circumstances, at that." + +He had, and at no distant day, he was destined to see the man under +still more unfavorable circumstances. + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE VISIT OF THE OFFICIALS + + +For a week past there had been a great deal of work done in the Cousin +Jack in the way of cleaning up and putting things in the best possible +shape. The mine was to receive visitors. The annual inspection by +prominent officials of the company was to be made, and the visitors +might be looked for now on almost any day. + +It was understood, also, that several New York officials were to be in +the party, and every department head in the mines was ordered to leave +nothing undone to have all things under his charge in perfect order. + +"We are about the only ones whose work won't show," complained Jarvis. + +"Why not, Bob?" demanded Steve. + +"Why, a track is a track, that's all. It doesn't show all the work we +have put on it. They'll just walk along on our job while they are +admiring the other fellow's work." + +"I think you are in error. The officials of these big corporations are +all practical men. Most of them have had personal experience; some of +them have not. I don't know about the New Yorkers, but I know Mr. +Carrhart has been all through the mill. He will notice everything; you +see if he doesn't." + +Three days after this conversation the visitors arrived. The Iron Boys +were engaged in other parts of the mine and did not know of the arrival. +Along in the early afternoon, however, their duties led them to the +seventeenth level. Of course they were on opposite sides of the mine, +but as it chanced each was heading for the chutes on that level, where +their patrol would end. After a time a bobbing candle appeared far down +the level. A moment later another appeared coming from the opposite +direction. + +Two young men came swinging along the tracks. Their step was springy and +there was an alertness about them that at once attracted the observing +ones. These two were Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis. They approached each +other rapidly and waved their hands in greeting. + +"Bob, there are the visitors," said Steve in a low tone. + +"Oh, that's so; I hadn't noticed them. When did they come in?" + +"I do not know. I had not seen them before." + +Eight or ten men were assembled on the platform where the tally-board +was located. The superintendent was holding an earnest conversation +with them, the visitors keeping up a running fire of questions and +comment. They had been through part of the mine and were discussing +conditions and proposed improvements. + +The boys had matters of their own to discuss, so they gave little +attention to the gathering, so far as the latter observed. But the lads +were interested, just the same. + +"I suppose most of those fellows are millionaires," said Bob, indicating +the group by a jerk of his thumb in their direction. + +"They are not fellows, Bob; they are gentlemen," corrected Rush. + +"How do you know they are?" came back the quick question. + +"It is reasonable to suppose they are. I know one of them is, for I have +met him." + +"Who is that?" + +"Mr. Carrhart, president of the company." + +"They all look like miners to me. Put a shovel in their hands and they +wouldn't be at all different from us. But we mustn't be standing here +doing nothing. While we are here, let's take a look at the tracks over +the chutes. There is a rail a little down at the heels. I shall have to +report it as dangerous. Getting a car off here blocks the whole line. I +wonder when that edge broke down. It was all right when I inspected it +yesterday." + +Steve took out his memorandum book and made a note of the condition of +the rail for immediate report to the engineering department. + +While the boys were thus engaged some of the party stood looking in +their direction. + +"Mr. Penton, who are those young men standing over yonder?" asked Mr. +Carrhart. + +"They are my track inspectors. They are a pair of likely young fellows. +I'll wager there isn't a another pair of their age on the range that can +equal them." + +At this every one of the party turned to look at the Iron Boys, who, all +unconscious of the attention they were attracting, were busy with their +work. + +"The chances are they do not even know you gentlemen are here, so +attentive are they to their work." + +"Who are they, Penton? I am interested in these prodigies," laughed Mr. +Carrhart. + +"The taller of the two is Robert Jarvis. The other is Steve Rush, after +whom the Rush Gravity System is named. You will remember, Rush suggested +the change to the gravity system." + +"Steve Rush?" exclaimed the president. "Why, I was going to ask you +about the young man. I wish to talk with him, and the boy Jarvis, also. +Rush is my find, you will remember, Penton." + +"I was congratulating myself that I was his discoverer," laughed the +superintendent. + +"No, you will remember my sending him up to you with a letter. You know +I saw that he had good material in him. He was a live wire, even then." + +"I give way; the honor is yours," answered Mr. Penton. + +The party was in great good humor. + +"If you can spare your young friends from their duties, for a few +moments, I should like to speak with them." + +"Surely. Rush!" + +"Yes, sir." + +The lad straightened up, touching his cap immediately. + +"Will you step over here, please?" + +Steve strode across the tracks. + +"Jarvis, you, too." + +"Yes, sir." + +"How are you, Rush?" exclaimed President Carrhart, stepping forward and +extending a cordial hand. + +"How do you do, Mr. Carrhart. I am afraid my hand is not shakeable. It +is grimy with red ore." + +"We will shake all the same, lad." + +They did so, the president holding to Steve's hand as he gazed keenly +into the manly face of the boy, Steve returning his gaze, respectfully +but steadily. + +"I am glad to see you, Rush." + +"Thank you, sir. And I want to thank you also for giving me the +opportunity that you did. This is my companion, Bob Jarvis." + +The superintendent stepped forward at that juncture, presenting the boys +to each member of the party in turn. There were vice-presidents, +secretaries and directors--more titles than the boys could remember. To +their surprise these big men greeted them as if they were equals. + +"I hear you already have made a record for yourself, Rush," said Mr. +Carrhart. + +"I don't know about that, sir. I am just beginning to realize that I +have a lot to learn." + +"I hear also that you have had some exciting experiences. You must learn +to safeguard yourself, and remember another thing, make your mine safe +for your men and you will always get results. You and your friend are in +charge of the tracks?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I am pleased to see them in such splendid condition. It is almost like +riding on a rock-ballasted railroad, they are so smooth." + +Bob threw his shoulders back ever so little as he heard this. + +"My, but those fellows must have eyes all around their heads the way +they take things in," muttered Jarvis. "No wonder they are millionaires! +They can see what the fellow behind them is doing as well as they can +what's going on in front. You can't beat that kind of a game." + +"I hope he doesn't see that turned rail there over the chute," thought +Rush. + +"I noticed only one bad rail in the entire system, the one there by the +chute. I see you have caught that, however." + +"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered Bob under his breath. "I +never heard anything like it." + +"Yes, sir; but that rail has gone bad within the last twenty-four hours. +It was in apparently good condition yesterday. Perhaps I did not examine +it closely enough on my last inspection, though." + +"No; you can't avoid those things now and then. There might have been a +defect in the steel, a blow hole or something of the sort. The principal +thing is not to let them get away from you. Catch the deterioration in +time, before it causes more trouble--that is all we can expect of you. +Gentlemen, this is the young man who invented our gravity system. +Perhaps you heard the superintendent speak of it just now. And, let me +tell you, he will bear watching. One of these days, if you do not keep +your eyes open, he is likely to be found sitting in the chair of one of +the other of you, either in Duluth, or Pittsburgh, or New York." + +The gentlemen joined in Mr. Carrhart's laugh, much to Steve's +embarrassment, though one would have never known, by looking at him, +that he was experiencing any such emotion. + +"You are doing well, very well; but do not be in too big a hurry and +don't get a swelled head. It is fatal to progress." + +"No, sir. If it does not get smashed, I am sure I shall be able to keep +it from swelling," replied Steve, with a faint smile, bringing a laugh +from the assembled company. + +"Where did that accident occur?" asked the president, turning to Mr. +Penton. + +"Right where Mr. Gary is standing now." + +The gentleman referred to, a vice-president of the company, promptly +stepped back, glancing at the floor almost apprehensively. This brought +another laugh from the visitors. + +"Come here, gentlemen," said Mr. Carrhart, "and I will show you where +this young man fell in. I do not think we should be alive now had we +been through that experience." + +The president threw open the door leading into the skip shaft. The +others had stepped up to him, but as the skips thundered past them, +leaping for the surface, faintly outlined monsters as they shot by, the +members of the party instinctively drew back, casting wondering glances +at the keen-faced boy who stood calmly, almost indifferently, looking +into the shaft. + +Mr. Carrhart was explaining to them how the accident had occurred. + +"Excuse me," said Mr. Cary. "I think I should prefer to be run over by a +touring car on Broadway." + +"And so should I," chorused the others, with the exception of Mr. +Carrhart, who smiled grimly. + +A lunch had been prepared for the guests and they were to eat in the +mine, on the platform by the tally-boards and the chutes. Tables were +being set, and by the time the visitors had turned away from the shaft +opening they were invited to be seated on the benches drawn up for the +purpose. + +Steve and Bob stood talking with Mr. Carrhart, the president asking many +questions. + +"Come, Carrhart," called one of the others. + +"I will be with you in a moment. Don't wait for me. Rush, how would you +like to come to headquarters at the end of your year in the mines?" + +"You mean to take a position there?" + +"Yes." + +The lad reflected for a moment. + +"Would you advise me to do that, sir?" questioned Rush, looking Mr. +Carrhart squarely in the eye. + +"So you are putting it up to me, are you, you young rascal?" laughed the +president. + +"You know best, sir." + +"The question is, would you like to come into the offices?" + +"I am afraid I should not be worth much there. I think, sir, that I like +the activity of this life better, so long as you have asked me. It is a +rough, hard life, but I am happy here and I hope to learn the business +so well that in time I shall be fit for a higher position." + +"I don't think there is any doubt about that, my lad. By all means +remain here. I shall have an eye in your direction, as I have had ever +since I sent you up here. Good afternoon, boys; the gentlemen are +waiting for me." + +While this conversation was in progress an Italian was making his way +down level seventeen. Over his back he carried a bag, the ends of which, +fashioned into a loop, had been fastened in front of him, passing around +his neck. The fellow was plodding half sleepily along, his boots +slopping in the water beside the track as he staggered under his heavy +burden. + +When near the chute a man suddenly appeared behind him, paused an +instant, then walked swiftly away. A few seconds more and the Italian +appeared passing the chute. + +"Look!" exclaimed Bob. "Great goodness! Look at that!" + +Steve Rush did look. One look was enough. With a sudden exclamation he +sprang for the slow-moving Italian, leaping the chutes at the risk of +his life. The lad knew that the lives of every man there were in peril. +By quick work only could he save them, and perhaps not then. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +FACING A GREAT PERIL + + +Bob Jarvis was after him with a bound. + +The lads had seen a little tongue of flame creeping up the sides of the +bag on the back of the Italian. + +Mr. Penton saw it also, as did the president of the company. The two men +understood the situation as fully as did the lads themselves, but the +others of the company were laughing and chatting, unmindful of the dire +peril that was threatening them. Mr. Carrhart and Mr. Penton half rose +from their seats, their faces blanching noticeably. + +Steve by this time had reached the Italian burden-bearer. Stretching +forth his hands, he grasped the bag, giving it a powerful tug. The +Italian toppled over backwards, the loop slipping over his head, leaving +the sack and its contents in the hands of Steve Rush. + +In the meantime the attention of the visitors had been attracted. They +discovered all at once that something unusual was taking place. + +"Hello, what's this--a fight?" cried Mr. Cary. + +Those who knew did not answer. They stood with pale faces, wide-eyed, +watching the efforts of the Iron Boys. + +No sooner had Steve gotten possession of the bag than the Italian leaped +to his feet. With an angry imprecation, he sprang at Steve, knife in +hand. + +But Jarvis was watching him. The boy made a leap, landing a powerful +blow with his fist on the back of the Italian's head. The man collapsed +in a heap. Bob was down on his knees beside his companion in an instant. +Steve had thrown the burning bag into the gutter extending along the +track, where there trickled a little stream of water that had been +turned a dull red by the iron ore. There was little water there, but +Rush was scooping up what there was of the water and mud, and with it +patting out the fire in the sack. + +Bob began doing the same, but now little flames were starting up all +over the bag. + +"Beat it out with your hands!" cried Steve. "It's getting the best of +us. If it reaches the fuses, we're done for!" + +"Skip, Steve; let me do it." + +Rush did not answer. He was beating a tattoo on the bag, now and then +grabbing up a handful of mud and water to soothe the hands which were +already quite badly burned. + +"It's out," announced Bob at last. + +The Iron Boys' prompt action had prevented the fuses from igniting. All +this had occupied but a few seconds. Instinctively the visitors realized +that something was wrong, but they did not understand what that +something was. + +Steve rolled the bag over two or three times, soaking it as well as he +could with the little water at hand. He then opened the mouth of the +sack, emptying the contents into the gutter and soaking that with water. +This done, he threw the sack away and straightened up, his face flushed +from his exertions. + +The Italian was just getting to his feet unsteadily, but there was an +angry light in his eyes. + +Steve pointed to the sack. + +"How did that happen?" demanded the lad. + +"Me not know," was the answer, with a shrug of the shoulders. "Why you +hit me?" + +"Why did I hit you?" repeated Bob. "If I hadn't you'd been sailing +skyward by this time." + +The Italian started away, muttering sullenly. Steve stepped forward, +laying a restraining hand on the man's arm. + +"Wait a minute. I want to talk with you." + +Mr. Carrhart sat down on the bench rather heavily, wiping the +perspiration from his forehead. + +"Now, Carrhart, perhaps you will tell us the meaning of this remarkable +scene," said Mr. Cary. "Something is up. I have a suspicion." + +"Yes, you are right; something is up--or _was_. Do you gentlemen know +what was in that bag that you saw on fire just now?" + +"No." + +"It was dynamite," said the president in an impressive tone. + +"Dynamite!" exclaimed the visitors in one voice. + +"Yes. How much was there in the bag, Mr. Penton?" asked Mr. Carrhart. + +"I should judge there were a dozen charges; about fifty pounds, I should +say." + +The blanched faces of the visitors evidenced their understanding. + +"Enough to blow us into kingdom come," added the superintendent. + +"Then--then those boys have saved our lives?" + +"They have," said Mr. Penton. + +"Yes, and that act of theirs is sufficient to earn for them the Medal of +Honor. I never knew of a braver act," added the president. "Rush, come +here! Jarvis, I want you, too." + +The boys obeyed the command, Steve leading the unwilling Italian around +the chutes to the platform, where he stood him against the wall. + +"You stay there until you are wanted!" ordered the boy, at which Mr. +Penton nodded his approval. + +The visitors crowded forward, expressing their admiration at the bravery +of the Iron Boys, at the same time plying them with eager questions. + +"How did you ever have the courage to do it?" questioned one man. + +"Because I didn't want to be blown up," answered Steve simply, at which +the tension was relieved and everyone laughed. + +"What I should like to know," exclaimed Mr. Carrhart, "is how this +affair occurred--how did that bag of dynamite chance to catch fire?" + +"From the Italian's candle, of course," said Mr. Cary. "I always have +considered those open lights dangerous, especially where high explosives +are used. We should have enclosed lights, the same as they do in the +coal mines." + +"What do you think about it, Rush?" asked the president, turning to the +young man inquiringly. + +"It did not catch from the man's candle, sir," answered the lad +confidently. + +"You think not?" + +"I am sure of it, sir." + +"What makes you think it did not?" + +"Because the candle was on the front of his cap. It is there now, as you +can see for yourself. The fire, when I first saw it, was burning at the +bottom of the bag on the man's back. I do not see, by any stretch of the +imagination, how the candle could have fired the cloth." + +"You're right." + +"Mr. Penton, would you like to question the man?" asked Steve, nodding +toward the Italian. + +"Yes. Come here, Dominick." + +The Italian obeyed with sullenness. + +"How did this thing happen, Dominick?" + +"Me not know." + +"You did not have your candle in your hand at any time, did you?" + +"Me have candle in hat." + +"Was it there when you picked up the bag?" + +"Yes." + +"You are sure of that?" + +"Me sure." + +"May I ask a question?" inquired Steve. + +"Certainly." + +"Did you pass or meet anyone just before you reached the chutes here?" + +"Me not meet any one." + +"I don't understand this at all," said Mr. Penton. "Dominick is +trustworthy, so far as I am aware. At least no charges ever have been +made against him." + +"He seemed to me to be pretty handy with his knife," suggested the +president. "I shouldn't want to trust a man very far who acted that way, +would you, Rush?" + +"Well, no, sir; but I shouldn't accuse him of setting fire to a bag of +dynamite, then calmly shouldering the bag and marching off. At least, +not unless he was determined to commit suicide." + +There was a hearty laugh, this time at the expense of the president. + +"There's good logic in that, at any rate," agreed Mr. Carrhart. + +Steve was studying the face of the Italian keenly. This Mr. Carrhart +observed and nodded significantly to Superintendent Penton. But Steve +could not make up his mind that Dominick was in any way to blame for +what had barely missed being a great disaster. + +Both lads were puzzled. They could not understand it at all. + +"Perhaps a spark dropped from the trolley wire, thus firing the bag," +suggested the superintendent, after briefly turning the question over in +his mind. + +"That is a plausible explanation," said Mr. Carrhart, "and for want of a +better one we shall have to let it go at that. Yes, I think that must be +the explanation." + +The party decided that they had seen enough of the Cousin Jack for one +day. Some of the officials were more anxious to get out of the place +than they cared to admit. They were not used to having their luncheons +interrupted by fifty-pound sacks of dynamite catching fire. + +Each, before leaving, stepped up and shook hands with the Iron Boys. + +"I want to see you before I leave the range," said Mr. Carrhart as he +bade Steve good-bye. + +"Yes, sir," answered the boy, touching his hat, as he stepped to one +side to permit the visitors to pass around the chute. + +"We must do something for those boys," said Mr. Cary to the president. + +"Yes," agreed Mr. Carrhart. + +"They are doing something for themselves, gentlemen," returned the +superintendent. "They are not lads to need much help. They are the kind +who carve out their own futures." + + * * * * * + +"Well, they've gone," announced Bob, stamping the dirt from his shoes. +"What do you think of it?" + +"Of the fire--the burning bag, you mean?" + +"Yes." + +"I think it was a mighty queer occurrence." + +"So do I," agreed Jarvis, "and it's my opinion that it will bear looking +into." + +"Where's Dominick?" + +"He sneaked away when the others left. But he is of no use to us. He +knows nothing about this affair, beyond what we all saw. We must look +beyond him for the cause of the fire. Well, I'm off." + +The lads separated for the time being and went off about their duties. +But the thought of the fired bag kept recurring to Steve Rush. He turned +the matter over and over in his mind, yet without being able to reach +any definite conclusion regarding it. + +"I wish I knew," he mused. "It is not my business, however, to inquire +into the affair unless I have orders to do so." + +He was to receive his orders sooner than he imagined, and his +investigations were eventually to develop some startling facts +concerning conditions in the Cousin Jack Mine. + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +INTO A BLACK GULF + + +While the Iron Boys were trudging through the mine, completing their +weary rounds of miles with their eyes fixed keenly on the tracks, a +meeting had been called at the office of the superintendent. All of the +gentlemen who comprised the party of visitors at the mine were at the +meeting. + +Maps of the mines on the range were spread out on the table before them, +and they were going over and discussing these maps in detail. Business +was transacted with a speed that would have made most of the business +men in that remote region dizzy headed. + +Having disposed of the matters before them, the conversation turned to +their recent narrow escape in the Cousin Jack Mine. The visitors were +fully convinced now that the fire had been caused by a spark from the +trolley wire, and Superintendent Penton, if he thought otherwise, did +not say so. He had made up his mind, however, to push his inquiry a +little further. He wanted to make sure that the suggestion was the +correct one. + +From the subject of the fired bag the men turned to a discussion of +Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis. This ended in Mr. Cary's making a +proposition. After a little discussion it was put in the form of a +motion and passed with enthusiasm. + +Of all of this, of course, the lads tramping along the levels far +underground knew nothing. It was destined to come as a great surprise to +them when they learned of the action taken by the officials of the +company in the interest of the two plucky boys. + +That night the officers boarded their private car and went on to visit +other of the company's mines further up the range. Early on the +following forenoon Superintendent Penton visited his own mine, and while +there looked up Steve Rush. + +The superintendent asked Steve what he thought about the theory of a +spark from the wire having fired the dynamite bag. + +"I don't take any stock in it," answered the boy promptly. "Do you, +sir?" + +"I have had my doubts, but how else could it have started?" + +"I will answer that question by showing you that it could not have +started from a wire spark. The fire started on the underside of the bag. +Did you notice that?" + +"No; it had spread over the bag when I caught sight of it. But I was +reasonably certain there was more to it than we imagined when you asked +Dominick if he met anyone in the level just before reaching the chutes." + +Steve nodded reflectively. + +"What do you infer from the fire starting on the under side of the +dynamite bag?" + +"That someone had either accidentally or by design shoved a candle under +the bag while Dominick was carrying it. That is the only way I can see +that the fire might have started." + +"I think you are right about that. But it surely was an accident. No one +would be willing to take such terrible chances. Why, it might have blown +everyone up within a wide radius." + +"Yes, it would have done so." + +"And yet you were down on your knees, with your nose right over the +stuff, as if it were so much clay. I have steady nerves myself, but I +don't believe I should have had the pluck to do that. At least, I know I +should have turned my head away." + +Steve laughed. + +"I am afraid that would not have helped you much if the stuff had gone +off." + +"Rush, if you suspect anything keep your eyes open; that's all I have to +say. What you don't see will not be worth the seeing." + +"Very well, sir; I will do as you request, but I have not much hope of +getting at the truth." + +"I'll risk that. I am going to the lower level. There is some difficulty +with the pumps there, the engineer tells me," said the superintendent, +proceeding on his way. + +Steve had not very much to do, so he walked back to his old post on the +seventeenth level to wait until Bob Jarvis should come along. Steve and +the superintendent had no sooner left the spot where they had been +talking than a figure slunk from a deserted drift near by, glanced up +and down the level, then hurried away. The man's hat was pulled down, +and the candle above aided in throwing his face into deep shadow, but +the full beard was not hidden, had anyone been near by to observe it. + +Steve had been sitting on the platform at the chutes for about thirty +minutes when the level's telephone rang. + +"Mr. Penton wants to see you on the lower level," said the telephone +boy. + +"Where is he?" questioned Steve. + +"He says he'll meet you near the suction pipes." + +"Very good," answered the lad, rising. "If Mr. Jarvis comes along tell +him where I have gone. If I get through in time I will meet him here and +go up with him." + +Rush hurried over, signaled the cage tender that he wished to descend, +and a short time afterwards was being plunged deeper into the mine. + +He left the cage at the sub-level just above the last level. The last +level was flooded with water some twenty feet deep. All the water from +the mine was drained down into the last level and from there pumped to +the surface and thus disposed of. + +There were naturally no mining operations carried on down on the last +level. + +Steve had been down there on numerous occasions and every inch of the +ground was familiar to him. Upon leaving the cage he made his way +through the dark, damp tunnels, whistling as he stepped briskly along. +He could not imagine what Mr. Penton could want of him down there, for +if anything were wrong with the pumping system it was a matter for the +engineering department and not for a track inspector. + +Turning the last bend in the sub-level, Push began to move with more +caution. A moment more and he caught sight of the big water pipes +winding up through the roof of the level. + +"I wonder where Mr. Penton is?" muttered the lad, stepping out on a +plank platform. + +As he did so a wave of dampness that almost chilled him swept up from +the dark depths of the last level. An open space extended from the +floor down to the level itself and from this soundings were occasionally +taken to determine the depth of the water. The lead line hung from a peg +driven into a crevice in the rock. Steve noted that the line was dry. + +"That is curious. Mr. Penton evidently has not made a sounding. I should +have thought he would have done so if he had reason to think the water +was not being pumped out as fast as it should be." + +Rush raised his voice and called out the name of the superintendent. +Only the echo of his own voice came back to him. + +"That's queer," decided Steve. "But, of course, he did not telephone me +from here. He probably is on one of the levels above this. I will wait." + +Resuming his whistling, the lad began pacing back and forth on the +planking, having stuck his candlestick back on his miner's hat. + +The young inspector had been waiting for fully half an hour, but not a +sign of the superintendent did he see. + +"Well, this is getting rather tiresome," he said, pausing to listen to +the rhythmic click of the pumps that his ears could faintly catch. "I +think I will amuse myself by sounding the water level." + +The lad took down the rope, to one end of which a piece of lead had been +attached, spun the weighted end a few times about his head, letting it +fly out into the darkness, listening intently as the line ran swiftly +through his hands. + +A distant splash followed a few seconds later, whereupon the line gave +out not quite so rapidly. + +"It's down," nodded Steve. He leaned over the edge to pull the line in +without drawing it over the edge of the planking, so that he could the +better see that mark of the water on the rope. + +"Gracious, I should hate to take a swim in that hole," said the Iron +Boy, with a laugh. + +He stopped suddenly. Steve thought he had heard something behind him. + +"Is that you, Mr. Penton?" he asked, turning and peering into the +darkness. + +There was no reply. + +"I must be getting the creeps," said Steve, beginning to whistle as he +hauled in the line. "Wha--what--here, let go of me. Let----" + +Some invisible force behind had put a sudden pressure upon Steve Rush. +He was being rapidly shoved toward the edge of the platform. + +All at once Steve felt the flooring drop from beneath his feet; and, +without making a sound, the lad plunged over into the darkness. + +A loud splash followed, then all was still. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING BOY + + +Bob Jarvis waited a long time at the chutes for his companion, but Steve +did not return. This did not cause Bob any particular worry, as Steve no +doubt had been called to some other part of the mine. So Bob deciding to +wait no longer, strolled away. + +At the close of the day's work, however, when Steve was not at the mouth +of the shaft waiting for him, Bob began to wonder. He waited about the +shaft for half an hour, then went on to his boarding place. Steve had +not returned. + +"Where's Rush?" demanded the boarding boss, knowing Steve's habit of +punctuality. + +"That is what's bothering me. I haven't seen him." + +It was the business of the boarding boss to look quickly into any +absences and report them to the superintendent or the mine captain. He +got busy at once. Calling up the time-keeper's office, he inquired if +Steve Rush had checked in. + +The information came back a moment later that Steve had not come up from +the mine yet; or, if he had, he had failed to report himself. + +"Then something has happened to him," was Jarvis' emphatic conclusion. +"He left word for me to meet him at seventeen, but when I got there he +had gone. I haven't seen him since." + +The boarding boss agreed so strongly that he telephoned to the +superintendent. The latter had not yet arrived home from his office, so +the mine captain was communicated with. + +But Bob Jarvis already was out of the house, headed for the shaft at top +speed. + +"Has Steve Rush come up yet?" he demanded of the cage-tender. + +"Haven't seen him." + +Bob hesitated. He realized the futility of wandering about the mine not +knowing in what part of it he should look for the missing Steve. He then +hurried to the time-keeper's office, learning that nothing had been seen +of the missing boy. + +Bob did not know which way to turn. But by the time he had reached the +shaft again Superintendent Penton was there, together with the mine +captain, preparing to go below. The cage had just come up and the men +were stepping aboard when a boy from the boarding house where the Iron +Boys lived came running up out of breath. + +"Wait!" cried Bob. "Here comes a boy from our hashery. Maybe Steve has +gone home." + +"What is it, boy?" called the superintendent. + +"Boss wanted me to tell you that the telephone man who lives with us +says Mr. Rush got a telephone message from you to meet him at the lower +level this afternoon. He says Rush didn't come back." + +"I didn't send for him to meet me anywhere," answered the +superintendent. "We'll go to the lower level. Shoot us down as fast as +is safe," he added, addressing the cage-tender. + +The bottom of the car seemed to be dropping from beneath their feet, so +rapid was their descent. + +Bob, holding to the support rod above their heads, was thinking fast and +hard. + +"I knew something had happened to Steve," he said. "Something has +happened to him." + +Mr. Penton had not spoken since the cage started. He, too, was thinking +deeply. There was something about all this that he could not understand, +though he was unable to clearly define what really was in his mind. If +someone had called Steve Rush to come to the sub-level above the lower +level, and had done so in the name of the superintendent, it must have +been done either as a joke or for some other purpose that could only be +surmised. + +"Why should anyone have resorted to such a subterfuge?" wondered Mr. +Penton. + +Very much the same thoughts were running through the mind of Bob Jarvis. +So engrossed was each with his own thoughts that neither man seemed to +realize the dizzy rate of speed at which they were descending. Finally +the cage began to slow down gradually, then finally came to an easy +stop. + +There was no light in that sub-level, but the occupants of the cage knew +exactly where they were. They knew the place as well as though the +sub-level had been ablaze with light. + +"All off," ordered the superintendent. "The cage will wait for us here." + +He had given orders that the cage was to remain below until he signaled +the tender to hoist. If the latter found it necessary to raise the cage +before that he was to ring a certain signal on the gong, each level and +sub-level being provided with one. + +"All hands keep their eyes open," directed the leader of the searching +party. "I haven't much hope that we shall find him here, however." + +The group moved along the sub-level, glancing about them keenly as they +did so, until they reached the turn or bend in the tunnel, where they +paused to listen. The sub-level was as silent as a tomb. They could not +even hear the rush of the water as it dashed into the lower level, some +of it coming all the way from the surface. + +"Shall I call out?" asked Bob. + +"Yes." + +"Steve!" Bob's voice did not seem to carry far. It sounded weak to him. + +"Oh, Steve! Steve Rush!" shouted the superintendent. + +There being no response, he repeated the call several times, but with no +better result. + +"I guess it is useless, boys. I am afraid we shall not find him here. In +fact, I can't believe that he came down here at all." + +"The boy said you had telephoned to Steve to come down, didn't he?" +asked Jarvis. + +"Yes; but I did nothing of the sort. The telephone man must have made a +mistake in the message--or else----" Mr. Penton checked himself sharply. +"We will look further, though I am sure we are wasting time. We shall +probably find that he has fallen somewhere on one of the upper levels +and hurt himself. If that is so, one of the watchmen is sure to discover +him and report the matter at once. We will go out to the platform, then +on up to the next level. I'll have all the watchmen notified at once to +take up the search." + +The searchers walked out on the planking where Steve had stood a couple +of hours before. Mr. Penton peered down into the black pit, while the +others stood a little back from him. + +"He is not here. It is as I thought. He has not been here, in all +probability. We shall have to go on up, boys. I----" + +Bob suddenly jerked his candle from his hat, holding the light to the +floor. As he did so, he uttered a half-smothered exclamation, at the +same time grabbing something from the planking and holding it up to the +light. + +"Look!" cried the lad. "Look! He hasn't been here, eh?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +WHEN THE WATERS CLOSED OVER HIM + + +Steve did not cry out when he found himself plunging into the water, +principally for the reason that he was too plucky to make an outcry when +his safety was imperiled. In the second place, his mind was working so +rapidly that he did not have time to cry out. + +He struck the water with a splash, broadside on, quickly sinking beneath +the surface. Steve was too good a swimmer to swallow any water, however, +and began holding his breath even before he struck the water, knowing as +he did what was about to happen. The result was that he had propelled +himself to the surface before many seconds had elapsed. He came up +shaking himself like a water dog, but was careful to make as little +noise as possible. + +As soon as he succeeded in getting the water out of his eyes, he looked +up, expecting to see a light on the platform on the sub-level. All was +inky blackness there, and not a sound could be heard save the rush of +water. + +Young Rush began swimming. He did not know whether there was a ladder +extending down into the level or not, so he swam about for some time, +feeling along the wall in search of something by which he might pull +himself up. But he did not find a projection of any kind. The rocks +forming the wall were smooth and slimy and felt like ice to the touch. + +He was beginning to feel chilled. Steve tried to recall what the map of +the lower level looked like, but try as he might he could not recall a +single detail of the map filed in the engineer's office. By this time he +did not know where he was. He had lost all sense of direction. + +"I guess I am a goner. They've got me this time," he said aloud. "I hope +that Mr. Penton will find out how it happened." + +The boy was now shivering violently. His teeth were chattering and he +began to wonder if he were freezing to death, for the sense of feeling +seemed to have left his legs and arms. A numbness was slowly creeping +over him. + +"I must keep going, or I shall surely be drowned," he cried, once more +striking out and swimming as fast as he could, hoping thereby to restore +his circulation to its former condition. But the water was too cold and +the young miner's efforts grew weaker as the moments passed. + +Though he did not know it, the drift of the water on the lower level was +toward the large pipes, where it was being sucked to the surface by the +powerful pumps above. + +As Steve reached over and over in a slow over-hand stroke, which now and +then he varied by falling into the frog stroke, he forged slowly ahead +until his hands suddenly struck some object that was not the rocky side +of the level. The lad grasped it quickly. + +"A plank. Thank goodness!" he cried. + +The plank had floated off either from the platform or from the lagging +somewhere on that level. It made no difference to the swimmer where it +had come from. He threw both arms about the plank and lay there resting +for some time, breathing heavily. Finally he pulled himself over on the +plank, stretching out lengthwise on it. The piece of wood held him up +very well. Now and then he would paddle a little with his hands, +propelling himself in one direction until it bumped against a wall, +floating off with the current again. + +While the lad realized that the chances were against his ever getting +out of the level alive, he felt little fear. He was one of those rare +beings in whom the emotion of fear had not been fully developed. + +All the time the numbness was growing upon him. Instinctively realizing +that he was likely to lose control of his muscles, Steve wrapped both +arms and legs about the plank so that he might not fall off and drown. + +At last he became so benumbed and dazed that he could not help himself +at all. A warm glow seemed to be spreading itself over his body. He had +never felt more comfortable in his life, and a short time afterwards he +gave way to his drowsiness. + + * * * * * + +It was a few moments later that Superintendent Penton and his searching +party entered the sub-level in search of Steve. Rush heard them call out +his name, but he was too sleepy to answer. Then he heard no more. + +When Bob Jarvis cried out "look," Mr. Penton and the mine captain had +turned sharply. + +"What is it?" they demanded eagerly and in one voice. + +"A hat! It's Steve's hat!" + +"Are you sure?" + +"Yes. Here's his name inside the crown. We wrote our names in with ink +at the same time. You can see mine is the same--the same kind of +ink--purple." + +As the two men started toward Bob the mine captain stumbled over the +sounding rope that lay on the platform. He stooped to pick it up, and as +he did so he, too, uttered an exclamation. + +"This line is wet, Mr. Penton," he said excitedly. + +"Then Steve has been casting it. He has been sounding the level, +probably to pass away the time while he was waiting for me." + +Once more the superintendent raised his voice, calling out the name of +Steve Rush. As before there was no response. + +"Boys, I see--I understand. Steve has fallen into the level and drowned. +No doubt he fell in while casting the lead, for part of the line is +dangling over the edge there now. Too bad, too bad. But----" + +"He may not be drowned. Let's do something," begged Bob. + +"What would you suggest?" + +"Why, look for him, of course. I'll go over myself and look for him." + +"Lad, it would be suicide. You would drown, even if you were not too +chilled to swim after you got into the water. You----" + +"I'd like to see any water that could drown me," answered Bob. + +"We must have help, and at once. Jim, run up to the next level and +telephone for help. Have them send down several men. Be quick about it." + +"Ask them to bring ropes," interjected Bob. + +"Yes, have them bring down ropes," repeated the superintendent. + +Bob began ripping up the planking on the platform. His active mind had +thought out a plan and he did not wait for permission to put it into +operation. + +"What are you doing there, lad?" + +"I am making a raft. We have got to have something which will float on +the water. We can fasten it together when the men get here with ropes. +I'll be ready before they can get here." + +Jarvis was working with desperate haste. Perhaps his companion was not +yet dead. At least Bob would know that he had done his best. + +"Hark!" + +"What is it?" whispered Bob. + +"I thought I heard someone call. I am sure I did. Rush! Oh, Steve!" + +A faint "here," that sounded far away reached their ears. + +"He's alive! I tell you, he's alive!" cried Bob Jarvis. + +Grabbing the end of one of the planks that he had torn loose, Bob began +dragging it toward the edge of the platform. + +"What are you going to do, lad?" + +"Do? Why, sir, I'm going after him." + +"Wait; let the men do that. I cannot have you going in there," objected +Mr. Penton. But Bob did not stop. He hauled the plank over, and, +snatching the rope, made one end of the latter fast about the plank. He +then began letting the plank over the side, end first. It nearly got +away from him, the rope burning the skin from his palms as it spun +through his hands. + +"Let me help you." Mr. Penton sprang forward, throwing himself on the +fast running rope. + +"The plank is on the water. It can't get away from us now," said Bob, +beginning to strip off his jacket, first having stuck his candlestick in +a niche in the rocks. + +"You are not going over!" + +"Yes, sir, I am going over. We haven't a minute to lose." + +"I advise you not to do so." + +The superintendent was far from being a timid man, but he knew the +danger; he felt that his responsibility was too great to permit the boy +to enter that black hole. + +"You hold the rope. Nothing can happen to me. I am not afraid of ice +water, nor any other kind. Maybe I shall be able to find him by the time +the men get here. We shall gain some precious minutes in that way." + +Next the boy's heavy boots came off, leaving him in his stocking feet. +He passed the end of the rope to the superintendent. + +"Will you please hold your candle over the edge, so I can see where the +plank is, sir?" + +Mr. Penton did so. + +"Be careful, Jarvis; do be careful," he urged. "I ought not to let you +do this. If anything happens to you I shall feel that I am directly +responsible." + +"Do not fear; nothing will happen to me." + +Bob peered down into the dark waters, where, after a moment, he made out +the plank floating slowly toward the spot where the pipes disappeared +beneath the surface. + +"Now, please hold the light up high, so that I can see what I am doing." + +The lad poised a moment, then leaped far out into the darkness. Instead +of making a dive, head first, Bob chose to go down feet first. His body +straightened, and as he neared the water he clasped his hands above his +head. He took the water cleanly, making only a slight splash as he +disappeared beneath the surface. + +As soon as he felt the water closing over him the Iron Boy threw out +both hands to stay his progress and began treading water vigorously. He +soon regained the surface. + +Jarvis came up blowing and puffing, shaking his head and making the +water fairly foam about him as he struck out with hands and feet. + +"Are you all right, Jarvis?" called Mr. Penton in an anxious tone. + +"Yes, where's the plank?" + +"To the right of you. A little more to the right. There, it is directly +ahead of you now." + +A few powerful strokes and Bob had grasped the plank. He pulled himself +partly up on it and looked about him. + +"Can't you let a candle down to light up this hole?" he called. + +"I have nothing to let one down with. Do you see anything?" + +"Nothing that I want to see. Ho, Steve!" + +"Here," sounded the faint answer that seemed to come from several +different directions at the same time. + +"Did you hear that?" demanded Bob excitedly. "Where did the sound come +from?" + +"It sounded to me as though he might be over to the left. Have courage, +Steve; we will have you out in a few minutes. I have sent for help. Can +you keep up?" + +Their ears failed to catch any answer. + +"I'm coming, Steve," roared Jarvis. "Keep shouting if you can, so I'll +know where you are." + +"Stay where you are, Jarvis!" commanded Mr. Penton sternly. + +"Do you think I'm going to stay here and let him drown?" demanded the +lad. There was a splash as Bob Jarvis left the plank and began ploughing +through the water at racing speed. + +"He'll be drowned; they both will be drowned!" exclaimed the +superintendent. "Such pluck, such pluck! Hurry up, men; hurry!" he +shouted as he caught the sound of voices off in the darkness of the +sub-level. + +Half a dozen men, headed by the mine captain, came running toward him. + +"Look out! Look out for the hole in the floor. Have you ropes?" + +"Yes." + +"Then tie a few planks together. Make a raft and let it over the side. +Work fast, for once in your lives! There are two men down there and they +may be drowning." + +"Oh, Steve!" + +They could hear Bob's voice calling to his companion. The voice sounded +far away, for Bob had plunged ahead, beating his way courageously +through the waters in the black darkness. + +"I hear him. He's ahead of me," Jarvis shouted. + +"Can you hold out?" called Mr. Penton. + +"Yes--_as long as there's water to float on_!" the answer came back +faintly. + +In the meantime the men were ripping up the planks. Several of these +they lashed together and let carefully down over the edge of the +platform, or what was left of it. They had made ropes fast at both ends, +in order that the raft might make a landing platform. + +"Now you men let me down," commanded the superintendent. + +"You had better let me go, sir," advised the mine captain. "I am lighter +than you." + +"It's my place to go; do as I tell you. While I am down there rig a +sling to pull us up on. Jim, you take charge of the operations at this +end and see that there is no slip anywhere." + +"I will, sir," answered the mine captain. + +Superintendent Penton grasped the rope that had been made fast to a +shore post on the sub-level and let himself down. He was a strong man, +used to emergencies and well able to take care of himself anywhere in +the mine. Shortly afterwards he was standing on the platform or raft +below, steadying himself by holding to the rope and the side wall. + +"Are you all right, Bob?" he shouted. + +"Yes." + +"If he happens to get into a drift, they're both lost. Pass down some +candles from above, Jim." + +Several were let down on a rope and these Mr. Penton stuck into the +wall, lighting up the scene fairly well. + +"They're calling you, sir," cried Jim. + +"What is it?" roared the superintendent. + +"I've got him." It was Jarvis' voice, and Mr. Penton breathed a sigh of +relief. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +A THOUSAND FEET OF LADDERS + + +After what seemed an endless wait, the watchers heard a great splashing +far out on the water. It was Jarvis paddling toward the raft. He had +found Steve, the latter unconscious. Just as Bob reached the plank on +which the other boy was hanging Steve slipped off into the water. + +Bob dived for his chum without an instant's hesitation and when he came +up he was gripping the half-drowned Steve. The latter had relapsed into +unconsciousness. By this time the plank had floated away several yards. +Bob had a hard struggle to reach it, but at last he succeeded, and after +great effort managed to place Rush partly on it, so the latter's head +would be out of water. + +Bob pulled himself upon one end of the plank, so that the other end +would be clear of the water, and began paddling. The water fairly flew +under his efforts, the swimmer now and then using his feet to help steer +the awkward craft. + +"I can't see the light. Where are you?" Jarvis cried. + +"Here!" shouted Mr. Penton. + +A bend in the rocky wall hid the light of the candles from the raft. +After several minutes of paddling Bob caught the faint light ahead of +him. + +"I'm all right now, if Steve is only all right." + +"Is he alive?" called Mr. Penton, as he made out the strange craft +bearing slowly down upon him. + +"Yes, but he's unconscious." + +"Then hurry as fast as you can." + +"I am hurrying. This isn't a speed boat." + +The plank drew up alongside the raft after some difficult manoeuvring +on the part of Bob Jarvis. Mr. Penton grasped the limp form of Steve +Rush, hauling him to the raft. + +There was a splash and a choking exclamation. The plank had turned +turtle, landing Bob in the water on his back. The boy was almost +exhausted, but he righted himself and swam to the raft, to which he held +for a moment to rest himself. He then clambered to the raft. He had +barely enough strength left to support himself. + +The superintendent was tying Steve in the sling that the men had made. + +"Haul away, above there!" he roared. "Be as quick as you can, but be +careful. Look out, there! What are you trying to do?" + +Steve's body had hit the rocks with a resounding bump, but the boy did +not feel the shock. + +"Let the sling down at once. Two of you get at Rush and rub him. Don't +be afraid of rubbing too hard. Start his circulation." + +The sling was dropped over the side again, while two of the miners set +to work on Steve. + +"Get in," commanded Mr. Penton, as the sling came down to them. + +"You first, sir," said Bob. + +"Get in, I said!" The superintendent's voice had a note of authority +that was not to be disputed. + +Jarvis reluctantly took his place in the sling. + +"Haul away," he called, and Bob was quickly drawn to the platform, where +he dropped on his knees by Steve's side, pushing one of the men away, +and began slapping the unconscious boy's feet, from which the boots and +stockings had been removed. Steve was scarcely breathing. + +The sling had been lowered quickly after bringing Jarvis up, and the +superintendent took his place in it. The men began hauling him up, but +with great difficulty, for Mr. Penton was a heavily built man. + +All at once the men sat down. A splash followed almost instantly. + +"The rope's broken!" cried one, as Bob bounded to his feet. + +"Are you hurt?" he cried, running to the edge. + +There was no reply. + +"He's fallen into the water!" shouted another of the men. + +Once more Bob Jarvis leaped from the platform, but this time he dived +head first. Like a flash he realized that, having struck the platform, +Mr. Penton undoubtedly had been stunned and was unable to help himself. + +Such was the case. Coming to the surface almost at once, Bob swam about +for a minute or so before discovering Mr. Penton's whereabouts. The +superintendent was beginning to struggle, but he was too much dazed to +help himself. + +Jarvis was by his side with a few swift strokes. He did not wait to +inquire whether the superintendent were hurt or not, but, grabbing the +man by the collar, Bob began kicking himself toward the platform. By the +time they had reached there Mr. Penton was able to help himself a +little, but the boy had a hard tussle to get the superintendent on the +platform. + +Mr. Penton lay down for a brief moment, then sat up. + +"Are you able to try it again?" asked Bob. + +"Yes. What happened?" + +"The rope broke. You got a pretty hard bump." + +Another sling had been quickly rigged, and this being let down, Mr. +Penton was drawn up again, Bob waiting below, but standing to one side, +so that in case another accident occurred he should not be carried down, +too. + +The next trip Jarvis was drawn up. He found the superintendent a little +dazed, but holding himself together firmly. + +"Thank you," he said shortly, flashing a look at Bob. "We must get Rush +up at once where he may have care. Carry him over to the cage. Leave +everything as it is here. We have no time to attend to anything but the +boy." + +The men picked up the lad and bore him through the sub-level. Steve was +still limp and unconscious. + +Reaching the cage, Mr. Benton gave the signal to hoist. The car did not +move, whereupon the superintendent, with an impatient exclamation +reached out, giving the signal lever another pull. + +"What does this mean?" He rang again to hoist the cage. "Bob, run up to +the telephone on the next level and find out what's the matter. The Evil +One himself seems to have taken possession of this mine of late." + +Jarvis came running back a few minutes later. + +"Well, what is it?" + +"The cage-tender says the machinery has broken down." + +"Did he say what the trouble is?" + +"He said the engineer had sent word that the big cog wheel had stripped +itself. They can't move the cage, and probably will not be able to do so +for some hours. They are taking the old wheel off now, preparatory to +putting on the spare wheel." + +Mr. Penton clenched his hands to keep from expressing himself as he +would like to do. + +"We must get this boy somewhere where we can warm him up, or he will die +on our hands. The only place I know of is the pump station and----" + +"Then we will carry Steve up the ladders," interrupted Bob. + +"But, boy, it is nearly a thousand feet from here to the pump station. +We can't get him up there by hand." + +"I'll show you whether we can or not. One of you go ahead and light the +way. Help me through the manholes at the platforms and we'll get him up +there in short order. Mr. Penton, will you have somebody follow close +behind me to help a little?" + +"Do you think you will be able to do it?" + +"I don't think! I know!" + +"Then I will carry him myself." + +"No, sir; I will carry him. You are not able. You are still suffering +from the bump you got." + +Without further words Jarvis picked up the limp form of his companion. +He staggered a little as he swung Steve over his shoulder, the boy's +head drooping over on Bob's left breast. Then began a climb that is +talked of to this day in the Cousin Jack Mine. Up ladder after ladder +staggered Bob Jarvis with the form of his companion over his shoulder. +Now and then he would pause on a landing for a breathing spell, where, +with heaving chest, he would lean against the rocky wall with eyes +closed and everything swimming dizzily about him. Mr. Penton and the +searching party followed him up the ladder, but he would let none of +them relieve him of his burden. + +"Had--hadn't you better telephone for a surgeon to meet us at the pump +station?" asked Jarvis. + +"Yes, but how will he get down?" + +"Let him climb down the ladders. I guess he can climb down if we can go +the other way." + +"It shall be done at once." Mr. Penton gave the order and the mine +captain left them at the next landing to telephone to the company's +hospital. + +After a long struggle they reached the level where the pump station was +located. Even here Bob Jarvis refused to give up his burden. He +staggered down the level to where the big pumps were working, tenderly +laying Steve down on a blanket that the engineer had thrown down. Then +Bob settled down in a heap. + +Illustration: Bob Staggered Up the Ladder With His Burden. + +"Strip the boy," commanded Mr. Penton. "If you have any warm blankets +here, wrap him in them. If not, use some of your waste. You have barrels +of that on hand." + +Steve's wet, clinging clothes were quickly removed. There being no other +blankets, waste used for wiping the engines was wrapped about him, the +rubbing process having been resumed. + +Nearly an hour elapsed before the surgeon, red of face, puffing from his +exertions, came hurrying down the level. + +He was quickly made acquainted with the situation and got to work at +once. + +"Do you think his condition is serious?" demanded the superintendent. + +"No, not unless pneumonia sets in. That is the great danger, and he will +be lucky if he escapes it. Is there any chance of getting him up +to-night?" + +"I can't say. I am going on up as soon as I hear something definite from +you regarding the boy's condition." + +"I shall be able to give that to you very soon, for his circulation has +already started." + +The color was returning to the lad's lips and cheeks, and his breath was +coming more regularly. Half an hour from that time Steve had fully +recovered his senses and announced himself as ready to get up and dress. + +The surgeon advised him not to do so, finally ordering the patient to +remain as he was. Rush accepted the order with poor grace. His clothing +was being dried out by the pump engineer, the garments being ready very +shortly afterwards. + +Jarvis had wholly recovered from the strain that he had been under, +except that he was still a little weak in the knees. + +"We owe our lives to your friend Jarvis," said Mr. Penton, after Steve +had been made as comfortable as possible. "But what I wish to know is +how you happened to get into the lower level. Did you fall while +sounding with the line?" + +Rush hesitated, then glancing up at the superintendent, replied: + +"No, sir; I did not fall." + +"I don't understand." + +"I was pushed in, Mr. Penton." + +"You don't mean that--surely you cannot mean that, Rush!" exclaimed Mr. +Penton in amazement. + +"Yes, sir; I was." + +"Who pushed you?" + +"That is what I should like to know." + +"This is really incredible, Rush. Are you quite sure you are not +mistaken?" + +"I am not mistaken." + +"Tell me about it." + +"When you sent for me----" + +"I did not send for you. That was a mistake. And that is what puzzles +me. I am told you thought you received a message from me to meet you on +the sub-level above the lowest level." + +"Yes, sir; that was the message I received." + +"Well, I never sent it. I haven't been down there recently. I had +started to go there to-day when some other matters came up calling me +back to the office." + +"You did not send for me?" + +"I certainly did not." + +"Then whoever did send that message must have done so for the purpose of +getting me down there to do me up. I begin to understand." + +"But, Steve, who could bear you such ill will?" + +"I don't know." + +"It isn't Steve alone they are after," interjected Jarvis. "The rascals +seem to have it in for the mine, too. Take, for instance, the cage. +They've put that out of business." + +"The villains! I should like to catch them--I should like to get my +hands on the man who pushed me in this afternoon." + +"You did not finish telling me of the occurrence," said Mr. Penton. + +Steve related the story of his adventure, the others listening with +grave faces as the narrative proceeded. + +"Now, tell me how you found me," he said in conclusion. + +"Jarvis missed you. But did you not get sight of the man at all?" + +"No, sir." + +"You do not know whether there was more than one?" + +"I do not. I didn't know there was one until he placed his hands against +my back and pushed me in. When I came up, after the first plunge, I +tried to see who was on the platform, but I neither saw nor heard +anyone. I can't understand why he didn't hit me." + +"The scoundrel probably wanted it to appear to be an accident. He +thought you would not get out of that hole very easily," said Bob. + +"Nor should I, in all probability, had it not been for you." + +"Rush, we must go into this matter very thoroughly. The man who let you +through the trap on number seventeen is no longer with us. He has not +been with us for several months, but the attacks on you have been +renewed. Next thing we know damage will be done to the company's +property. I don't want to confess that we are beaten and send for +detectives." + +"You leave it to us--we'll catch him," spoke up Bob Jarvis. "I have an +itching at my finger tips and I won't do a thing to him when I get them +on him." + +"That is exactly what I want you boys to do--find the man or men guilty +of this outrage, and I shall not be as lenient as I was in the other +affair." + +Steve lay with half-closed eyes thinking deeply. Instinctively there +appeared to his mental vision the picture of the bewhiskered man whom he +had seen several weeks before, and who made such an unfavorable +impression upon him. + +"Yes; I shall be very glad to do what I can," he said, glancing up at +Mr. Penton. "I am ready to begin at once. Doctor, don't you think it is +about time you were letting me get up?" + +After taking Steve's temperature and thumping him upon the chest, the +physician decided to let the lad get up and dress. He did, however, most +emphatically protest against Rush climbing the ladders all the way to +the surface. + +Steve found himself a little weak from his experiences, and it was +decided that he should remain in the mine for the rest of the night, or +until the cage machinery had been repaired so he could ride up. The +surgeon sat nodding in the pump-man's chair, and the men who had +assisted in the rescue returned to their duties in other parts of the +mine. + +Mr. Penton had been in communication with the surface by telephone. He +learned that all was being done that could be done to repair the +hoisting apparatus in the shortest possible time, so there was no +necessity for him to climb the rest of the way up. + +"I think I'll stay down here with you boys for the rest of the night," +he said. "Everything is quiet. I see the surgeon has put the engineer +out of house and home, so I think I shall lie down on the work-bench and +get a little sleep." + +"Yes, it is quiet enough," began Steve, when suddenly there came a dull, +muffled report. The ground beneath their feet trembled perceptibly, then +silence reigned. + +Mr. Penton sprang from the bench where he was just composing himself for +a sleep. + +"Did you hear that!" + +"Yes, sir; we heard it," answered Rush. + +"What was it?" questioned Bob, his head inclined in a listening +attitude. + +"It sounded like an explosion," said Steve. + +"It _was_ an explosion. That was dynamite, boys. Something is going on +here. There should be no blasting in the mines to-night." + +Mr. Penton ran to the telephone to find out what the explosion meant. + +"It looks as though our work were cut out for us, Steve," said Jarvis in +a low tone. + +"I am beginning to think so myself," answered Steve, after listening +intently for a moment. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +CONCLUSION + + +"What was it, Mr. Penton?" called Steve, as he saw the superintendent +approaching. + +"I shall have to leave you," returned the superintendent. "Jarvis, if +Rush does not need you, you may come with me." + +"Is there any trouble, sir?" questioned Steve. + +"Yes; there is trouble. Someone has dropped a charge of dynamite down +the cage shaft. They tell me the cage is wrecked. Of course that doesn't +amount to much, if there is no further damage, but there is no telling +where this business is going to end. I must get up to the surface, and +at once." + +"Then I am going with you," announced Steve with emphasis. "I am +perfectly able. There is nothing the matter with me except inactivity. I +am anxious to be doing something. But, Mr. Penton, that charge of +dynamite surely was not dropped in from the surface, was it?" + +"No; that would not be possible." + +"That means that someone in the mine has dropped it from one of the +levels." + +"Yes, yes." + +"Then I would suggest telephoning to the top of the shaft to have the +ladder hole leading to the open watched, and no one to be allowed to +leave the mine unless able to give a good account of himself." + +"Your idea is an excellent one. I will give the order at once." + +The superintendent did so; then the men started upward. At Rush's +suggestion the party divided. The mine captain had been picked up in the +meantime, and the four men divided themselves into two parties, each +party taking a level through which it moved, visiting every place where +men were at work, questioning each sharply as to whether any of their +shift had left their work during the last hour. + +The search was fruitless. There were not many men working on the night +shift, and beyond considerable ladder climbing, the two parties had +finished their search within a few hours. + +The four men met on the surface shortly after midnight. + +The Iron Boys had nothing to report; neither had Mr. Penton nor the mine +captain met with any better results. The mystery was still unexplained. + +"Rush, you usually have ideas on most subjects. What do you think about +this affair?" + +"I hardly know what to think. I have an idea, however, as to where the +charge was dropped from." + +"From where was it dropped?" demanded the superintendent sharply. + +"From the first sub-level below the surface. You see, it would be very +easy for anyone to go down that ladder there at night, without +attracting attention. He could have dropped the charge down through the +shaft and been out and away long before you telephoned up here." + +"That is very true. It may explain that part of the affair." + +"We found a fuse on the first sub-level near the shaft, but of course +that doesn't prove anything. It may have been dropped there by any one +of fifty different men." + +The superintendent's face was stern as he pondered over the matter that +was disturbing them all. + +"Rush, I want you boys to devote your time, during the next few days, to +working on this case. I know of no one else better qualified to do it. +If you can't get to the bottom of the mystery, I know of no one who can. +In the meantime I shall be pursuing some investigations of my own." + +"Very well, sir; do you wish us to drop our work?" + +"As a matter of fact, yes; but you need not appear to have done so. +Pretend to make your rounds, but devote your time to running down this +mystery. The officials will be back here within the next few days. I +want this affair cleared up before they get here, so work fast. You have +my authority to go to any length necessary to solve the mystery and to +discover the guilty ones. Now, show me what you can do." + +"It is a pretty big contract you have given us, sir, but we will do the +best we can. We have personal reasons for wanting to succeed, as you can +understand." + +"We have," affirmed Bob Jarvis grimly. + +The boys bade the superintendent good night and went to their boarding +place. The following morning found Rush suffering from a severe cold. He +could barely speak, but he went to the mine, nevertheless. The cage was +not yet ready for use, but the superintendent had had the ore skips +rigged to carry men down, which was done at greatly reduced speed, but +at the usual time the mine was in full operation. + +All that day the two boys tramped about the mine, part of the time in +company and at other times pursuing their investigations separately. +They talked with the men, working in various subtle ways to obtain hints +that might start them in the right direction. + +Night came, but when they compared notes they found that they had made +no progress. + +"I would go back to-night," said Steve thoughtfully, "but to do so would +attract attention. They know we do not work at night and someone might +become suspicious." + +The next day was a repetition of the previous one so far as results were +concerned. Not a clue did either boy find. This went on for three days, +during which time they had not seen Mr. Penton. He was giving his two +track inspectors a clear field, unhampered by any directions from him, +and this put them on their mettle, perhaps more keenly than would +otherwise have been the case. + +"To-morrow will be Saturday. Don't you think it would be a good time for +us to camp on the trail steadily?" asked Jarvis on Friday night as they +were going home. + +"I have been thinking of that. I'll tell you what I want you to do +to-morrow. Go to the pay clerk and time checker and find out who is left +in the mine after all hands who are going to do so have checked in and +drawn their wages. When you get the list bring it below to me. I will +meet you somewhere near the chutes on seventeen. I want only the names +of those who belong on the shift working Saturday afternoon. There will +not be many of them." + +Jarvis carried out his instructions and brought the list to Rush on the +following day. The two boys scanned the list keenly, after which they +made tours of the working drifts, finding all the men at their stations +and no one in the mine who did not belong there. + +"I'm coming back to-night," decided Steve with emphasis. "I am satisfied +that the people we are looking for are not on the day shift. We will +come down about eight o'clock, by way of the ladders, and prowl quietly +about. We will use our candles only when we get in drifts where there is +no one at work." + +"We won't catch anyone. They're too sharp for us." + +"Perhaps not to-night, but we'll get them if it takes a year to do it. +I'll never give up till I have won this game of hide and seek. When you +go after a thing, Bob, make up your mind you're going to get it. You'll +land somewhere near the mark if you follow that policy." + +"I've got the dynamite report here for you." + +Steve examined the report carefully. He had done a very shrewd thing. He +had held the keeper of the dynamite stores responsible for a complete +list of all the sticks of dynamite given out to the miners each day, and +then had visited the drifts to find out how many charges had been fired +and how many sticks had been used. As dynamite is never issued, except +for immediate use, there could be none left over after the day's work +was done. By the time the holes are drilled a messenger is on hand with +just enough sticks of the deadly stuff to fill the holes. + +After checking up, the young inspectors found that twelve sticks of the +explosive were unaccounted for. They had been drawn from the stores, but +not used. + +"We are beginning to get somewhere, old chap," Steve said, nodding to +his companion. + +"That means that someone--some unauthorized person--has drawn some +dynamite from the stores, does it not?" questioned Jarvis. + +"That is the way I figure it out. It may mean nothing, so far as our +case is concerned, and it may mean much." + +The boys remained in the mine as usual until the shift went up at six +o'clock. At the appointed hour, eight o'clock, they made their way back +to the shaft, but instead of going down on the cage they slipped into +the ladder hole and began their descent in this way. It was decided that +Bob should begin at the upper levels and work down, while Steve was to +make his way to the bottom of the shaft and work up. When they met they +would compare notes. Each had a list of every man who had business in +the mine that night, so that they could find out, by asking a man's +name, whether or not he had a right to be there. + +Steve had gone directly to the bottom and covered every level up to that +where the pump station was located, about half way up the shaft. He +started along this level, keeping out of sight as much as possible, +which had been the policy of each lad, as agreed upon beforehand. + +Steve had not proceeded far when he discovered that someone was walking +along the level ahead of him. At first he thought it was Jarvis, as the +man's hat held no light, and Bob should be somewhere about at that time. + +Steve quickened his steps, intending to overhaul the man and speak to +him. All at once the fellow turned abruptly off from the main level, +entering a drift that ran to the south, but as he passed under the +electric light at the turn Steve Rush made a discovery. + +The man was heavily bearded and Steve recognized him instantly. + +"It's the man Klink," he muttered. "What is he doing in that drift at +this time of night?" + +Consulting his list, the boy saw that Klink did not belong to the night +shift of that particular night. He moved up, intending to follow Klink +into the drift, when the man suddenly emerged. Steve flattened himself +on the ground and waited, while the other glanced cautiously up and +down the level. Satisfying himself that no one was about, Klink turned +and walked on. + +The watcher lost no time in following, but Rush kept at a safe distance, +dodging when he had to pass an electric light, now and then throwing +himself beside the track flat in the mud and water of the gutter when he +thought Klink was about to look back. In this way he avoided discovery. + +Klink continued on until he neared the pump station, when he slackened +his pace. Fortunately for Steve, there were no lights in that part of +the level, so that he had little difficulty in keeping out of sight. +Klink kept on walking until nearly opposite the pump station, when he +suddenly disappeared. For a moment Rush was puzzled; then he discovered +that his man had stepped in between two posts that held up the lagging +at the side of the tunnel. + +The boy's eyes gleamed. + +"Now, my fine gentleman, we'll find out what is going on here! I believe +I have landed the man I am looking for. I----" + +It was just midnight, and the pump man had left his machinery to go for +water to drink with his lunch. Steve understood this, and evidently the +man who was pressed close up against the lagging did also, for he +quickly stepped out, glanced about him, then ran to the square opening +cut in the rocks in which the pump machinery was located. + +Rush ran up on tiptoe to within about twenty yards of the pump station. +He was watching Klink narrowly. The latter snatched something from +inside his coat, thrusting the object under the plunger of the largest +of the pumps. Next came something long, slender and white that looked +like a large string. + +Almost holding his breath, Steve crept nearer. + +"He is attaching a fuse. That was dynamite that he put under the +plunger. He's going to blow up the pumps and flood the mine!" + +Klink struck a match and applied it to the end of the fuse. + +It was now Steve Rush's time to act. Seconds were precious. The boy +seemed scarcely to touch the ground as he sprinted forward. He was upon +the man before Klink saw him. One swift kick from Steve's heavy boot +toppled the man over on his side. + +The Iron Boy snatched the burning fuse from the stick of dynamite and +hurled it from him. + +By that time Klink was on his feet. With blazing eyes he rushed at the +boy. Steve believed, and with good reason, that Klink intended to murder +him. But the boy stood calmly awaiting the onslaught. The man was large +and powerful, but this did not daunt the plucky lad. + +Klink was now more than three feet from him when, suddenly, Steve's +right foot flew out, catching the fellow fairly in the pit of the +stomach. The man uttered an exclamation, at the same time pressing both +hands to the spot where the heavy boot had landed. + +Rush fairly leaped into the air, his fist catching Klink directly +between the eyes. Klink toppled over backwards, and Rush, having lost +his balance, fell prone on top of him. + +The fellow's arms and legs instantly clasped the boy in a tight embrace. +But in that one close look into the fellow's eyes, Steve had recognized +him. + +"I know you! You're Spooner, and I've got you, you villain!" breathed +the lad, writhing and twisting to get his right knee up where he could +use it to advantage. + +Spooner, for it was the same man who had let the trap down under Steve +on the tally-board platform, did not answer. He pressed the boy to him +with a force that made the lad think his ribs were going to be crushed +in. At the same time the man was trying to turn over and get Rush under +him, where he would have quickly settled his young antagonist. + +All at once the Iron Boy jerked his knee up, planting it in the other's +abdomen. Now the more Spooner hugged Rush, the harder did the knee +press against him. With a mighty effort the rascal threw himself on his +side. But in doing so he had relaxed his grip. Steve's right arm was +jerked loose, and like a flash the Iron Boy delivered two short-arm +jolts on the side of his opponent's jaw. + +The blows half stunned the big man. Steve struck him in the nose with a +blow that was intended to reach the jaw and complete the work. + +At that instant there was a shout from down the level. Bob Jarvis came +charging upon the scene. + +Steve recognized the voice of his companion. + +"I've got him, Bob!" shouted the lad with what little breath he had +left. "I've got him down and out!" + +But Spooner was not quite "down and out" yet. He began fighting again in +sheer desperation. His one thought now was to free himself from the grip +of those young arms of steel. + +Bob grasped Spooner by the collar, and after a few violent tugs jerked +the fellow free from Steve's embrace. Spooner staggered to his feet. + +Bang! + +Bob smote him a terrific blow on the jaw, and Spooner dropped in a heap. +He was going to strike the man again when Steve stopped him. + +"Get a rope, quick! I'll take care of him. There's some rope over there +by the pumps." + +Steve threw the prisoner over on his face, twisting the man's hands +behind his back, and a few minutes later they had the fellow's hands +securely tied behind his back. + +About that time the pump-man came running up. + +"Telephone to the superintendent that we have the man," commanded Steve. +"Hurry, now! Don't stop to ask questions. Tell him we are bringing the +fellow up in the skip." + +Spooner by this time had recovered sufficiently to walk with an Iron Boy +on each side of him. In that formation they made their way to the skip. + +"None of your funny business now, unless you want another thump on the +jaw," warned Jarvis threateningly. + +Mr. Penton had not arrived when they reached the surface, so they took +their prisoner to the dry house, leaving word with the skip-tender to +send Mr. Penton over there at once. + +The superintendent was not long in reaching the shaft, whence he hurried +to the place indicated. + +"Mr. Penton, we have caught the guilty man," announced Steve. "There he +is." + +"What--who is he?" demanded the official half unbelievingly, peering +sharply at the prisoner. + +"On the pay roll he is John Klink. His other name is Spooner. He is +stouter and has grown a beard since you saw him last." + +The superintendent uttered an exclamation of amazement. Steve briefly +related all that had occurred. Under pressure, Spooner made a confession +before they left the dry house that night of the whole miserable +business. It was he who had dropped the dynamite into the shaft. But he +declared that it was his partner, Marvin, also working in the mine under +an assumed name, who had lured Steve Rush to the lower level and pushed +him in. It was Marvin, too, who, by thrusting a monkey wrench into the +machinery, had stripped the gear and put the cage mechanism out of +business. + +That night the villainous and revengeful Spooner slept in a cell, where +he was destined to remain until his trial and eventual sentence to a +long term in prison. + +Marvin somehow got wind of the capture of his associate in crime and +fled. He was never heard from in those parts again. + +On the following Monday morning the private car of the visiting +officials once more drew up at the railroad station. Later in the day +the Iron Boys were again summoned to the office of the superintendent. +They supposed it was for a discussion of the Spooner case with Mr. +Penton. They were surprised to find the officials of the company there +awaiting them. + +After greeting the lads, Mr. Carrhart made a little speech in which he +paid a glowing tribute to the brave boys, and at its conclusion he +placed a packet in the hands of each. + +At the meeting of the officials there, a few days previous, it had been +decided by vote to make the lads a present. The packets contained these +presents. The lads protested, but Mr. Carrhart was almost sternly +insistent. + +Upon arriving home Steve and Bob each found in his packet shares of +stock in the big steel company amounting to one thousand dollars. It was +a small fortune for them, yet they had earned it. At least the officials +of the steel company considered that they had. + +The Iron Boys had done their full duty. But they were as yet merely at +the beginning of their career. There were stirring days ahead of them, +as well as other promotions for work well and faithfully done. + +The story of their further exciting experiences and advancement in the +great industrial world are told in the next volume of this series, +entitled, "THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill +Shift." + + + THE END + + + + +HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY'S + +CATALOGUE OF + +The Best and Least Expensive Books for Real Boys and Girls + + +Really good and new stories for boys and girls are not plentiful. Many +stories, too, are so highly improbable as to bring a grin of derision to +the young reader's face before he has gone far. The name of ALTEMUS is a +distinctive brand on the cover of a book, always ensuring the buyer of +having a book that is up-to-date and fine throughout. No buyer of an +ALTEMUS book is ever disappointed. + +Many are the claims made as to the inexpensiveness of books. Go into any +bookstore and ask for an Altemus book. Compare the price charged you for +Altemus books with the price demanded for other juvenile books. You will +at once discover that a given outlay of money will buy more of the +ALTEMUS books than of those published by other houses. + +Every dealer in books carries the ALTEMUS books. + + +Sold by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price + +Henry Altemus Company + +507-513 Cherry Street, Philadelphia + + +The Motor Boat Club Series + +By H. Irving Hancock + +The keynote of these books is manliness. The stories are wonderfully +entertaining, and they are at the same time sound and wholesome. 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The information given is exact and +truthful; above all, each story is full of adventure and fascination. + + 1 THE IRON BOYS IN THE MINES; Or, Starting at the Bottom of the + Shaft. + + 2 THE IRON BOYS AS FOREMEN; Or, Heading the Diamond Drill Shift. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +West Point Series + +By H. IRVING HANCOCK + +The principal characters in these narratives are manly young Americans +whose doings will inspire all boy readers. + + 1 DICK PRESCOTT'S FIRST YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Two Chums in the + Cadet Gray. + + 2 DICK PRESCOTT'S SECOND YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Finding the Glory + of the Soldier's Life. + + 3 DICK PRESCOTT'S THIRD YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Standing Firm for + Flag and Honor. + + 4 DICK PRESCOTT'S FOURTH YEAR AT WEST POINT; Or, Ready to Drop the + Gray for Shoulder Straps. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +Annapolis Series + +By H. 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Trail Fun + and Knowledge. + + 4 THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL BOYS IN SUMMER ATHLETICS; Or, Dick & Co. Make + Their Fame Secure. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Circus Boys Series + +By EDGAR B. P. DARLINGTON + +Mr. Darlington's books breathe forth every phase of an intensely +interesting and exciting life. + + 1 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE FLYING RINGS; Or, Making the Start in the + Sawdust Life. + + 2 THE CIRCUS BOYS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; Or, Winning New Laurels on + the Tanbark. + + 3 THE CIRCUS BOYS IN DIXIE LAND; Or, Winning the Plaudits of the + Sunny South. + + 4 THE CIRCUS BOYS ON THE MISSISSIPPI; Or, Afloat with the Big Show + on the Big River. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The High School Girls Series + +By JESSIE GRAHAM FLOWER, A.M. + +These breezy stories of the American High School Girl take the reader +fairly by storm. + + 1 GRACE HARLOEW'S PLEBE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Merry Doings + of the Oakdale Freshman Girls. + + 2 GRACE HARLOWE'S SOPHOMORE YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Record of + the Girl Chums in Work and Athletics. + + 3 GRACE HARLOWE'S JUNIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, Fast Friends in + the Sororities. + + 4 GRACE HARLOWE'S SENIOR YEAR AT HIGH SCHOOL; Or, The Parting of + the Ways. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + +The Automobile Girls Series + +By LAURA DENT CRANE + +No girl's library--no family book-case can be considered at all complete +unless it contains these sparkling twentieth-century books. + + 1 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT NEWPORT; Or, Watching the Summer Parade. + + 2 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS IN THE BERKSHIRES; Or, The Ghost of Lost + Man's Trail. + + 3 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS ALONG THE HUDSON; Or, Fighting Fire in + Sleepy Hollow. + + 4 THE AUTOMOBILE GIRLS AT CHICAGO; Or, Winning Out Against Heavy + Odds. + +Cloth, Illustrated Price, per Volume, 50c. + + + * * * * * + + Transcriber Note + + + Minor spelling and punctuation errors have been corrected. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Iron Boys in the Mines, by James R. 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