Down the Slope
by James Otis · English · Gutenberg #28697 · 401,457 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Down the Slope
Author: James Otis
Release date: May 5, 2009 [eBook #28697]
Most recently updated: January 5, 2021
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28697
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DOWN THE SLOPE ***
Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Josephine Paolucci and the
Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
[Illustration: "Raise him up!" Skip shouted, and in another instant Fred
was suspended over the old shaft.]
DOWN THE SLOPE
BY
JAMES OTIS
_Author of "Telegraph Tom's Venture," "Messenger No. 48," "Toby Tyler,"
"The Boy Captain," "Silent Peter," etc., etc._
_ILLUSTRATED_
[Illustration]
M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
407-429 Dearborn Street
CHICAGO
COPYRIGHT 1899
BY
THE WERNER COMPANY
M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
PRINTERS AND BINDERS
407-429 DEARBORN STREET
CHICAGO
CONTENTS
PAGES
CHAPTER I--THE BREAKER BOY 7-14
CHAPTER II--THE WARNING 14-24
CHAPTER III--IN THE SHAFT 24-33
CHAPTER IV--THE BARRIER 33-41
CHAPTER V--THE MOB 41-50
CHAPTER VI--ON DUTY 51-59
CHAPTER VII--THE STRUGGLE 59-66
CHAPTER VIII--THE PURSUIT 67-75
CHAPTER IX--JOE BRACE 75-84
CHAPTER X--THE RESCUE 85-93
CHAPTER XI--BILLINGS AND SKIP 94-101
CHAPTER XII--A SINGULAR ACCIDENT 101-110
CHAPTER XIII--BURIED ALIVE 110-118
CHAPTER XIV--PRECAUTIONS 118-126
CHAPTER XV--A DISCOVERY 126-134
CHAPTER XVI--GOOD SAMARITANS 134-142
CHAPTER XVII--DOWN THE SLOPE 142-150
CHAPTER XVIII--SHUT DOWN 150-158
CHAPTER XIX--THE CONSULTATION 158-165
CHAPTER XX--THE ACCUSED 165-172
CHAPTER XXI--AMATEUR DETECTIVES 173-180
CHAPTER XXII--UNEXPECTED NEWS 180-187
CHAPTER XXIII--A MISADVENTURE 187-195
CHAPTER XXIV--BILL'S MISHAP 195-202
CHAPTER XXV--JOE'S INTERVIEW 203-210
CHAPTER XXVI--TURNING THE TABLES 210-217
CHAPTER XXVII--AN UNLOOKED-FOR DENIAL 217-224
CHAPTER XXVIII--OPINIONS 224-230
CHAPTER XXIX--A QUESTION OF TITLE 231-237
CHAPTER XXX--A SUIT AT LAW 237-244
CHAPTER XXXI--SKIP 244-253
CHAPTER XXXII--ACQUITTED 253-262
CHAPTER XXXIII--VICTORIOUS 262-269
CHAPTER XXXIV--THE NEW MINE 270-273
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
"Raise him up!" Skip shouted, and in another instant Fred was
suspended over the old shaft _Frontispiece_
Fred set off at full speed, and almost immediately a shout went
up from the rioters: "The sneaks are sending for help! Stop
that boy!" 74
"You four are to act as sentinels," said the superintendent. "Study
this map and you will hit upon a scheme" 95
"Please don't drag me off," Skip said, piteously. "I'll never hurt
you or anybody else again" 128
DOWN THE SLOPE
CHAPTER I
THE BREAKER BOY
"Jest moved here, eh?"
"Came last Friday."
"And you are going into the breaker?"
"Yes."
"For thirty-five cents a day?"
"That is all the company pays, and a green hand can't expect to get
more."
"Were you ever in a mine before?"
"I never even saw one."
"A trip down the slope will be enough to make you wish such a place in
which to earn a living never existed. Why don't you try something else
before it is too late?"
"What do you mean by 'too late'?"
"When a fellow is in debt to the company's store he can't afford to be
independent, and it is about the same as selling yourself outright for
enough to eat and drink."
"I won't get into debt."
"Wait a week, and see if you can say the same thing then."
"I mustn't get trusted. I'm the only one to whom mother can look for
support. We hadn't any money with which to go to the city, and so came
here. It isn't likely I shall be obliged to stay in the breaker forever,
and after a while it will be possible to get a better job. Where are you
working?"
"I'm Bill Thomas' butty."
"What's that?"
"His helper. He's a miner, and I'll have the same kind of a lay after
being with him a while."
"Were you ever in the breaker?"
"I sorted slate from coal most three years, an' got more dust than
money; but I'm tough, you see, an' didn't wear out my lungs."
"What's your name?"
"Sam Thorpe; but if you ever want anybody to help you out of a scrape,
an' I reckon that'll happen before many days, ask for Bill's butty."
"I am Fred Byram, and mother has hired the new house near the store."
"I'm sorry for you; but as it can't be helped now, keep your eyes
peeled, for the boys are a tough lot. When you want a friend come to me.
I like your looks, and wish you'd struck most any other place than
Farley's, 'cause it's the worst to be found in the Middle Field."
With this not very encouraging remark Sam went toward the mouth of the
slope, and the new breaker boy was left to his own devices.
It was six o'clock in the morning. The underground workers were coming
singly or in groups to begin the day's work for which each would be paid
in accordance with the amount of coal taken out, and no one could afford
to remain idle many moments.
Fred knew he must report to the breaker boss before seven o'clock, and
approached the grimy old building wondering if it would be necessary for
him to work three years, as Sam Thorpe had done, before earning more
than thirty-five cents per day.
Entering the breaker, which was thickly coated both inside and out with
coal-dust, he reported to Donovan, the boss, by saying:
"I have come to work. Here is my ticket."
"Green?"
"Yes, sir."
"Here, Chunky, take this new hand alongside of you, and see that there
is no skylarking."
The boy referred to as Chunky made no reply; but looked up from beside
the long chute at which he was sitting, as if the task of breaking in a
new hand was very welcome. A fat, good-natured fellow he apparently was,
and Fred fancied he would be an agreeable task-master.
He, like the others, was curious to know if his companion had been in a
mine before, and on receiving the information, remarked sagely:
"You'll be mighty sick of the whole thing before night, but it's safer
than down in the galleries."
"What must I do?"
"At seven o'clock the coal will be dumped in at the other end of the
chute, an' while it's runnin' past you must pick out the slate."
"Is that all?"
"By the time your hands are cut into mince-meat you'll think it's
enough," was the grim reply, and before Fred could speak again the day's
labor had begun. The black fragments came through the chute with a roar
which was deafening, and the "green hand" was at a loss to distinguish
coal from slate.
"Take out the dull, grayish stuff," Chunky shouted, as he seized from
the moving mass sufficient fragments to serve as specimens, and in a
short time Fred began to have a general idea of his duties.
Before the forty minutes "nooning" had come around his hands were cut
and bleeding; but the thought of his mother, who looked to him for
support, was enough to keep him busily at work, and when the whistle
sounded he had most assuredly earned half of the thirty-five cents.
A short rest, a lunch eaten amid the sooty vapor, which caused one to
fancy he was gazing through a veil whenever he glanced across the
building, and then the fatiguing labor was recommenced, to be ended only
at the stroke of six, when miners, buttys, mule drivers and bosses
hastened to the surface of the earth once more after having been
deprived of sunlight for nearly twelve hours.
Without paying any especial attention to the fact, Fred noticed that
although he was among the last to leave the breaker, the majority of the
boys followed close behind as he started toward home.
In order to reach the company's store it was necessary to traverse a
mirey road on which were no habitations for nearly fifty yards, and when
Fred was half this distance from the breaker, a voice from behind
shouted:
"Hi! Hold on a bit, you new feller!"
Fred turned to see a dozen of those who had been at work near him,
advancing threateningly.
"What do you want?" he asked, regretting now that he had not hurried on
ahead as Chunky suggested shortly before the whistle sounded.
"We've got a word to say, an' you're wanted very pertic'lar."
"I can't stop now."
"That's too bad, for there's a little business to be settled right
away," and the largest of the party stepped so near in front of Fred
that it would have been impossible for him to have advanced, except at
the risk of an encounter.
"Won't it do just as well in the morning?"
"I'm afraid not."
"But I promised to come straight home."
"You can't go till our 'count has been fixed."
"I don't owe you anything."
"Don't eh?"
"No. I never even saw one of your crowd until I came to work this
morning."
"What of that?"
"It shows there can be no account between us."
"You're makin' a big mistake, young feller. Ain't this your first day in
the breaker?"
"Of course it is."
"Then what about payin' your footing?"
"My footing?"
"Every feller who comes here has got to make things square with us by
standin' treat."
"Well I'm one who can't do it."
"Oh, yes you can," and here the bully looked at his companions, who
echoed his words, crowding yet closer around Fred, until it was
literally impossible for him to make the slightest movement.
"I haven't got a penny, and what I earn is for mother."
"You can get an advance at the store."
"Do you suppose I'll run in debt for the purpose of treating you?"
"That's about the size of it."
"Then you're making a big mistake, for I won't do anything of the kind,"
and Fred made one desperate attempt to force his way through the crowd.
"Look out for him!" the leader shouted, as he struck Fred a blow on the
cheek which would have sent him headlong but for the others who acted as
a sort of brace.
The new breaker boy was not disposed to submit tamely, and struck out
blindly but vigorously drawing blood from more than one nose before
borne to the earth by press of numbers.
While he was thus helpless every fellow who could get near enough dealt
him one or more blows, and not until they were tired of the sport did
the young ruffians cease.
"Now let up," the leader cried, in a tone of authority. "He's had a dose
that shows what we can do, an' will git it ten times as bad to-morrer,
if he don't come down with the treat."
The disciplining party ran swiftly toward the settlement when these
words had been spoken, probably because a dozen or more miners were
approaching, and Fred was left to make his way home as best he could.
He had just staggered to his feet when the men arrived upon the scene;
but no one paid any particular attention to him, save as one miner
remarked with a laugh:
"I reckon here's a lad who didn't know the rules; but it won't take him
long to find them out."
Fred was too sore both in mind and body to make any retort, and he
limped down the road believing this first attempt to earn a living was
already a dismal failure.
He would have kept the story of the attack a secret from his mother, but
for the marks of the conflict which could not be hidden, and when
questioned represented the affair as of no especial importance.
Mrs. Byram had a fairly good idea of the case, however, when he said
despondently:
"I believe it would be better to try some other kind of work. Why can't
we go to the city?"
"Because our capital is so limited. To come here it was only necessary
to move our furniture three miles, and the promise of needle-work from
the superintendent's family assured us sufficient income to meet the
absolute cost of living. But you need not go to the breaker again; it
may be possible to find employment elsewhere."
"There's little chance of that in this town, mother," Fred replied with
a brave attempt at cheerfulness. "I should be worse than a loafer to
remain idle while you were working, and by keeping my eyes open that
crowd can't do very much mischief."
"Wouldn't it be better to pay your 'footing' as they call it? Once that
has been done there can be no excuse for troubling you."
"I won't give them the value of a penny, and I'll stick to my job.
Perhaps, by flogging the bully I can teach them to let me alone."
"But you musn't fight, Fred," Mrs. Byram said, in alarm.
"It's better to have one regular battle than to get such a drubbing as
this every night. If they make any more fuss I shall take care of
myself."
Now that the first sense of injury had passed away, Fred felt as if he
had been at fault to allow himself to be so easily overcome, and,
distasteful as was the work in the breaker, he had fully resolved to
remain and assert his rights in a manly way.
CHAPTER II
THE WARNING
On the second morning Fred did not present himself at the dingy old
building until nearly time for the whistle to sound, and those whom he
had good cause to look upon as enemies were already at their places by
the chute.
"I heard some of the fellers served you out last night," Chunky said,
much as if such proceedings were a matter of course.
"They'd better not try it on again," Fred replied, in a tone of
determination.
"Are you goin' to fight?"
"I'll protect myself, if nothing more."
"It won't do any good to try."
"Why not?"
"Because there are too many of 'em, an' Skip Miller can down any feller
in this breaker."
"Who is Skip Miller?"
"The boss of the crowd who laid for you."
"Then I'll settle matters with him, and when he gets the best of me it
will be time to pay my footing; but not before."
"He'll chew you all up."
"I ain't so sure of that. Did you know what they were going to do?"
"I had a mighty strong s'picion."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Then I'd got a thumping. I wanted you to hurry out with me?"
By this time the work had begun, and the noise was so great that
conversation could be indulged in only at the expense of considerable
shouting. Fred's hands, sore from the previous day's labor, were cut
anew in many places, and more than one piece of slate was marked with
his blood as he threw it among the refuse.
The "gang," as Fred termed his enemies, gave no sign of carrying the
threat previously made into execution. The watchful eyes of the breaker
boss prevented them from idling, and nothing occurred to arouse the new
boy's suspicions until just before the noon-day whistle sounded, when a
piece of board, thrown while Donovan was not looking, fell at Fred's
feet.
At first he believed the intention was to hit him with the missile; but
when the stream of coal ceased to flow through the chute, Chunky said as
he picked up the board:
"The warnin' has come."
"What do you mean by that?"
For reply Chunky handed his mate the piece of lumber on which was
printed in scrawling characters with red chalk:
"PAy OR SkiP.
WE MEAN BiSNEss.
No SNEAkS LoWED HEAR.
ToNiTE iS THE LASt CHANcE.
THE BREAkER REGulATERs."
"So they call themselves regulators, eh?" Fred said, half to himself, as
he deciphered the message after considerable difficulty.
"That's some of Skip's doings. He's started a reg'lar s'ciety, an'
fellers what don't join have to step round mighty lively sometimes."
"Do you belong?"
Chunkey hesitated an instant as if ashamed of the fact, and then
replied:
"It don't pay to keep out, 'cause they run things to suit therselves,
an' a feller can't hold his job very long when they're down on him."
"According to that I shan't be here a great while unless this command is
obeyed?"
"That's what I'm afraid of. Why not come up with a little treat, an'
settle the whole thing that way? You can't do anything by fightin', for
there are so many."
Fred hesitated an instant as if considering the matter, and then replied
angrily:
"I won't be forced into anything of the kind! If you belong to the gang
tell them that I shall protect myself the best I know how, and somebody
will get hurt when there's another row."
Chunky had an opportunity to repeat the message at once, for Fred had
but just ceased speaking when Skip beckoned for him to come to the other
side of the building, and a command from the chief of the regulators was
not to be disobeyed with impunity.
Fred was watching the movements of his enemies narrowly when Donovan
approached on his way to the water casks.
"Have the boys been tryin' to make you pay your footing?" the breaker
boss asked.
"Yes, sir, and it looks as if they didn't intend to let me stay very
long," Fred replied, as he held up the notification to quit.
"What are you going to do about it?" and the man looked curiously at the
boy.
"Stay where I am until they get the upper hand. I can't treat, for I
haven't the money, and I may be able to show that the regulators are not
the bosses here."
"I like your pluck, my lad, and can, perhaps, give you a lift. Skip
shall have a flea in his ear before the whistle sounds again; but, of
course, it's none of my business what happens after working hours."
"I don't expect any assistance, sir, and if they down me it can't be
helped."
"You've taken a pretty big contract; but between us both I reckon it can
be carried out."
Then Donovan continued on, and, looking up, Fred saw that all his
enemies had been watching the interview closely.
"They may conclude it isn't best to tackle me, if he is going to take a
hand," he thought, and at this moment Chunky returned.
"Now you have got yourself in a scrape!"
"How so?"
"Skip and all the fellers saw you talkin' to Donovan, an' they know you
showed him the message from the regulators."
"What of that?"
"They don't 'low anything of the kind, an' you've got to take a
thumpin', even if you do treat."
"So I'm to get a double dose, eh?"
"That's about the size of it. Skip says you'll be laid up for a week
when the s'ciety gets through with you."
"I'm much obliged for the promise; but don't believe quite all he says."
Chunky shook his head as if to intimate that the case was a desperate
one, and then the nooning had come to an end. The clouds of coal dust
which had but just settled rose again as the machinery was put in
motion, and all was activity once more.
Although Fred had spoken so bravely he felt seriously disturbed, and
during the remainder of the day his mind was fully occupied with
thoughts of how he might successfully resist his enemies.
When night came he had arrived at no satisfactory conclusion, and at the
signal to cease work Chunky ran swiftly away thus showing that while he
would not join with the society as against his mate, he did not intend
to take sides with him.
Donovan's promise of assistance was not a vain one. When Fred emerged
from the breaker a few paces behind Chunky he saw the boss waiting for
him, and the latter said in a friendly tone:
"It don't do you much good to be seen talkin' to me, for both men an'
boys hate what are called bosses' pets; but we'll stave off this row
till you get used to the ropes, when it's a case of taking care of
yourself."
Under the protection of Donovan, Fred walked to his home, feeling a bit
ashamed of thus avoiding the meeting with the regulators, and more than
one jeering cry did he hear before reaching the house.
"Be careful of yourself now," Donovan said, as they arrived at the
cottage. "This won't make the lads any better disposed toward you, an'
it isn't safe to move 'round very much in the dark."
"I'll come home alone to-morrow an' have it out."
"Don't be rash. Wait for a chance, an' if Skip gets hurt pretty bad
nobody here'll feel sorry."
Then Fred entered the house, and after a bath, a hot supper, during
which his mother spoke many encouraging words, and a long consultation
to his best course, he felt little fear of the regulators.
Mrs. Byram had good news for her son. The wife of the superintendent had
introduced her to several other ladies who promised to give her
employment, and the prospect of earning money seemed better than was
anticipated when the question of moving to the settlement had been under
discussion.
"We shall get along famously," she said, "and, perhaps, it won't be many
months before it will be possible to get enough ahead so we can venture
to the city. I am going to open an account at the store in your name,
for what little cash we had is very nearly exhausted."
"When are you going?"
"Now. I shall be busy to-morrow, and you must have a hearty supper."
"I'll go; the store isn't the nicest place possible during the evening."
"But the boys who are watching for you?"
"They won't dare to do anything when the men are around," Fred replied,
carelessly, and taking the memorandum which his mother had prepared, he
left the house.
The one street of the settlement was almost deserted, for it was yet too
early to see the toilers who would spend the short time of rest in the
open air near the store, and Fred's business was soon transacted. The
desired credit was readily granted, and with his arms filled with
packages he started toward home once more.
For the first time in the past twenty-four hours he had forgotten the
existence of the regulators, and the fact that Skip Miller with half a
dozen companions was waiting for him never came into his mind until a
hand was suddenly pressed over his mouth, as a hoarse voice whispered:
"Catch hold his legs an' arms, fellers! Never mind the stuff now."
In a twinkling Fred was lifted from the ground by a boy at each limb,
while the one who had spoken kept a firm hold upon his mouth, and in
this fashion he was carried swiftly along in the direction of the
breaker, as he thought.
"We'll have to fetch them bundles so's to make it look as if he fell
in," some one said, and a voice, which he recognized as Skip's, replied:
"That's so. You fellers what ain't doing anything pick 'em up."
"Who's got the rope?"
"I have."
"Why not throw him in an' run the chances? It's too bad to lose what
cost half a dollar."
"There's time enough to fix that after we've got him to the shaft."
"Hold your tongues, or somebody will hear us!" Skip whispered, angrily,
as his companions thus discussed the preliminaries.
Then came a long time of silence broken by the footsteps of the party,
or the loud breathing of those who were carrying the burden.
Several times Fred tried to give an alarm; but his mouth was held so
firmly that not a sound could escape his lips, and after a while he
contented himself with simply trying to form some idea of the direction
in which he was being taken.
When the party had carried him for ten or fifteen minutes a halt was
made, and then his captors took the precaution of enveloping his head in
a coat, which shut out every sound, save the loudly uttered remarks of
the regulators.
He heard Skip berating one of the party, because some reference was made
to their destination, and then ensued a noisy discussion as to what
should be done with him.
"If he don't turn up to-morrer mornin' old Donovan will swear we took
him off, an' there'll be a heap of trouble for all hands," one of the
boys suggested.
"What of that? Nobody can say we did it, an' after he's had one night of
it, I reckon he'll be willin' to do as we say."
"But how'll he get out?"
"That's for him to say. We'll show him what it is to go agin our crowd,
an' the rest is his business."
Then Fred was borne forward again until it seemed as if fully half a
mile had been traversed, when the regulators halted for the second time.
The wrappings were removed from his head, and as nearly as the prisoner
could tell he was some distance from the breaker; at the mouth of what
appeared to be an abandoned shaft.
"Now, look here," Skip Miller said, as he stood before his prisoner.
"You've taken it into your head that us reg'lators don't 'mount to
nothin'; but by to-morrer mornin' you'll think different. What we say we
mean an' don't you forget it. If you'd been man enough to do like every
other feller it would 'a been all right; but instead of that you go
babyin' to old Donovan, an' we don't 'low sich funny business."
"What are you going to do now?"
"Show what the reg'lators 'mount to. When you come out of this I reckon
you'll be willin' to pay up like a man, an' join us."
"It will have to be a pretty stiff dose to make me do anything of the
kind," Fred said, angrily.
"That's jest what this is goin' to be. We're lettin' you off of a
poundin' so's to show what can be done, an' if you say so much as a
word to old Donovan we'll pretty near kill you."
"I shall talk to whoever I please."
"Not after you come out of this. Don't think we'll allers let you off so
cheap, an' at the first show of tellin' what's been done to-night we'll
give you another lesson."
Fred realized that it was useless to bandy words with those who held him
so completely in their power, and understanding also that he could do
nothing to better his condition, held his peace.
Skip showed himself to be an adept in the business of subduing
refractory breaker boys, by giving his orders promptly, and in such a
manner as would soonest accomplish the work. Under his energetic
directions Fred's hands were soon tied behind his back, a gag was
fastened in his mouth, and the rope placed under his arms.
"Now raise him up, an' you needn't be careful about lettin' him drop.
The sooner he gets to the bottom the quicker we can go back to the
store. Put the bundles near the mouth of the shaft, an' in a couple of
days somebody will find him."
"It'll go rough with us if he tells who left him here," one of the party
suggested.
"There's no danger of that. Before he gets out he'll know what it means
to fool with us."
Fred remained passive. He could not believe these boys would dare to do
anything very serious. And to attempt resistance would accomplish no
possible good.
"Raise him up!" Skip shouted, and in another instant Fred was hanging
over what appeared to be a deep hole, to be dropped with a suddenness
and force which, for the time being, deprived him of consciousness.
While he lay at the bottom of the shaft the regulators placed the
parcels taken from the store, in such a manner as to make it appear that
he had fallen in by accident, and when this had been done they went
swiftly toward the settlement, regardless of whether their victim lived
or died.
CHAPTER III
IN THE SHAFT
Mrs. Byram had no suspicion that her son might be exposed to any danger
until after he had been absent an hour, and then the remembrance of the
threats made by Skip Miller and his friends caused her the deepest
anxiety. Fred would not have staid at the store longer than was
absolutely necessary, and the fear of foul play had hardly gained
possession of her mind before she was on her way to search for him.
The company's clerk had but just finished explaining that the new
breaker boy left there with his purchases some time previous, when
Donovan entered in time to hear the widow say:
"I do not understand why he should remain away so long, for he must know
I would be troubled concerning him."
"Didn't your boy stay in the house after I left him at the gate, Mrs.
Byram?" the breaker boss asked.
Mrs. Byram explained why Fred ventured out, and the man appeared to be
disturbed in mind.
"This is just the time when he oughter kept his nose inside. Them young
ruffians are likely to do any mischief."
"Then you believe something serious has happened."
"I didn't say quite that; but it won't do much harm to have a look for
him. You go home, an' I'll call there in an hour." Then turning to some
of the loungers, he asked, "Has anybody seen Skip Miller lately?"
"You're allers tryin' to make out that he's at the bottom of everything
that goes wrong," Skip's father, who entered at this moment, said in a
surly tone.
"If he ain't, it's not for lack of willingness. Do you know where he
is?"
"Home, where he's been for an hour or more."
Donovan looked hard at the speaker, and Miller retorted:
"If you don't believe me, it won't take long to find out for yourself."
"That's exactly what I'm going to do. Mrs. Byram, I will see you again
in less than an hour."
With these words the breaker boss left the store, and Fred's mother
walked slowly home, the anxiety in her heart growing more intense each
moment.
Two hours passed before Donovan returned and announced his inability to
find the missing boy.
"I did think Skip might have had a hand in it," he said; "but I reckon
he's innocent this time. I found him near his own home with a crowd of
cronies, and according to all accounts he's been there since supper."
"But what has become of Fred?" Mrs. Byram asked, preserving a semblance
of calmness only after the greatest difficulty.
"I hope nothing serious has happened. The superintendent has been
notified, and promises to send men out in search of him at once. It is
just possible he went down the slope to see the night shift at work."
There was nothing in these words to afford the distressed mother any
relief, and the sorrow which would not be controlled took complete
possession of her, as Donovan hurried away to join those who were
examining every place where an accident might have occurred.
Meanwhile the subject of all this commotion remained where the
regulators had left him. It was a long time before he recovered
consciousness, and then several moments were spent in trying to decide
where he was and what had happened.
The fragments of conversation heard while the boys were carrying him
told that he was in an abandoned shaft, and, unacquainted though he was
with mines in general, it did not require much thought to convince him
how nearly impossible it would be to escape unaided.
The bonds which fastened his limbs, as well as the gag, had not been
tied firmly, and in a short time he was free to begin such an
examination of the place as was possible in the profound darkness.
Here and there he could feel the timbers left when the shaft was
deserted, and, after groping about some moments, discovered a
tunnel-like opening ten or twelve feet across. The roof or top of this
place was beyond his reach, and he knew it must be a drift from which
all the coal had been taken.
"It may lead for miles under the hill, and I would be no better off by
following it," he thought. "Unless there is a slope which communicates
with it, I'd be in a worse fix than now, because the chances of being
lost or suffocated must be about even."
Then in his despair he shouted at the full strength of his lungs, until
it was impossible to speak louder than a whisper.
Nothing less than the booming of a cannon could have been heard from the
shaft by any one in the settlement, and with the night shift in the
working mine there would hardly be any one in the vicinity.
After giving full sway to his grief for half an hour or more, anger
replaced sorrow, and he rushed into the tunnel with no other thought
than to escape from that particular place.
Stumbling on over decaying timbers, rocks, and mounds of earth which had
fallen from the roof, he pushed straight ahead until the decided
inclination told that this drift tended upward. There was now reason to
believe it might communicate with another which, in turn, was reached by
a slope, and hope grew strong once more.
How long he had traveled when the sound of voices caused him to halt it
was impossible to form any idea; but it seemed as if several hours
elapsed, and the first thought was to shout for help.
"I won't do it," he said, checking himself. "This tunnel may have led me
back to the other mine, and if the people ahead are some of the night
shift they'll be likely to have considerable sport at my expense."
Walking cautiously in the direction of the voices he was suddenly
brought to a standstill by an apparently solid wall of earth.
He groped around until there was no question but that he had reached the
end of the drift, and when this discovery had been made he found a small
aperture which opened into a gallery or chamber where were a dozen men,
the lamps in their hats illumining the place sufficiently for Fred to
distinguish the party.
He had reached the limit of the abandoned drift, and was looking in upon
a portion of the new mine.
Even now he made no appeal for help. The conversation of the men caused
him to listen with no thought of his own condition.
"Unless we do the job to-morrow night there's little chance of gettin'
through with it all right," one of the party was saying, and another
replied with an oath:
"There's no reason why we should wait. To-night would suit me."
"I don't believe in it," a third man said. "What's to be gained by
floodin' the mine, an' turnin' ourselves out of a chance to earn a
living?"
"You allers was chicken-hearted, Joe Brace. Haven't we put up with
enough from the mine owners an' bosses? We work for starvation wages,
while they can barrel money."
"Would you say that if you hadn't been thrown out of a job?"
"That's my business. Here's a crowd of us who have sworn to stick
together, no matter what happens, an' five have been warned out. Are we
goin' peaceable, not liftin' a finger agin them as have got rich while
we starved?"
"But how are we helpin' ourselves by floodin' the mine?"
"Three or four of sich bosses as Donovan may be in the drift when with
one stroke of a pick I let the water into the lower level, and that'll
show the others we're men, even if they do treat us like brutes."
"You will drown some of your own mates."
"Them as are on the level must take their chances."
"It's murder, that's what it is, an' I'll have none of it!" Brace cried,
as he leaped to his feet, and in another instant the whole party were
facing him who dared dispute their right to do wrong.
For some moments our hero could not distinguish a word, so great was the
confusion; but when the tumult subsided in a measure two men were
holding Brace, while he who appeared to be leader stood before him in a
threatening attitude.
"You've sworn to go with the crowd, and know the penalty for traitors."
"I know that I'll blow the whole business if I get the chance. I've got
a brother in the lower level; do you think I'll stand by while he is
bein' murdered?"
"Better do that than turn agin us. We'll give you one chance; swear to
hold your tongue, an' we'll do no more than make sure you can't betray
us."
"An' if I don't choose to swear?"
"Then we'll leave you here lashed hand an' foot. When the mine is
flooded this drift will be cut off, an' it don't need a lawyer to say
what'll happen then."
"So to spite them as have done you a bad turn you're willin' to murder
me?"
"That's about the size of it."
"Listen to me, Cale Billings. I promised to stand by you fellers when
the agreement was to help each other agin the bosses; but now it's
murder you mean. I'd rather be on the lower level when the deed is done
than have part or parcel with them as are willin' to make widows an'
orphans."
"Then we know what to do," Billings cried angrily, as he rushed toward
Brace, and for several moments Fred had only a confused idea of what was
taking place.
Brace was fighting against the entire party, and, under such
circumstances, the struggle could not be prolonged.
When the watcher could next distinguish the occupants of the chamber
Brace laid on his back bound hand and foot, while the others were on the
point of departure.
Billings remained behind his companions to say:
"We gave you all the chance we could, an' now it's only yourself you've
got to thank for what'll happen before forty-eight hours go by."
"I'd die twice over rather than put the stain of blood on my hands."
"Well, you've got the chance to try it once, an' I reckon you'll wish
things was different before long. We'll take good care nobody comes this
way too soon."
Then the party filed out of the room, one or two glancing back with
undisguised pity, and as they passed along the drift the place was
wrapped in profound darkness, with nothing to break the silence save
the doomed man's heavy breathing.
Fred waited until believing the would-be murderers were beyond the sound
of his voice, and then he called softly:
"Brace! Brace!"
"Who's there?"
"A breaker boy who came into the mine yesterday."
"Where are you?"
Fred explained to the best of his ability, and added:
"Do you know of any way I can get out of here?"
"No; that part of the mine has been closed a good many years, an' it
would take a week to work up through the old slope. Before then the
water on the lower level is bound to flood this end of the workings."
"And we shall be drowned."
"I don't see any help for it."
"But we can't stay here and be killed!" Fred cried in an agony of fear.
"It's tough, but there's no way out of it unless----"
"What? Speak quickly, for time mustn't be lost if we're to do anything
toward helping ourselves."
"How large a cut is there through the wall where you are standing?"
"It's only a small one--perhaps four or five inches across."
"Couldn't you make it large enough to crawl through?"
"It wouldn't take long if I had a shovel; but without one it will be
hard."
"Set about it, lad; work is better than idleness when a fellow is in
this kind of a scrape."
Fred obeyed instantly, tearing away the earth regardless of the injury
done his hands; but making very slow progress. The wall was composed of
slate and gravel, and a pick would have been necessary to effect a
speedy entrance.
Meanwhile Brace strove to cheer the boy by talking of the possibility
that they might yet escape, and hour after hour Fred continued at the
task until the moment arrived when it was possible, by dint of much
squeezing, to make his way through the aperture.
"Do you think it is near the time when the men are to flood the mine?"
he asked, groping around until his outstretched hands touched Brace's
prostrate body, when he began feverishly to untie the ropes.
"No, lad, we must have half a dozen hours before us."
"Then we are all right!" Fred cried joyfully. "You know the way out, and
Billings' plot can be made known in time to prevent the mischief."
"Don't fool yourself with the idea that matters have been straightened
because I'm free," Brace replied, as he rose to his feet when Fred's
task had been finished.
"But what is to prevent our leaving here?"
"Did you catch what Billings said when he left?"
"Yes."
"Then there's no need of sayin' anything more. Some of the murderin'
crowd will be on guard at the entrance to the drift, and, knowing what
we do of their plans, every means will be used to prevent our ever
seeing daylight again."
"Don't you intend to do anything toward trying to escape?"
"Of course. I'm not quite a fool."
"Shall you go back with me, or try to find the shaft?"
"That would be useless. We will go straight through this drift."
"But if Billings' crowd are watching for you?"
"It's simply a case of fighting for life. There ain't much hope of
overpowerin' them; the job will be child's play compared with tryin' to
hold our own agin the flood that's sure to come soon."
Brace groped around for something which would serve as a weapon, but
finding nothing, he said grimly:
"We'll have to go as we are, lad, an' remember that if we don't get
through the drift you'll never see the breaker again."
CHAPTER IV
THE BARRIER
Brace did not so much as ask if Fred was willing to join him in the
struggle which must surely ensue, if they met those who intended to work
such great injury to the mine. He walked straight on without speaking
until five minutes had elapsed, and then said in a whisper:
"It wouldn't be safe for any of that crowd to be found loafin' near the
entrance to the drift, so we may expect to run across them before long.
If they get the best of me, an' you can slip past while they are doin'
it, don't wait, but make the most of your time."
"I wouldn't leave you to fight alone."
"Why not? My life don't count for anything when there are so many to be
saved. Run if you can, and tell what Billings intends to do. The
superintendent is the one who should hear it first, but if the time is
short speak to any of the bosses."
Up to this moment Fred had thought only that he and Brace might insure
their own safety; but now personal welfare seemed insignificant as
compared with what might be done for others.
Following closely behind Brace, that there might be no possibility of an
involuntary separation, he walked on in silence until the leader
suddenly halted with a cry of dismay.
"What's the matter?" Fred whispered.
"The villains have taken good care we sha'n't escape. The drift has been
filled up this side of the doors."
"Can't we dig our way through? They haven't had time to bring much stuff
in here."
"More than likely two or three loads of coal have been dumped, and then
the doors were fastened. The drift has been worked out, and none of the
bosses would come here in time to suspect mischief."
"What can we do?"
"Wait a bit till I make sure what's before us."
Brace clambered upon the barrier, assured himself there was too much to
be removed in the limited time at their disposal, and then came back to
where Fred was waiting in painful suspense.
"It must be the old shaft or nothing. Walk fast now for the minutes are
going mighty quick."
Alone, Fred would have had difficulty in retracing his steps, but Brace
pushed forward as if it was possible to see every foot of the way, and
when the chamber was reached immediately began forcing his body through
the aperture which had seemed hardly large enough for Fred.
Neither gave any heed to possible injuries, and the man's clothes were
in tatters when they emerged on the opposite side of the wall to make
their way with all speed along the tunnel.
For a while the inclination of the path told Fred the proper direction
was being pursued, and then it seemed as if they traveled an unusually
long time over a road which appeared to be perfectly level.
"Are you sure we are right?" he asked at length, seizing Brace by the
arm to force him to halt.
"I don't know anything about it. This part of the mine was closed before
I ever heard of such a place as Farley's."
"We should have continued going down hill until the shaft was gained."
"Then we are off the track sure; but it can't be helped now, and there
is little chance of finding our way back. The air isn't bad, and we'll
keep on; it may be there is another slope beside the one about which I
have heard."
"We must be on the lower level."
"I reckon we are."
"And it can't be long before Billings will do as he threatened."
"You're right."
"Then we are certain to be drowned unless we can find a higher drift."
"Yes, an' it'll be a clear case of luck if we strike one. Don't stop to
talk now. We must go at full speed while the air is good."
Seizing Fred by the hand, Brace started once more, and for the time
being both forgot fatigue in this struggle for life. On with feverish
energy they pressed, yet no glimmer of light broke the profound
darkness. More than once each fell over the litter of timbers, but only
to rise and struggle on again, until finally Brace halted.
"It's no use," he said with a moan. "Each step now is carrying us lower.
I remember hearing some of the old hands say the abandoned drifts were a
hundred feet or so farther down the hill. We must be considerably below
the deepest shaft."
"Have you given up all hope?" Fred asked in a whisper, for while
surrounded by the dense blackness the full tones of his voice sounded
fearsome.
"Ay, lad, all hope."
"Try once more. There surely is a way out if we could only strike it!"
"We may as well meet the water here. I've been in the mines long enough
to know that this runnin' at random is worse than standin' quiet. When a
man's time has come there's no use to fight."
Fred could not urge him farther. The numbness of fear was upon him,
brought by this sudden surrender of the man whom he had believed would
be able to extricate them from the precarious position, and now he
thought only of his mother.
How long the two remained there silent and motionless neither ever knew.
To Fred it seemed as if hours passed before Brace seized him by the arm
as he cried at the full strength of his lungs:
"Hello! Mate! This way!"
Then he ran forward at full speed, dragging Fred with him, and shouting
like an insane man all the while until finally the boy could see a tiny
spark of light far in the distance.
"It's some one looking for us," Fred cried.
"Whether he's come for us, or is on business of his own, matters little
since his light is burning."
Then, as Brace ceased speaking, Fred heard a familiar voice shouting,
and an instant later Sam Thorpe had grasped him by the hand.
"Why, it's Bill's butty! What are you doing here?"
"I came to look for the new breaker boy; I thought Skip's crowd had done
him some mischief."
"So they did, an' another set of scoundrels would have drowned us all
out but for your coming."
"What do you mean?"
"There's no time for talkin' now. How did you get here?"
"By an old slope that I stumbled across the other day. I found Fred's
bundles near the shaft, and believed he had been let down there."
"Go on the best you know how; I'll give you a bit of an idea about
ourselves while we're walking."
The gleam of the lamp Sam wore in his cap was sufficient to show the
way, and by the time the entrance to the slope had been reached the
butty boy knew the whole story.
"Billings' gang won't be able to do anything till after the day shift go
on, an' I think it would be a good idea to let the superintendent know
what has happened. Why not stay here till I tell him part of the story?"
"Go ahead," Brace replied. "We'll wait for you."
"Will you tell my mother that I am all right?" Fred asked.
"She shall hear of it first," Sam said, as he stole out into the open
air, as if fearful of being seen.
"Why didn't we go with him?" Fred asked when he was alone with Brace.
"Because nobody knows how far the plan to flood the mine may have gone,
and by showing ourselves the villains may begin the job too soon to be
prevented."
It was yet dark. Instead of having been imprisoned in the tunnels
twenty-four hours, as Fred had believed, less than eight were passed
there.
That Mr. Wright believed the news Sam brought to be of vital importance
was shown by his coming with the boy with the utmost speed, and on
entering the shaft he said to Brace:
"Tell me all you know about the plan to flood the mine."
The story was given in detail, and at its conclusion Mr. Wright asked:
"How do you happen to know so much about this thing?"
"Because I belonged to the party till I found they meant murder."
"Are you acquainted with all the members?"
"No, sir; wasn't allowed. Billings allers let us understand there was a
big crowd, but wouldn't let any besides the officers know about it; he
said the men might give themselves away by talkin' if they found who was
members."
"Why do they wish to throw all hands out of employment by flooding the
mine?"
"Some of the bosses are too hard on 'em, sir, an' a good many think it's
like sellin' theirselves to deal at the company store."
"They should have come to me with their grievances; but it is too late
to talk of that now, and immediate steps must be taken to prevent the
mischief. It won't be policy for you to show yourself until my plans
have been perfected, otherwise they would take alarm. The boy can go
home, and I want him to be in the breaker this morning as if nothing had
happened. Where can you remain in hiding for a few days?"
"I don't know, sir, unless I leave town."
"That will not do, for I may wish to talk with you again."
"He can come with me," Fred said quickly. "We do not know any one here,
and there's no danger of his being discovered."
"It's a good idea. Go with the boy, Brace, and I can let you know when
it will be safe to venture out."
"Very well, sir; but don't deal harshly with Billings' crowd. They've
tried to do me the most harm one man can work another; but yet, for the
sake of their wives an' children, I'd not feel easy in mind if they was
turned away without warning."
"I promise to be as lenient as is consistent with the safety of others,"
Mr. Wright replied, as Fred and the miner left the slope, walking
rapidly lest they should be observed, and a few moments later Mrs. Byram
was clasping to her bosom the son whom she had feared was lost to her
forever on this earth.
It was not long that Fred could remain at home. He had promised to go to
the breaker, and after he and Brace partook of a hearty meal, at the
conclusion of which the latter was shown to a room where there was no
chance of his being seen, he started out, with the promise to his mother
that he would be very careful.
By some channel of information the news had been spread that the missing
boy returned home during the night, and no one paid any particular
attention to him as he walked down the street, but on entering the
breaker Skip Miller and his friends were decidedly disturbed. The leader
of the regulators glanced from Fred to Donovan, as if expecting he would
be called upon to give an account of his misdeeds; but Chunky, who had
evidently not been let into the secret, greeted his mate as if the
latter's return was something he had expected.
"Where was you last night?" he asked.
"I went out near the old shaft," Fred replied, and Skip, who overheard
the words, appeared to be very much relieved.
"I thought you'd run away."
"Why should I do anything like that?"
"I dunno, 'cept that you wanted to get clear of the thumpin' that the
regulators promised."
"I'm not such a fool as that," Fred replied carelessly, and then the
outpouring of coal put an end to further conversation.
CHAPTER V
THE MOB
Fred could not prevent himself from glancing now and then in the
direction of Skip Miller and his friends during the forenoon, and on
each occasion he found one or more of the party gazing at him as if in
wonderment. They failed to understand how he succeeded in leaving the
shaft, and this surprise was less than that called forth by the fact of
his remaining silent regarding their ill-treatment.
One, two, three hours passed much as usual, and then something happened
which caused the oldest worker in the mines unbounded astonishment.
The machinery suddenly stopped, and from all the bosses came the orders
that every laborer should return home without delay.
No explanations were given, and when the vast army were on the outside
they stood in groups around the works discussing the cause of this very
strange state of affairs.
"I never knew anything like this to happen at Farley's before," an old
miner said.
"And they don't even tell us why we are cheated out of a day's work."
"The engineer says there is nothing the matter with the machinery."
"Yes, an' he, like us, has been ordered to go home."
These and a dozen other remarks Fred heard as he left the breaker, and
while loitering for an instant to learn if any one suspected the true
state of affairs he became conscious that Skip and his friends were
regarding him with mingled anger and consternation written on their
faces.
"You'd better get out of here, or there may be trouble," Chunky
whispered.
"Why?"
"'Cause Skip has got plenty of time now to serve you out, an' he looks
like somethin' was goin' to be done."
"He'd better not try any more games. I can take care of myself in the
daylight."
"What do you mean? Did he do somethin' last night?"
Before Fred could reply the captain of the regulators came up, and
Chunky lost no time in moving away from this very important personage.
"Say," Skip began, as he stepped threateningly in front of Fred, "what's
the meanin' of all this?"
"Do you mean the shutting down of the machinery?"
"Of course I do."
"Why should I know anything about it?"
"Don't try to play off innocent to me. You've been blowin' about what
the regulators did, an' that's why all hands can suck their thumbs
to-day."
"Don't you think that is a foolish idea?" Fred asked, with a feeble
effort at a smile. "Do you fancy you, the regulators, or I, are so
important that the whole force is laid off because of anything which
may have happened between us?"
Skip was staggered by this reply, and after thinking the matter over for
a moment, he said in a surly tone:
"All I've got to say is that things will be too hot for you in this
town, if a word is told about what was done last night."
"You said pretty near the same before throwing me down the shaft."
"Well, I'm sayin' it again, for it stands you in hand to remember it."
"I won't forget."
Skip turned quickly as if the tone offended him, and after glaring
fiercely at the breaker boy, walked slowly toward his friends.
"What's in the wind now? Is he making any more threats?"
Looking around quickly Fred saw Sam Thorpe, who had just come up the
slope with Bill Thomas.
"Skip is afraid the shutting down has some connection with the doings of
the regulators. Isn't it queer to stop the machinery so soon when Mr.
Wright was anxious to keep everything a secret?"
"I heard him say that the pumps were out of order. One set got choked
this morning, and it wouldn't be safe for the miners to stay in the
lower level till they were repaired."
Sam winked meaningly as if he thought the matter had been arranged very
skillfully; but Fred was yet at a loss to understand how anything could
be gained by this move.
"Why were all hands thrown out?"
"There are some general repairs to be made, and it was better to do the
whole at the same time."
"Then there's no reason why Brace should hide any longer."
"He mustn't so much as show his nose. Come over by the slope and watch
Billings and his crowd. They are in a peck of trouble, expecting that
Brace will be found, and since no one is allowed to enter the mine
matters begin to look tough for them."
Fred followed his friend and saw those who had intended to cause a
terrible disaster clustered around the mouth of the slope in a feverish
state of excitement.
"This is a nice way to treat honest men," Billings was saying as the two
approached. "We work for starvation wages, an' then get laid off
whenever the bosses like, without so much as a notice. It's time we did
something to show we're men."
"I'm told the pumps are choked," an old miner said, "an' if that's the
case Mr. Wright oughter shut down. Farley's never has had a very good
name; but one or two stoppages like this'll show it's worked on the
square."
"What a fool you are!" Billings cried angrily. "Haven't you got sense
enough to see that this thing has been done so's we'll run deeper in
debt at the store, an' have to submit to a cut down when Wright gets
ready to put the screws on?"
Several of the bystanders loudly expressed their belief in the
correctness of Billings' theory, and instantly the greatest excitement
prevailed. The group increased in numbers each moment, and Billings took
upon himself the office of spokesman.
One proposed they march in a body to the superintendent's house and
demand that the machinery be started again. Another insisted on forcing
their way into the mine to ascertain the true cause of the stoppage, and
in this last speaker Fred recognized one of the men who had helped make
Joe Brace a prisoner.
"They want to find him before Mr. Wright orders an examination," he
whispered to Sam, and the latter replied:
"In less than an hour they'll have force enough to do as they please.
It's time we were out of this; you go home to tell Joe, and I'll see Mr.
Wright if possible."
Fred was all the more willing to follow this advice because Skip and his
party were in the immediate vicinity, and the lawlessness of the men
might render them bold enough to administer the promised flogging then
and there.
The streets of the little town were crowded with knots of miners, some
of whom seemed to think the superintendent had acted for their good,
while others were indulging in the most extravagant threats.
Mrs. Byram was standing in the doorway when her son arrived, and it
could readily be seen by her face how relieved she was to have him with
her once more.
"You mustn't leave the house again to-day," she said in a tremulous
voice. "Go up stairs and tell Mr. Brace what has happened."
The miner was impatient to learn the cause of the excitement, for he
could hear the hum of voices on the street; but did not care to look out
of the window for fear of being seen.
Fred's story was not a long one, and he had to repeat it several times
before Brace was satisfied.
"I s'pose Wright knows his own business best; but it looks mighty
dangerous to shut down so sudden."
"Perhaps it was the only course to pursue," Fred suggested. "Billings'
crowd may have been so near carrying their plot into operation that
there was no time for anything different."
"That might be; but take my word for it, there's going to be trouble at
Farley's before this fuss is settled."
"Do you think Billings would dare to force his way into the mine?"
"He'd dare do anything with men enough at his back."
"Suppose they got in and didn't find you?"
"I ain't thinkin' of myself, for it would be easy to get out of town."
"If they have an idea you've escaped from the drift all hands will be on
the watch, knowing you could expose their plot."
"Everything is correct so long as they don't find out where I am, an'
when it's time to move I'll agree to give 'em the slip. Go down stairs
so you can see if the trouble is about to begin."
Before Fred could obey, Sam Thorpe burst into the room.
"There's a regular mob on the way to Mr. Wright's house. They threaten
to burn it if the works are not opened in an hour."
"Where is the superintendent?" Brace asked.
"In the mine I think; he's not at home, for I just came from there."
"Is Billings leadin' them?"
"Yes."
"How many of the company's men are on guard at the slope?"
"About a dozen."
"Who are they?"
Sam repeated the names, and Brace said musingly:
"There are one or two that I'm doubtful of. They've been too thick
lately with Billings."
"It can't be helped now, for Mr. Wright wouldn't dare show himself long
enough to make any change."
At this moment a loud cry from the street caused the boys to run quickly
down the stairs, and Brace ventured to look out from between the folds
of the curtain.
The mob, in a spirit of bravado and to gain recruits, were parading the
streets before making their demands, and had halted in front of the
company's store that Billings might harangue those near by. He was
dilating upon the wrongs inflicted on honest workingmen, and calling for
everyone to join in the struggle for their rights, when, to the
astonishment of all, Mr. Wright appeared, coming from the direction of
the slope.
The superintendent would have passed the mob and entered the store, but
that the men barred his way, forcing him to halt directly in front of
Mrs. Byram's home.
"We was lookin' for you," Billings said insolently, as he stepped close
to Mr. Wright.
"Well, now that you have found me speak quickly, for there is very much
that I must do before night."
"Open the works!" a voice shouted.
"Give us a chance at the bosses!"
"Tell us what's the matter. Why are we thrown out of a job?"
"Hold on!" Billings cried, "I'll do the talking."
It was several moments before the tumult ceased sufficiently for the
leader to make himself understood, and meanwhile the superintendent
stepped on the threshold as Mrs. Byram opened the door.
"In the first place," Billings began, "we want to know why the works
have been shut down?"
"Because the pumps in the lower level are choked, and there is every
danger that portion will be flooded."
"But why are us miners barred out?"
"It is evident someone has been trying to work mischief, and I do not
care to run the risk of allowing the same party free access to the place
until all the damage is repaired."
"Do you mean to accuse us of tryin to drown each other?" one of the
throng asked.
"I shall make no accusations until everything can be proven; but
meanwhile all must remain out of the works that the guilty parties may
not be able to do worse mischief."
"That is only a trick to keep us idle so the store bills put us more
completely in your power," Billings cried insolently.
"You know the company must lose a great deal of money by taking the men
out."
It was impossible for Mr. Wright to make himself heard further. The
miners began to speak, each one for himself, and little could be
distinguished save the threats to burn the houses belonging to the
officers of the works, if the machinery was not started immediately.
After this threat had been made the men grew more bold, and before those
in the cottage had time to screen themselves a shower of stones were
flung at the superintendent, who barely succeeded in protecting himself
by jumping behind the door.
Fred and Sam, the latter of whom had an ugly cut on the cheek, closed
the door quickly, bolting and barricading it with the furniture nearest
at hand, and the riot had begun.
The angry men pelted the house with such missiles as could be most
easily procured, and during two or three minutes it seemed as if the
building must be wrecked.
Mr. Wright would have run into the street as the only way by which the
widow's property could be saved; but Fred and Sam prevented him by
force, and Brace, who came down stairs at the first alarm, said
decidedly:
"You mustn't think of such a thing. Your life would be taken."
"It is cowardly to remain here."
"It is foolhardy to face, single handed, two or three hundred brutes
like those who are yelling."
"But the widow's property?"
"The building belongs to the company, and you can easily pay her for
what may be destroyed."
During this brief conversation the front windows had been shattered, and
the mob appeared to be on the point of carrying the place by storm when
a voice cried:
"I ain't here to fight agin women who are in the same box with
ourselves. What's to prevent our smashin' the windows of his own house?"
"That's the way to talk," another replied. "Come on; we'll attend to his
case later."
As if by magic the mob vanished; but the hoots and yells told of the
direction in which they had gone.
"Something must be done at once, or there is no knowing where this thing
will end. Fred, you and Sam get some boards up at these windows, and
I'll learn how many of the men can be trusted to stand by us. Keep out
of sight a while longer Brace."
Mr. Wright left the building by the rear entrance, the boys watching
until he disappeared within the company's store, and then Sam proceeded
to obey the orders.
Nearly every pane of glass in the front of the house had been broken,
and there was not lumber enough to close more than one.
"We shall have to go to the yard for boards; do you dare to try it,
Fred?"
"Why not? Skip's crowd are most likely with the men."
Mrs. Byram was afraid to have her son leave the house at such a time;
but Joe Brace made light of her fears, and she gave a reluctant consent.
"We sha'nt be away more than half an hour, and the mob will pay no
attention to us while they have so much mischief on hand," Fred said as
he followed Sam.
CHAPTER VI
ON DUTY
In order to reach the yard where the lumber was to be found it was
necessary that the boys should pass near the store, and at a point where
Mr. Wright's house could be seen plainly. The mob which now surrounded
it was in full view, and the angry shouts, mingled with breaking glass,
came to their ears with great distinctness.
"It doesn't seem right for us to stay here when we might be of some
service there," Fred said as he pointed in the direction of the
building.
"I don't know what we could do if we were on the spot. It isn't likely
those men would stop because we asked them to do so, and, so far as I
can judge, it is very much better to stay at a respectful distance."
"And let them destroy the buildings?"
"What can you do to prevent it?"
"Nothing that I know of, and yet it is wicked to let this thing be done
without some protest."
"Mr. Wright would attend to that matter if a protest would amount to
anything. Our duty is to protect your mother, and that must be attended
to before anything else."
"I realize that fact fully; but----"
At this moment Mr. Wright called from the rear of the store:
"Boys, come here!"
Obeying the summons they were led to a rear room where were assembled
the principal officers of the mine, all looking more or less
frightened, and the superintendent said as they entered:
"Is there anything to prevent your doing as I wish during the next few
hours."
"Not that I know of, sir," Fred replied. "We were about to fasten up the
broken windows at home; but that is of little consequence in case you
require our services."
"The force of men on guard at the slope is too small if the rioters try
to effect an entrance. It is in the highest degree important that
Billings' crowd be prevented from getting in, until all our arrangements
have been made. Will you go on duty there until troops can be summoned?"
"We are willing to do everything in our power."
"Then arm yourselves with these guns."
Mr. Wright pointed to a number of muskets as he spoke, and Sam did not
delay in selecting a weapon.
"I must tell mother where I have gone or she will be worried," Fred
said, as he started toward the door.
"I will call upon her at once, and you need not delay."
"How long are we likely to remain on duty?"
"Only until troops arrive. We have telegraphed to the governor, and a
company should be here within the next twenty-four hours."
"It isn't probable the sentinels will take our word for it that you have
sent us."
"Here is a line to Donovan, and you had better start at once, for
there's no saying how soon the rioters may get tired of destroying
dwellings. Tell Donovan that we hope to send him a larger force soon."
The boys felt very much like soldiers as they marched toward the slope,
each armed with a gun and half a dozen cartridges, and the tumult which
could be heard distinctly, heightened the illusion.
"They have set fire to some building," Sam said, as he pointed to a
column of smoke which rose from the direction of the superintendent's
home. "If that kind of work has begun there's little chance of its being
ended while Billings' crowd hold the town."
"I ought to have staid with mother. There's no reason why I should help
fight the company's quarrels while she may be in danger."
"You could be of no assistance, and it is better to be out of the way,
for Skip and his gang will not remain quiet while it is possible to do
mischief."
"At the same time I should be with her," Fred replied; but making no
motion to return.
Upon arriving at the entrance to the slope they were stopped by a
sentinel who cried as he leveled his gun:
"Halt! What do you want?"
"We have been sent by Mr. Wright with a note to Donovan," Sam replied.
"Stay where you are, and I will call him."
"This looks like fighting," Sam said, as the sentinel shouted for the
breaker boss. "If they are afraid to let the boys come nearer than
hailing distance, what'll be done when the mob get here?"
"If the soldiers arrive things will be worse than they are now," Fred
said with a sigh, and then Donovan interrupted the mournful conversation
by calling as he came up the slope:
"Oh, it's you, eh? Well, get in here quick. I thought Mr. Wright had
sent some one to help us."
"So he has," and Sam handed the breaker boss the superintendent's
letter. "We're to go on duty here till help arrives in the shape of
soldiers."
"I s'pose you two will count for one man; but we need a good many more
by the looks of things. Go into the first level an' stay there till
you're wanted."
Obeying these instructions the boys found a dozen men lounging about the
chamber, some lying on the empty trucks, and others moving to and fro
restlessly; but all well armed.
Each one was most eager to know what was being done in the village, and
the story had but just been told when the first alarm came.
"Get up to the mouth of the slope," Donovan shouted from above. "There's
a small crowd comin' this way, an' it's best to be prepared for 'em."
The command was promptly obeyed, and all watched the score of men who
were approaching. Instead of nearing the sentinels they turned off to
the left before arriving within hailing distance, and one of the party
said in a tone of satisfaction:
"That's all right; they're only lookin' around to see if our eyes are
open."
"They are going in the direction of the shaft into which Skip's crowd
threw me," Fred whispered to Sam.
"Yes."
"And in that way it would be possible to get into this portion of the
mine."
"I s'pose so; but they ain't likely to make such a long trip as that."
"Why not, if by so doing the lower level could be flooded without any
risk to themselves?"
"Now don't get frightened, Fred, there isn't one chance in a hundred
that any of the crowd know about the old gallery."
"But if they do all of us might easily be driven out by the water."
"Since it troubles you so much, speak to Donovan. He's the boss, and
will know if anything should be done."
"You tell him."
"Not much; I'm not going to be laughed at."
Fred hesitated only a moment; he believed that it was of the utmost
importance this possible means of entering the mine should be guarded,
and calling Donovan aside told him of his escape from the shaft; but
refrained from mentioning Joe Brace's name.
"I reckon you're more frightened than hurt, lad; but at the same time I
don't want to run any risks. Since Sam Thorpe knows the way through,
take him an' start. One of you could keep a hundred from comin' in at
such a small hole as you tell about."
"Are we to stay there?"
"Half an hour'll be long enough; if they don't show theirselves by then
we'll know there's nothin' to be feared from that quarter."
Fred repeated to Sam what Donovan had said, and the orders were not
received in a cheerful spirit.
"That's all you get for bein' scared. It ain't any joke to travel
through the lower level, an' we can count on stayin' there till
midnight."
"It's better than being flooded out."
"I'm not so sure of that."
"Then you won't go?"
"Of course I will. Do you think I'm such a fool as to act dead against
orders. Come on, an' let's get through with it as soon as possible."
By using an empty car, allowing it to run down the grade by its own
weight, they were soon at the heavy doors which marked the termination
of the first level. Here a halt was made, because even the boys whose
duties it was to open the barriers were absent, and from this point the
remainder of the journey was made on foot.
At the lower level five miners were found repairing the pumps, and the
boys were forced once more to tell what had occurred in the village.
"Men what want to work don't go round kickin' up sich a row as this,"
one of the party said, as Fred and Sam passed on. "Give some of that
Billings' crowd a chance an' the slope never'd be opened agin."
"There's a miner who won't join the mob," Fred said.
"Yes; but for every man like that a dozen can be found to fight against
their own interests."
Now the boys no longer walked side by side. Sam led the way, watching
narrowly the lamp in his companion's cap to discover the first signs of
fire-damp, and guarding well the flame which served to show him the
proper course.
"Be careful of your matches," he said warningly. "They may be worth a
good deal before we get back from this wild goose chase."
"How much farther must we go?"
"Half an hour of fast traveling should bring us to where you found the
tunnel choked with coal, an' I don't reckon you count on tryin' to get
any farther."
"We couldn't do it, no matter how much we might want to."
"Oh, yes; when the doors are opened that pile will come down mighty
quick; but while it stays as it is the passage is blocked better than if
a dozen men were on guard."
Another time of silence, during which the boys walked rapidly, and then
Sam uttered an exclamation of surprise.
"Some one has been working here. Half the coal is pulled away, an' it
won't be much of a job to get into the chamber."
"Who could have done it?"
"Perhaps Billings' gang worked a spell after the order to quit was
given?"
"What could they have gained by reaching Joe again?"
"Taken him through the old drift to the shaft. But let's work our way
over this pile, an' then start back before our oil gives out."
Ten minutes of sharp labor and the boys were in the chamber where Brace
had been left to die, Sam throwing himself on the hard floor, as he
said:
"We'll take a breathin' spell before leaving. You see now there was no
use in comin'."
"So it seems; but I couldn't help thinking some of that crowd which
passed the slope knew how to get here."
"It ain't possible--Hark! What was that?"
A low hum as of conversation could be heard from the other side of the
wall, and Sam sprang to the aperture made by Fred and Joe Brace.
"I'll never yip again about you're being scared," he whispered after one
glance. "Here come the whole crowd, an' we're in a fix."
"They won't dare to crawl through, if we threaten to shoot."
"Let's first find out exactly what they are here for. It may be they are
only looking for Joe."
Standing either side the aperture the boys watched the approach of the
men whose movements were revealed by the miner's lamp each carried.
It was impossible to distinguish the conversation until the party was
very near the break in the wall, and then one shouted:
"Hello Joe! How are you?"
"We've come to pull you out of this scrape," another said, after waiting
a few seconds for a reply.
Then a lamp was pushed through, Fred and Sam crouching close against the
wall to avoid observation, and its owner cried in a tone of
astonishment:
"He isn't here! The place is empty!"
A deep silence reigned for a moment, and then some one said in an angry
tone.
"It ain't hard to understand the whole thing now. He slipped the ropes,
an' come out this way. Wright has heard the story, an' that's why the
works were shut down so suddenly."
"But what's become of him? He ain't in the town."
"Of course he is, an' hidin' somewhere. Jim, you run back an' tell
Billings so's he can hunt the sneak out."
"Are you goin' on alone?"
"Why not? Them fools are guardin' the slope, an' we can flood the place
before they so much as think any one has got in behind them. Tell the
boys we'll be back by sunset."
Sam touched Fred, to warn him that the time for action had arrived, and,
slight as was the movement, it caught the attention of the man on the
opposite side.
"Hold on," he cried. "There's somebody in here, an' we must know who it
is."
Before he could thrust his lamp through, Sam shouted:
"Stand back, or there'll be trouble. Two of us are here, both armed, and
we shall fire at the first one who so much as shows the tip of his
nose."
CHAPTER VII
THE STRUGGLE
Recognizing at once that the voice they had just heard did not belong to
the man for whom they were looking the rioters remained silent with
surprise, and during this short interval Sam brought the butt of his gun
to the floor with unnecessary force in order that there might be no
question about his being armed.
"Who is inside?" one of the party finally asked, and Sam replied:
"It does not make any difference so long as you don't attempt to come
through."
"We shall do it just the same, an' it'll be so much the worse for you if
a finger is raised to stop us."
"There's no need of very much talk. We're here to keep you out. At the
first movement both will shoot, and we've got ammunition to hold the
place 'till the others come."
This bold assertion caused the rioters no little uneasiness, as could be
told from the fact that the entire party retreated down the drift, where
they apparently began a consultation as to the best course to be pursued
under the circumstances.
"Come on this side," Sam whispered. "If we stand opposite each other and
are obliged to shoot we shall get the worst of it."
"Do you really mean to kill them?" Fred asked as he changed his
position.
"I intend to hit whoever comes through if I can, an' they'll have to run
the risk of the killin' part."
"If we could only send word to Donovan."
"Well, we can't, an' it looks as if we might have to stay here a long
while, unless they get the best of us. Nobody will think of coming to
look for us for a good many hours, an' that's why I said we were in a
fix."
Neither of the boys cared to prolong the conversation. Their situation
was desperate, and to state it in words seemed like making it worse,
but, as Fred afterward said, "they kept up a terrible thinking," until
the rioters began operations by approaching the aperture once more,
keeping close to the wall on either side to prevent giving the defenders
an opportunity of using their weapons.
"See here," the spokesman began, "we've come to give you a chance of
actin' square. You know who we are, an' that what we do will help all
hands who work here. Let us through peaceably, an' we'll allers be your
friends, but if we're obliged to fight for it there'll be nothin' left
of you."
"We'll take our chances rather than have such as you call us friends;
but it strikes me that a fight, with all the weapons on our side, is too
big a contract for you to tackle."
"Put out your lamps, boys, an' we'll show these fools what can be done."
In an instant the tunnel was plunged in profound darkness, and the
lights worn by the boys served to reveal their whereabouts clearly.
Both realized how great would be the disadvantages under such
circumstances, and in the least possible time the tiny flames were
extinguished.
Even while this was being done the rioters attempted to effect an
entrance; but, without exposing himself to a blow, Sam discharged his
weapon, paying little regard to accuracy of aim.
The noise of the report echoed and reëchoed through the passages, and
the chamber was filled with smoke, during which time Fred fancied he saw
a form leaning half through the aperture, and he also fired.
"That makes two cartridges, an' now we've only got ten left," Sam said
in a half whisper. "At this rate we can't keep the battle goin' a great
while, an' when the thing is ended we shall have to take whatever they
choose to give."
"Donovan may send some one before the ammunition is exhausted."
"He won't think of such a thing for a good many hours yet. Could you
find your way back to where the men are at work on the pumps?"
"And leave you alone?"
"One of us must go, or else these fellows will soon be where a great
amount of mischief can be done."
"I am willing to do whatever you think best."
"Then go, and tell whoever you meet, of the pickle I am in. I'll stay
because I'll most likely make a better fist at fighting than you."
"Do you want the cartridges?"
"Yes, and the gun."
Fred placed the weapon against the wall near his companion, and turned
to go.
"Don't light your lamp until you are so far away that the flame can't be
seen, for it won't do to let them know we have divided forces."
A silent handshake and Sam was alone.
"It's goin' to be a tough job, an' most likely I'll get the worst of
it," he said to himself, as he leaned toward the aperture in a listening
attitude.
Five minutes passed, and then came a shower of missiles, causing a
choking dust to arise; but doing no further injury. Immediately
afterward the boy fancied another attempt was being made to crawl
through, and he discharged both weapons in rapid succession.
"Now we've got him!" a voice shouted, and before Sam could reload the
guns two or three men were in the chamber.
He crouched in the further corner hoping to slip the cartridges in the
barrel, while they should be hunting for him; but one of the party
ignited a match, and an instant later he was held as if by bands of
iron.
"Light your lamps, an' be lively about it, for there's another one
here!"
Sam made one violent effort to release himself; but in vain. When the
chamber was illuminated he saw a crowd of men peering in every direction
for Fred.
"It's Bill Thomas' butty," one of the party said in surprise. "I didn't
know he was a bosses' pet."
"Neither will he be very long. Where's the other fellow?" and Sam's
captor tried to choke the answer from him.
"If he don't speak quick strangle him. We can't spend much time on a
kid," some one suggested, and the question was repeated.
Sam knew that the men were in no humor to be trifled with, and there was
little doubt but the strangling would follow unless he obeyed. It was
possible to delay the explanations for a few seconds, and thus give Fred
so much more time to reach the lower level.
With this view he coughed and struggled after the vice-like pressure
upon his throat was removed, to make it appear as if it was only with
the greatest difficulty he could breathe, and fully a moment was thus
gained when his captor kicked him two or three times as he said:
"None of that shamming. Speak quick, or I'll give you something to cough
for."
"The fellow who was with me went back to the slope."
"How long ago?"
"When we first knew you were here."
"That's a lie, for we heard you talking."
"What makes you ask any questions if you know better than I?"
"When did he leave?"
"I told you before. Of course he waited long enough to find out how many
there were of you."
At least five minutes had passed from the time Sam was first questioned,
and this must have given Fred a safe start.
"Go after him, Zack, and take Jake with you," the spokesman said,
sharply. "Travel the best you know how, for everything depends on
overtakin' him."
The two men started at full speed, and the leader asked Sam:
"Where is Joe Brace?"
"Brace?" Sam repeated, as if in bewilderment, "Why he didn't come with
us."
"Wasn't he in this place when you got here?"
"Of course not. I'm most certain I saw him in the village just after the
works were shut down."
There was a ring of truth in the boy's tones which could not be
mistaken, and the rioters appeared satisfied.
"Abe, go an' tell Billings that Brace got out of here in time to warn
Wright, an' let him know what we've struck. Don't waste any time now."
When the messenger had departed the leader beckoned to another member of
the party, and said as he pointed to Sam:
"Take care of him. The whole thing would soon be up if he should get
away."
"What'll I do with the cub?" the man asked in a surly tone.
"Anything so that you keep him safe. A thump on the head will help
straighten matters, if he tries to kick up a row."
"Where are you going?"
"We'll foller up Zack an' Jake, an' if they catch the boy there'll be
nothin' to prevent our finishin' the business we came for."
After a brief consultation, which was carried on in such low tones that
Sam could not distinguish a word, the men started down the drift,
leaving the prisoner and his captor alone.
Sam knew the man was named Bart Skinner, and that he was an intimate
friend of Billings'. He had the reputation of being quarrelsome and
intemperate, and was exactly the sort of person one would expect to see
among such a party as were now committing lawless deeds.
"I don't count on wastin' much time with you," Bart said when the
footsteps of his companions had died away in the distance. "I'll leave
you in a safe place pervidin' you behave; but let me hear one yip, an'
I'll try the weight of my fist. Come along."
No attempt had been made to fetter Sam. The rioters understood that it
was impossible for him to escape, and probably looked upon it as a clear
waste of labor.
When Bart spoke he seized the boy by each arm, forcing him through the
aperture, and then retaining his hold as he followed. Once in the tunnel
the two pressed on at a rapid gait toward the shaft, Sam being obliged
to walk a few paces in advance, until they arrived at a point where a
tunnel had been run at right angles with the drift; but which was shut
off by stout wooden doors.
"We'll stop here a bit," Bart said, as he tried to unfasten the rusty
bolts which had not been used for many years.
Believing that he might as well accept his capture with a good grace
instead of sulking over it, Sam did what he could to assist in opening
the doors.
When the task was finally accomplished Bart motioned for the boy to
enter first, and after assuring himself by the flame of his lamp that
the air was pure, he obeyed.
"Go on a bit, an' see if it is a drift, or only a stable."
"They've exhausted the vein after following it about thirty feet," Sam
replied, as he walked the full length, and when on the point of turning
to retrace his steps the doors were closed with a clang, while from the
outside could be heard the mocking voice of Bart as he shoved the bolts
into their sockets:
"It's deep enough for what I want to use it. You'll do no mischief while
here, an' I reckon the bosses will hunt a long time before findin' you."
Then Sam heard the sound of rapidly retreating footsteps, and thought to
himself as he vainly shook the timbers:
"If those fellows overtook Fred I'm likely to stay here till the mine is
flooded."
CHAPTER VIII
THE PURSUIT
When Fred left Sam to defend the breach in the wall he fully realized
the necessity of giving the alarm quickly, and did not stop to light his
lamp until after scrambling over the barrier of coal.
Once this had been done he ran at his best pace, guided by the wooden
tracks on which the cars were hauled, until he was obliged to halt from
sheer lack of breath. A dull sound in the rear caused him to push on
again very quickly, for he believed Sam had found it necessary to
discharge his weapons.
On making the second halt a few moments later, he detected a certain
scurrying noise which at first he fancied might have been caused by the
rats; but immediately came the voice of a man, and he knew the rioters
were pursuing him.
"I'll get a pretty heavy dose if they catch me," he muttered, hurrying
once more, and when the journey was half finished it became apparent
that the pursuers were gaining upon him.
The lives of others beside his own might be sacrificed, if he did not
win the race, and he bent all his energies to the undertaking. Once he
stumbled, almost fell; but luckily recovered his balance, and darted on,
forced to run upon the ties because the space either side was so narrow.
Nearer and nearer came the men until he could hear their heavy
breathing, and one of them shouted:
"Halt, or we'll shoot!"
Knowing that they might have gotten possession of his gun he had reason
to believe the threat would be carried into execution; but he said to
himself:
"It's better to be killed by a bullet than take what they choose to
give," and the command only served to quicken his pace.
Minute after minute passed; no shot was fired, his breath came in quick
gasps, and it seemed impossible to continue the flight many seconds
longer. The pursuers were now within a few yards, and nothing could be
seen ahead. Whether the lower level was close at hand or a mile away he
could not decide; but in his despair he shouted for help.
"Pick up some chunks of slate an' see if you can't hit him. At this rate
we shall soon have to turn back."
One of the men stopped long enough to gather an armful of fragments, and
as he continued the pursuit threw them with murderous intent at the
fugitive.
Two passed very near the almost exhausted boy's head; but none inflicted
any injury, and he shouted again and again for those who were working at
the pumps.
At the very moment when Fred lost all hope a tiny ray of light appeared
from out the gloom, and he cried for help once more; then fell headlong
to the ground.
When he next realized anything he was surrounded by miners, who had
evidently been running, and one asked, impatiently:
"Can you tell us what happened, lad, an' how them sneaks managed to get
in here?"
"Have they gone back?"
"Indeed they have; we chased them the matter of half a mile, an' then
concluded it was time we got the story from you, for it might not have
been safe to pass the first drift."
In a few words Fred told his story, adding as it was ended:
"There is a big crowd of them, and all hands are bent on flooding the
mine."
"We don't care to have them drown us out like rats, so I reckon there'll
have to be some fightin' done before that little game is played."
"But what about Sam?"
"They've got hold of him for sure; but he'll have to take his chances
with the crowd, for we can't help him now."
"They'll kill him!"
"I don't reckon there's much chance of that, lad; but if there was we
couldn't do a thing. I'd go farther than most anybody, for he was my
butty, an' a right good boy; but he's in the hole to stay 'till the
company get the upper hand of them as would kill their best friends to
injure the bosses."
Fred knew it was Bill Thomas who spoke in such a tone of utter
helplessness, and there could be no doubt as to the correctness of his
statements.
"I'd go back alone if I had the gun."
"Then it's lucky you left it behind. Best go up the slope an' tell
Donovan what has happened here, so's he can send men to the old shaft.
Say to him that we'll be through in a couple of hours more, an' want him
to start the pumps, for we're workin' in four feet of water."
After stationing one of their number as guard the miners resumed their
labor, and Fred started toward the slope, bent on inducing Donovan to
take some steps for the relief of Sam.
Wearied by the previous exertions he made but slow progress, and when he
reached the breaker at least half an hour had elapsed.
Those who had been left to guard the mine were on duty in positions
where their bodies would be sheltered in case of an attack with
fire-arms, and in a group outside were forty or fifty of the rioters.
"Bill Thomas wants to know if you will start the pumps? They are working
in four feet of water," Fred said, as he approached Donovan.
"It can't be done now if the whole level is flooded. These fellows have
made two rushes, and are gettin' ready for another."
"Don't you suppose this is to prevent you from discovering that a
portion of the rioters are getting in through the old shaft?" and Fred
told of what had occurred in the drift.
"That's jest the size of it; but what can be done? We can't spare a man
from here."
"There are surely more at the store who would help us."
"Very likely; but they won't come while this crowd is here."
"If Mr. Wright knew what was going on he could send a party to the
shaft."
"Yes, if he knew it."
"Why not send him word?"
"How?"
This was a question. Fred did not answer, and Donovan continued:
"There's no chance by which any one could get from here to the store,
while that gang of murderers keep watch over all our movements."
"It is nearly night. In an hour it will be too dark for them to see what
is going on."
"Who will take the risk of trying to slip past them?"
"I will."
"You'll be in a worse box than Sam is, if they catch you."
"Something must be done, and since you can't spare anybody to go to the
poor fellow's assistance I'm ready to take my chances while trying to
help him."
Donovan did not reply until after looking carefully around as if
calculating the probabilities of success, and then he said:
"I've a mind to let you attempt it. If the soldiers don't arrive before
morning, and Billings' crowd are coming through the old shaft as you
say, we must have help soon, or give up the fight. There is a chance you
will get past all right, and I'm certain we can expect no one to come
unless we say it is impossible to hold out longer."
"I am ready to go."
"Very well; wait until it is dark, an' then you may make a try for it."
It would have pleased Fred better, if he could have been actively
employed at once, for the knowledge that Sam was in the power of the
rioters troubled him more than personal danger would have done; but
nothing remained save to wait as Donovan said, and he tried to be
patient.
From the men on guard he learned that Mr. Wright's house had been
attacked; but the mob contented themselves with destroying the windows
and setting fire to the stable. The building itself yet remained intact,
and there was reason to believe no more outrages, except such as might
be committed near the mine, would be committed.
"Them as are standin' in with Billings don't really know what they want,
except as he tells them," Fred's informant said, "an' that's what makes
things of this kind dangerous. If the men understood exactly the cause
of such rows, there'd be little trouble."
"But since they don't, what will be the result of this one?" Fred asked.
"That's more'n I can tell. The mob may quiet down, an' then again they
may grow worse, so there's no sayin' what'll happen. Anyhow, you don't
want to take many chances on your way to the store."
"I've got to help Sam."
"Right you are; but at the same time you ain't called on to take too big
risks. Don't start unless things look favorable for gettin' through all
right, 'cause Cale Billings ain't a nice sort of a man to meet when he's
on the top of the heap."
"Sam is in his power."
"How do you know?"
"It is only reasonable to suppose so."
"Then all the more cause for you to keep away from him. I'd like to have
some one to see the boss; but I haven't got the nerve to send a boy
instead of goin' myself."
Since this was a direct reflection upon Donovan, Fred refrained from
making any reply, and the conversation ceased.
Twice before dark the rioters made a demonstration in front of the
slope, as if bent on effecting an entrance, and each time Fred fancied
more men were sent in the direction of the old shaft.
It was not for him to make any suggestions, however, and with a heavy
heart he watched the maneuvers, believing that each moment saw Sam in
more peril.
A messenger was sent to the miners in the lower level telling them that
the pumps could not be started, and urging all hands to hold the drift
against the rioters; but that was everything which could be done under
the circumstances, and the most vulnerable point was virtually left
unguarded.
When night came the lawless party built several fires between the slope
and the shaft, very much as if they wished to show that they were on
guard, and Donovan motioned to Fred as he walked a few paces down the
drift.
"I didn't want the others to hear what I said, for it's just as well
they shouldn't know what a scrape we're in. If you can get to the store,
tell Mr. Wright that he mustn't wait for the soldiers; there's no
question but Bill Thomas' party have got their hands full keepin' back
them as come in by the shaft, and it can't be long before we'll be
snowed under. It's about twenty to one now, an' in case of a rush the
matter would be settled mighty quick."
"If I can leave the mouth of the slope without being seen there'll be no
trouble."
"Half a dozen of us will go out a short bit, an' you shall follow on
behind. There ought to be a chance of slippin' off, an' if there isn't
we'll have to give it up, for I'm not willin' you should take too big
risks."
Fred threw off his coat and vest that he might be in good condition for
running, and then as the men marched out of the slope he crouched in the
rear.
The rioters made no demonstration; but stood ready to repel an attack,
watching closely all the maneuvers, and Donovan whispered to the boy:
"It won't do to try it, lad. They are scattered around in such a way
that you couldn't get a dozen yards before bein' seen."
"I'm going to try it."
"Don't, lad, don't," several said quickly, and, fearing he might be
forcibly detained, Fred started.
He went straight back from the slope, bending low in the vain hope of
escaping observation, and having gained a distance of an hundred feet
set off at full speed, forced to run in a half circle to reach the road.
To those who were watching it seemed as if hardly a second elapsed
before a great shout went up from the rioters.
"The sneaks are sendin' for help!"
"Stop that boy!"
"Don't let him get away!"
These and a dozen other orders were given at the same time, and those
rioters who were nearest Fred began the pursuit.
"He'll never reach the store," Donovan said sadly, as he led the way
back to the slope when Fred was swallowed up by the darkness. "Even if
these fellows don't overtake him there are plenty between here and there
who'll hear the alarm."
CHAPTER IX
JOE BRACE
During the first five minutes after he was locked in the short drift,
Sam Thorpe gave himself up to unreasoning anger. He threw himself again
and again upon the timbers as if believing it would be possible to force
them apart, and shouted at the full strength of his lungs until he was
literally unable to speak louder than a whisper.
Then recognizing the uselessness of such proceedings, he sat down to
think over the matter calmly.
"If Fred succeeded in giving the alarm, I'm not in very much danger of
being drowned out," he said to himself; "but if he was caught I can
count on dying in about two hours."
With this mental speech came the assurance that he had yet a hundred and
twenty minutes in which to fight for life, and he resolved not to waste
a single second.
The lamp in his cap gave sufficient light for a thorough examination of
his prison, and it was soon made. A solid wall of earth and slate
surrounded him, the only outlet was through the doors, which were of
planks and thickly studded with nails that they might be strong enough
to resist a heavy pressure of water.
His only weapon was a stout pocket knife; but even with a saw he could
not have cut his way through.
The hinges were next examined. They were fastened to large joists which
in turn had been set firmly into the strata of slate.
The only weak point he could find was where the two doors came together,
and the flat bolt was exposed. Its entire width and about an inch of its
length could be seen thickly covered with rust, and here Sam decided to
direct his efforts.
"There isn't much chance I can cut it through in two hours," he said;
"but it's better to work than lay still thinking of what may happen."
Breaking the stoutest blade of his knife he began with the jagged
surface to scratch at the iron. While cutting through the rust his
progress was reasonable rapid; but on firm metal was very much like
filing a boiler plate with a pin.
Then the blade of his knife was worn smooth, and he broke off another
piece, repeating the operation until the steel had been used to the
hilt.
The bolt was cut nearly half through; but as he judged, two hours must
have passed.
"If they succeed in flooding the mine I shall still be a prisoner when
the water comes," he muttered, and at that moment he heard the sound of
approaching footsteps.
Two or more had come from the direction of the shaft, and halted near
the door.
"It's no use to try and fight our way into the drift through the hole,"
he heard one of the new-comers say, and recognized the voice as that of
Cale Billings.
"Are you goin' to give up beat!"
"Not much. Inside of an hour we'll have fifty men here, and while the
fools think we are trying to get in by the slope a tunnel can be made
from one of the smaller cuttings."
"What good will that do?"
"If I ain't mistaken we shall come out on the second level where it'll
be no more than child's play to get the best of both crowds."
"But suppose Wright has sent for soldiers? I heard he telegraphed to the
governor."
"We'll be in possession of the mine, an' I reckon they'll be willin' to
make terms with us, for a regiment couldn' drive us out."
"Well, what are you stoppin' here for?"
"I want to see where that boy is. We mustn't lose him yet awhile."
"He's in here."
"An' I reckon he'll stay till we want him," Billings replied with a
laugh, after apparently examining the bolt.
Then the two men passed on, and Sam began his slow task again. Hope was
strong in his breast, for he knew from the conversation that Fred had
succeeded in warning the miners.
He used the small blade, and it wore away so quickly that there could be
no chance it would last to complete the work.
"If I could get a purchase on the door it might be broken open now the
bolt is cut so much," he said, looking around once more.
Near the uprights was an extra piece of joist standing on end as if
forming a portion of the side.
The floor of the cutting was full of irregularities where the slate had
been broken or taken out, and this gave him the opportunity to get the
required purchase.
With one end of the joist pressed firmly against a slight elevation, and
the other on the doors just over the bolt, he clambered up until near
the top, when all his weight and strength were brought into play.
Once, twice, he swayed up and down, and then inch by inch the metal
yielded until the heavy timbers swung outward, and he was free so far as
liberty of movement in the drift was concerned.
At the moment when he emerged there was no one in the passage, and he
hurriedly re-closed the doors that his escape might not be discovered by
those who should pass.
After some difficulty he succeeded in pushing the broken piece of iron
into the sockets in such a manner that a casual observer would hardly
notice anything wrong, and then, extinguishing the light in his cap, he
went swiftly toward the shaft, arriving there just as half a dozen men
were on the point of descending.
Crouching against the wall at one corner the new-comers failed to notice
him; but it was impossible to ascend the rope ladder which had been let
down, without attracting attention, because of the numbers who continued
to arrive at irregular intervals.
During an hour he waited, shrouded from view by the gloom, and then came
the desired opportunity.
Two men returned from the further end of the drift, and ascended the
ladder.
"I'll follow them and run the risk of being recognized," he said to
himself, and suiting the action to the words he climbed the network of
rope immediately behind the second rioter.
It was twilight when he arrived at the surface, and Billings' forces
were building a row of fires directly in front of the slope.
To start toward the village immediately would be to take too many
chances of detection, and Sam loitered on the outskirts of the crowd
watching for the desired opportunity, which came when Fred left the
slope to carry Donovan's message to Mr. Wright.
Instantly the alarm was given Sam started in pursuit, accompanied by a
dozen others, and only by outstripping the rioters could he hope to make
his escape.
Fred ran as he had never done before, with the howling mob at his heels,
and foremost among them was Sam. Two men were in advance of the escaping
prisoner; but by an apparent misstep while he ran alongside the second,
the rioter was overturned, and but one remained; the others being so far
in the rear as not to count in the chase.
Fred glanced over his shoulder now and then; but the darkness prevented
him from recognizing his friend until the latter deliberately threw
himself in front of the pursuer, and a tumble was the result.
"Keep on it's me--Sam!" the butty boy shouted, as he scrambled to his
feet before the man had fully recovered his senses, and with a cry of
glad surprise, Fred asked:
"How did you get away?"
"It's too long a story to tell now when we need all our breath. Are you
trying to reach home?"
"No; the store."
"Then you know what Billings' crowd are intendin' to do."
"Yes, and help is needed at once."
Sam made no reply. Both the men he had over-thrown were on their feet
again, and, with a dozen others, were close in the rear, making every
effort to overtake the fugitives.
The race was virtually won, however, unless other rioters were met on
the road. The boys yet had thirty or forty yards the advantage, and
before this could be overcome they were within sight of the store, from
which, attracted by the shouts, came Mr. Wright and a number of
employees.
All of these latter were armed, and the pursuers halted at a respectful
distance, while the boys dashed into the building breathless and nearly
exhausted.
It was several moments before Fred could repeat the message Donovan had
sent, and this was hardly done when a message from the governor arrived,
stating that no troops could be sent until the following day.
"I'm afraid those at the mine will have to take care of themselves," Mr.
Wright said, when he learned of the condition of affairs there. "If we
should leave here, or even divide our force, the store as well as the
offices might be sacked."
"But the mine will be flooded if Billings succeeds with the tunnel."
"It can't be helped now. We should need, at least, fifty men to effect
an entrance, and eighteen is the full number who can be trusted."
"Those who are there may be drowned."
"There is no danger of that since all hands are on the alert for the
first signs of trouble."
"Then Sam and I may as well go home."
"It would be a good idea to tell Brace that he must try to get here
unobserved. The men already believe he is in town, and I am afraid they
may discover his hiding place, when there's bound to be mischief done."
Disheartened, because after incurring all the danger no real good had
been done, Fred motioned to Sam, and left the store.
The streets of the village presented an unusual appearance. Nearly every
house was open and lighted as if for a general illumination, while the
sidewalks were crowded with throngs of excited women and children.
"This would be a good time for Skip to pay you off," Sam said, as they
walked swiftly along. "While so much is goin' on they could do pretty
near as they pleased without fear of being stopped."
"What he might do seems to be of little consequence compared with the
danger which threatens the poor fellows at the mine. If the lower level
should be flooded while they were guarding the drift there's every
chance all would be drowned."
"It don't do to think of such things when there's nothing which can be
done to help them. It might be worse, an' there's some comfort in
that."
"I fail to see anything very cheering in such an idea," Fred replied,
and then the two were at Mrs. Byram's home.
The door was locked; but the lightest of taps sufficed to attract the
widow's attention, and the visitor received no less warm a reception
than did the son.
Brace was so impatient to learn what had been done by the rioters that
he descended the stairs immediately upon hearing the boys' voices, and
while Mrs. Byram prepared supper, Fred and Sam gave an account of their
own adventures, as well as all which was known concerning the mob.
"So I'm to sneak over to the store, eh?" the miner asked, as the recital
was concluded.
"That was what Mr. Wright said."
"I'll do nothin' of the kind."
"Why not?"
"Because I've had enough of hidin' like a fellow who had done somethin'
wrong."
"But it isn't safe to show yourself."
"I'll take the chances, an' see what Billings' gang can do."
"Don't think of such a thing," Mrs. Byram cried in alarm. "You might be
killed."
"A fellow who has worked a matter of half a dozen years at Farley's
can't be knocked out so easy."
"Are you going into the street?"
"Yes, an' to the mine if I take the notion."
"What could you do alone against two or three hundred men?"
"Show that there is one fellow who ain't afraid of the whole murderin'
gang."
"That would be the height of foolishness."
"I can't help it," was the dogged reply, and Brace rose to his feet as
if to leave the house.
Both Sam and Fred sprang up to detain him; but before a word could be
spoken by either, angry shouts and cries were heard in the distance.
"They are up to fresh mischief," Sam exclaimed, as he cautiously pulled
back the curtains to look out.
"There are a dozen of the rioters on the sidewalk," he cried, "and they
are evidently watching us."
Brace ran to Sam's side, and the instant he showed himself some of the
men shouted:
"Here's the traitor! We've got him caged!"
"String him up!"
"Yank him out so's the bosses can see how we treat spies!"
These cries were echoed by the body of men who were approaching on a
run, and Mrs. Byram said, as she drew Brace from the window:
"They have learned you are here, and in their mad excitement murder may
be committed."
Then came from the street as if to give emphasis to her words:
"Hang him! Hang him! He's worse than the bosses!"
"You must go to the store now," Sam cried.
"What's the good? They will get in there as easily as here."
"Mr. Wright and his men are well armed and can protect you."
"There has been no shootin' done yet, an' I'll not be the cause of the
first bullet. It is better to give myself up at once."
"You shall not," and Sam clasped the miner around the waist. "Try the
back door; it will be possible to give them the slip if you hurry."
Brace hesitated a moment as if unwilling to display anything which might
be mistaken for cowardice, and then Fred and Sam literally forced him
toward the door.
"While you run I will attract the attention of the men," Mrs. Byram
said, as she showed herself at the window, and the miner sprang out at
the very instant when half a dozen of the rioters entered the gate.
"Tryin' to give us the slip, eh?" one of the party cried, as all rushed
forward.
It was too late for Brace to return; in a twinkling the men had
surrounded him. Fred and Sam saw a short but sharp struggle, and before
they could so much as make a move toward going to his assistance he was
overpowered.
Attracted by the cries of their companions, those at the front of the
house came around swiftly, and Brace was half carried, half forced into
the street.
Mrs. Byram tried to plead with the mob; but they pushed her aside
without ceremony as they shouted:
"We'll show them at the store how we deal with spies and traitors."
"We've got the rope and the sneak, now we only need two or three of the
bosses to fix the thing up brown."
"Do you suppose they really mean to hang him?" Fred asked in a tone of
awe, and Sam replied sadly:
"I'm afraid they will. Billings always was down on him, and the men are
so excited as to hardly know what they are about, so anything is
possible."
CHAPTER X
THE RESCUE
The capture of Brace seemed to inflame the passions of the mob, and not
even while the buildings were being sacked was the town in such a state
of excitement.
By the time the prisoner had reached the vacant lot in front of the
store it appeared as if every man, woman, and child in the village were
on the street.
Sam and Fred felt impelled to follow the howling, shrieking mob,
although it was not probable they could aid the unfortunate man, and
both pressed as near as possible.
"Billings' gang haven't got possession of the mine yet," Sam whispered.
"How do you know?"
"Because if that had happened we would see Bill Thomas or Donovan around
here somewhere."
"Perhaps they have been made prisoners."
"It isn't likely. Even if they couldn't hold their own it would be
possible to retreat in good order, armed as they were."
"Don't you suppose Mr. Wright will try to do something if these fellows
really mean to hang Brace?"
"They are bound to help him; but I don't see what can be done against so
many."
Owing to the crowd around him it was impossible for the boys to see the
prisoner. The men swayed to and fro as if fighting among themselves, and
after a time the reason of these movements was made plain.
Two long pieces of timber had been lashed together at one end, and set
up like the letter V inverted. These were held in place by some of the
mob, and drove through the fastenings at the top was a long rope.
Billings was on hand acting as master of ceremonies, and when this
portion of the work had been finished, he shouted:
"Half a dozen of you take hold of the rope, an' when I count three,
string him up."
In an agony of apprehension Fred looked toward the store. No one
appeared at the door; it seemed as if the bosses had abandoned Joe
Brace.
"Stand ready, boys!" Billings shouted. "We'll soon show 'em how we serve
out spies."
There was a moment of painful silence, during which more than one of the
mob acted as if frightened because of the terrible crime about to be
committed, and then an old miner cried:
"Hold on! This thing has gone far enough!"
"What do you mean?" Billings asked angrily.
"Just this: I joined your crowd to stand up for my rights not to commit
murder. There's been mischief done already, an' the most of us will be
sorry when we've had time to think the matter over."
"Hold your tongue and go home like the rest of the old women."
"I'll stay where I am, an' you'll be the one to go home if the boys take
my advice."
Then continuing, the old man reminded the throng that he had worked at
Farley's longer than the majority could remember. He spoke of the fact,
that until this day, there had been no mob rule; intimated that they
were blindly following one in whom very few ever reposed confidence, and
asked if they were willing to hang a friend simply because Billings
commanded it.
The speech was a long one, and before twenty words were spoken as many
determined-looking men gathered around Brace to prevent any harm from
being done.
"Don't listen to the old fool," Billings cried, in a voice hoarse with
rage; but now very few paid any attention to him, and, when the
prisoner's friend finished his appeal there was no danger a human life
would be taken.
Some of those who had been most eager to drag Brace away unloosened his
bonds, and at least a hundred stood ready to defend him.
At this juncture Mr. Wright came from the store, and the mob were in the
proper frame of mind to listen.
He explained the true condition of affairs, told exactly why the works
had been shut down, and finished by promising to let the matter be
forgotten, regardless of the amount of property destroyed, in case the
mob should disperse.
"And if we go home, what then?" Billings asked, sneeringly. "We'll
starve to please you, eh?"
"Those who attempted to flood the mine will not starve at Farley's, for
all in the plot must leave. Not one of that party can work here; but the
others shall be treated as before."
"So we're to be driven out?"
"Certainly. It isn't probable any honest miner would care to work with
those who may succeed in drowning their fellows simply to gratify a
spite against the officers of the company."
"It will take more than you to drive us away."
"I can at least prevent you from entering the mine, and that I shall do
even if it is necessary to station guards entirely around the property.
Are you willing to go home now, men, with the assurance that work shall
be resumed in the morning."
"Ay, that we are, an' glad of the chance. It was out of the fryin'-pan
into the fire when we left one set of bosses to take up with Cale
Billings an' his cronies," a miner shouted and immediately the mob
dispersed, leaving the leaders standing in the lot, evidently consulting
as to how their lost power might be regained.
When Brace was at liberty he joined Sam and Fred, and the three walked
to the latter's home, neither speaking until they were inside.
"Do you think the strike is really over?" Mrs. Byram asked, after Fred
told her of what had occurred.
"It is so far as the majority of the miners are concerned," Brace
replied; "but there's no telling what Billings may contrive to do
between now and morning."
"I suppose those men are still in the mine trying to overpower Donovan's
party."
"Most likely; but now that Wright has got the upper hand there's little
chance they'll be allowed to stay very long."
Despite the excitement on every hand the occupants of Mrs. Byram's
cottage were glad to retire at the first opportunity, and before the
tumult in the street had died away they sought the needed repose. It had
been decided that Brace should remain for a while, since it might be
dangerous to meet Billings and his friends while they were smarting
under the sting of defeat.
At the usual hour next morning the whistle sounded, summoning the miners
to work, and every one responded save those who had been warned to leave
the town.
Mr. Wright was at the entrance to the slope, and had a pleasant greeting
for each man and boy, causing more than one to look ashamed because of
the part taken in the wanton destruction of his property.
Joe Brace and Sam went into the drift, leaving Fred with Chunky, and
that young fellow said, as he seated himself at the chute:
"Things have been pretty lively 'round here, eh?"
"I should say so. Were you out with the regulators?"
"I saw 'em once or twice."
"If you'll take my advice you'll leave that crowd. Skip Miller's as bad
as Billings."
"Don't speak so loud; he's lookin' over this way, an' may make things
hot for you if much is said."
"If he didn't do anything yesterday I guess he ain't dangerous."
"He couldn't find you."
"Then he was lookin' for me?"
"That's what I heard some of the fellers say."
"I should think he'd seen enough of such business; but if he hasn't I'll
have to take care of myself."
"Be careful," Chunky whispered. "He an' some of the other fellers think
you are more of a spy than Joe Brace was."
"And they mean to flog me for it?"
"Skip says you told Mr. Wright about their droppin' you in the shaft."
"Hadn't I the right to? Do you suppose I'll let them try to kill me, and
never open my mouth about it?"
"Well, it ain't safe, for he's got a big crowd."
"Then he hasn't had enough of the riot?"
"It ain't that; but he says the regulators have got to stand up for
their rights, an' you haven't paid your footin' yet."
"And I don't intend to. If any of them try to make me it'll go hard with
them."
At this point the machinery was started, the stream of coal and slate
began to flow through the chute, and the breaker boys were forced to
attend to their work.
Several times during the morning Donovan spoke to Fred as he passed, and
at twelve o'clock, when all hands were indulging in the forty minutes
"nooning," and Chunky had crossed over to speak with Skip, the breaker
boss ate his lunch by the new boy's side.
"You didn't come back again last night," he said.
"No, sir. After Brace got away from the mob he and Sam went home with
me. We didn't think you'd need us when the trouble was nearly settled."
"Neither did we. As soon as the men found their senses Mr. Wright
brought a lot of them up here, an' we soon got rid of Billings'
friends."
"Had they begun to dig a tunnel?"
"Bless you, yes, an' were within a dozen feet of Bill Thomas' party when
we found them. If the row had lasted two hours longer we couldn't be
workin' here to-day, an' some of the boys would be under water."
"Do you think the whole matter is finished?"
"Yes, so far as the majority of the men are concerned; but Billings
swears he won't be driven out of town, an' he may manage to do more
mischief."
"Why don't Mr. Wright have him arrested?"
"Because he gave his word that nothin' should be done to them as went
home peaceably, an' he couldn't jump on Billings without bringing all
hands into the scrape. 'Cordin' to my way of thinkin' we've got off
cheap."
"Was Mr. Wright's house damaged very much?"
"It'll take a good many hundred dollars to put it in the same condition
it was before; but money doesn't count when there's been no blood
spilled."
"Do you think there is any chance the men will try to hurt Brace now?"
"That's hard to say. You're in as much danger as he is, for they know
that you and Sam stood in with us, an' it's just possible some dirty
trick will be played. You an' Bill Thomas' butty are to stop at the
office to-night; Mr. Wright wants to see you."
"What for?"
"He'll have to explain that. It's time to go to work again; be careful
of yourself."
Donovan walked away as the whistle sounded, and Chunky came back looking
very stern.
"You'll get into more trouble by standin' in with the bosses," he said,
in what sounded like a threatening tone.
"Does Skip Miller think he can say who I shall talk with?"
"Whether he does or not none of the fellers like bosses' pets."
"Even if I was a 'pet,' as you call it, I can't see how it concerns any
one but myself; almost anything is better than being a regulator."
"I've told you what the fellers think, an' that ends it; look out for
yourself after this."
"I can't accuse you of ever looking out for me, not even when a hint
might have saved me from a pounding."
Chunky made no reply, and Fred understood that, although the riot was
ended, his position in the community had not been bettered. One sample
of mob rule evidently pleased the regulators, and they were prepared to
assert their alleged rights more strongly than ever.
When the day's work was finished Joe Brace and Sam came for Fred, and he
walked out of the breaker in their company, while Skip and his adherents
stood near the building ready to take advantage of the first opportunity
for mischief.
"Don't think we shan't get a whack at you," the leader cried. "Them
fellers won't allers be 'round, an' when our time does come things'll be
worse than they was in the shaft."
"If I ever hear of your touchin' Fred I'll take a hand in the row
myself," Brace said threateningly.
"Oh, yes, you will," Skip replied with a leer, and then led his
followers down the road, each one making some insulting remark as he
passed.
"I'll straighten that fellow out," Joe said angrily. "He's got the will
to do most anything, an' we must take him down a peg before it'll be
safe for you to move around."
"Don't say anything to them, for it will only make matters worse. I'll
see to it that they don't get another chance at me. Sam, Mr. Wright
wants to see us at the store. Will you wait for us, Joe?"
"Indeed, I will. Till things get settled I want to keep my eye on both
you boys."
The superintendent was in his office, at one end of the building, when
the party entered, and he beckoned them to join him.
"Don't hang back, Brace, for I wish to see you as well. I want to take
your butty away, and give you Fred instead. How would you like that?"
"First class, sir."
"I wish to have a few whom I can trust, on the lower level. I don't ask
for any spying: but expect to be informed if there is any serious
mischief brewing. There may yet be some who will aid Billings to gain
his revenge. Sam is to remain with Thomas; but will work near you."
"Very well, sir," and Brace rose to go, thinking the interview was at an
end; but Mr. Wright detained him.
"The most important matter is concerning the old shaft and drifts, from
which points very much mischief might be done. Sit down while we talk of
it."
At this moment Skip Miller entered unobserved by those in the office,
and, seeing the occupants of the little room, made his way behind a pile
of goods where he could hear very much of what the superintendent said.
CHAPTER XI
BILLINGS AND SKIP
Joe Brace did not appear to think there was much to fear from the late
rioters, so far as the possibility of their making an entrance through
the old shaft was concerned.
"This end of the gallery is pretty well filled up already," he said,
"an' with a few loads of slate it can be shut off entirely, more
especially after the doors are barred."
"It is not from that portion of the mine that I apprehend any trouble.
Look here," and Mr. Wright spread on the desk before him a plan of the
workings. "At this point you can see that an old drift runs parallel
with, and not more than three yards from our lower cut. The veins
probably come together farther on."
"It wouldn't take a man very long to work his way through," Joe said,
reflectively.
"And not knowing where an attempt may be made, it will be very difficult
to prevent mischief."
"Unless the old shaft should be guarded."
"To do that we should be obliged to station men entirely around our
works, for here is the abandoned slope, and farther down the hill two or
three places where an entrance could be effected."
"But Billings an' his crowd don't know all this."
"Possibly not; yet there are many of the older men who could tell the
story."
Joe shook his head in perplexity.
[Illustration: "You four are to act as sentinels," said the
Superintendent. "Study this map and you will hit upon a scheme."]
"I am not warranted in hiring a large force of men as guards," Mr.
Wright continued, "and we must do that from the inside. You and Thomas,
with these boys as helpers, shall work on the lower level, and I will
take care that none but true men are near by."
"How will that mend matters?"
"You four are to act as sentinels. It makes little difference how many
loads you take out, for the company will pay day wages."
"Even then I don't see how we can do anything."
"You and Thomas must form some plan. Study this map, and I am confident
you will hit upon a scheme."
"Is there any chance that the drift's choked with gas?"
"Very little."
Joe was thoroughly puzzled, and after several moments of silence Mr.
Wright said:
"Get your supper now, and then talk the matter over with Thomas."
At this intimation that the interview was at an end, the miner left the
office followed by the two boys, and when they were out of the store
Skip Miller came from his hiding place without having been seen by the
superintendent or his clerks.
The leader of the regulators lounged carelessly toward the door until
satisfied no one was paying any particular attention to him, when he
stepped briskly out, and walked rapidly to a groggery situated at the
farther end of the town.
Here, as he had anticipated, was Cale Billings and a select party of
friends, all of whom were discussing their late defeat.
Skip did not care to state the reason for his coming in the presence of
the entire party, and waited patiently in one corner of the room until
it should be possible to beckon the leader out of doors.
"Wright may think we're whipped," Billings was saying; "but that's where
he makes a big mistake. He can't drive us out of this town, no matter
how much he may blow, an' it won't be many days before we'll show what's
what."
"There's little chance for us the way things look now," one of the party
said, with a laugh.
"How do you know? The folks 'round here have seen what I can do, an'
they'll soon find out that there's a good deal of fight left."
As he said this Billings looked first at one and then another to note
the effect of his bold words, and in doing so chanced to see Skip, who
immediately made a series of what he intended should be mysterious
gestures.
"What's the matter with you?" the man asked, angrily; but instead of
replying, Skip placed his finger on his lips and quickly left the room.
It was several moments before the leader understood he was wanted, and
when this fact dawned upon him he followed, meeting the boy a few yards
from the entrance.
"Was you cuttin' up them monkey shines for me?" he asked in a surly
tone.
"Of course."
"Well, what's wanted?"
"You jest said as how you'd like to get square with the company."
"S'posen I did? Does that concern you?"
"P'raps I heard somethin' 'round to the store you'd want to know."
"Say, if you've got anything to tell, out with it, for I can't fool away
my time with you."
"First I've got a trade to make."
"Talk quick."
"Do you know the new breaker boy? The one what's so thick with Wright
an' Joe Brace?"
"Yes."
"I want to get square with him, an' if you'll help me do it I'll tell
what I heard a lot of 'em saying."
"Was it anything I'd like to know?"
"It'll show jest how you can get the best of the whole crowd."
"Then I'll do what I can, an' be glad of the chance, 'cause I've got a
little score to settle with him myself."
Skip no longer hesitated; but repeated in detail all he had heard while
hiding in the store, Billings listening with closest attention.
"That's the best piece of news I've heard for a year, my boy," the
latter said, "an' you sha'n't be the loser by tellin' me. If you've got
the nerve to do a little work after everything is ready, both the
breaker boss an' this new feller shall be where they can't help
themselves."
The leader of the regulators felt exceedingly proud that the rioter
should ask him to participate in the plot, and promised, without the
least show of hesitation, to do anything which might be required of
him.
"How long before you'll be ready?" he asked.
"It may be a week; but you drop in here for a minute every evenin' so's
I can talk about the thing if the plans don't work. There's no use to be
in a hurry over sich a job as this."
"I'll show up reg'lar," Skip cried gleefully, and then, as Billings
re-entered the groggery, he hurried away to tell the good news to some
of his chums.
During this plotting Joe Brace and Bill Thomas were at Fred's home
discussing the best means of following Mr. Wright's instructions. The
plan of the works was studied carefully; but in it was found no solution
to the problem, and when they retired that evening nothing definite had
been decided upon.
The night shift went to work as usual, and but for the evidences of
wanton destruction a stranger would hardly have mistrusted that Farley's
had lately been a scene of rioting.
On the following morning Fred passed through the breaker to speak to
Donovan before entering the slope, and Skip Miller displayed the
greatest excitement on seeing him.
"I don't know how it could have happened," the breaker boss said, "for I
haven't told even my own wife that you was to be Joe's butty; but these
young villains know all about it. I've heard Skip tellin' his cronies,
an' I'm sure they're up to some mischief. Be careful, an' don't go
outside alone, leastways, not till the business of the riot has blown
over."
"I'll look to it that they haven't a chance to do much harm," Fred
replied, laughingly, as he passed on to learn the first duties of a
miner.
Joe, Bill, and Sam accompanied Fred to his new working place, and the
former said as they were being let down the incline:
"I hear Billings swears he won't leave town."
"I passed him on my way home last night," Bill added, "and he warned me
agin keepin' Sam as my butty."
"Why?"
"He says he is a spy, hand in glove with you, an' that all who work with
them as give information to the bosses will catch it rough."
Bill Thomas laughed as he said this; but Joe looked serious.
"I don't like this way of working. The lower level is bad enough without
thinkin' all the time that somebody is tryin' to do a fellow up."
"Nonsense. Barkin' dogs don't often bite, an' so long as we know he
means mischief there ain't much chance of trouble. The thing to be
figgered out is, how're we goin' to fix this job?"
Again the two men discussed the situation, walking along the drift with
the plans before them, while the boys were forced to be content with
listening to the conversation.
It was finally decided that they should work here and there along the
entire cut, trusting that it would be possible to hear if any one began
to dig on the opposite side.
"It's a case of keepin' quiet an' listenin' for suspicious sounds," Bill
said. "We won't try to get out coal to-day, an', perhaps, by night Mr.
Wright will have a better plan."
"By watchin' Billings we could get some kind of an idea as to when he
was likely to begin operations."
"Donovan promised to see to that part of it."
"Then we'll kinder lay 'round till we get the hang of the place. You
boys go on to the end of the drift an' come back. Don't make any noise."
The forenoon was spent in what was little more than patrol duty, and
when Mr. Wright came below he approved of their plans. Nothing better
was suggested, and until night-fall all four paced to and fro, the other
miners having been withdrawn from the drift.
When evening came Skip did not wait to see if Fred came out; but hurried
off to the groggery where he was made happy by Billings' extreme
friendliness.
"The leader of the mob arose immediately upon seeing him, and led the
way outside, saying when they were some distance from the building:
"I've been thinkin' over what you told me, an' am certain we can work
this thing all right."
"When?"
"In a day or two. If you could manage to get hold of that paper the job
might be done in a jiffy."
"But Joe an' Bill have got it."
"S'posen they have. A smart lad like you oughter find some way to get at
it, an' it would be worth your while to try."
"It couldn't be done."
"P'raps not by you; but I know of some, no older than you, who'd have it
before morning. Of course, I don't blame a boy for not tryin' when he
hasn't the nerve----"
"See here," Skip cried, impatiently, "haven't I showed grit enough to do
most anything?"
"If you have, prove it by gettin' hold of that paper."
"I can't see what you want it for?"
"Because it shows us all the levels. With it we can tell jest where to
begin work."
"I'll make a try for it anyhow; but I can't figger any way to get at
it."
"Watch for a chance. They won't keep it in their hands all the time,
and, by knockin' off work now an' then, loafin' 'round near where they
are, you'll soon have your hands on it."
"You won't go back on me if I get into trouble?"
"Don't worry about that; I never shake a friend."
With this assurance Skip walked away feeling very happy because of the
manner in which Billings spoke; but sadly perplexed as to the best
course to accomplish the desired end.
CHAPTER XII
A SINGULAR ACCIDENT
Two trustworthy men had been selected from the night shift to keep guard
on the lower level during the time between sunset and sunrise, and about
an hour before the relieving whistle sounded, not having heard any
suspicious noises, they lounged down toward the slope where the miners
were at work.
Here, paying but little attention to what was going on around them, they
conversed with the laborers, or smoked pipes as black as their faces,
in order to while away the moments which must elapse before the labor
was ended.
Men were passing and re-passing on every hand, and in the darkness no
one saw a small figure, in whose cap the lamp was not lighted, run
swiftly from the foot of the slope up the drift where the sentinels
should have been.
On either side of the passage shallow cuttings had been made that the
miners might step aside to avoid the cars as they were drawn to and fro.
Into one of these the figure with the unlighted cap glided, and,
crouching in the farthest corner was screened from view unless a careful
search should be made.
When the day shift came on duty Chunky reported to the breaker boss that
Skip Miller could not come to work on this day.
"Why not?" Donovan asked sharply.
"'Cause he's got to do somethin' at home. He told me to tell you."
"When did you see him?"
"Last night."
"Where?"
"Over by Taylor's."
"What were you doin' at that grogshop?"
"Nothin'. I was jest walkin' around, an' met him."
"Look here, Chunky, it will be best for you to keep away from that
place. No decent man or boy would go there, an' I'd be sorry to know you
trained with the regulators. I've got my eye on them fellers, an' when
trade is dull they'll be the first to get their walkin' papers."
"If father don't care what I do, it ain't any business of yours, so long
as I work from whistle to whistle."
"That's very true; but I shall make it my business to see what your
father has to say about it."
This threat had the effect of checking the almost insolent air Chunky
had begun to display, and he went to his place at the chute very meekly.
While this brief conversation was being held Joe and Bill, with their
helpers, entered the lower level where the careless sentinels reported
matters as being quiet.
"We haven't heard more'n a rat since you left," one of them said. "I
don't believe Billings has got the nerve to try any funny business, an'
in this case Mr. Wright is more frightened than hurt."
"That's a good fault, matey," Bill replied gravely. "It's better to have
half a dozen of us nosin' around for a week or two, than run the risk of
what Cale an' his friends may do."
"Oh, I ain't kickin'; but it don't seem reasonable they could get into
the old drift, for it must be choked with gas."
"By findin' that out we might save a good deal of work," Joe replied,
quickly. "It wouldn't take long to cut through where the wall is
thinnest."
"You're right mate, an' we'll get at it now. Boys, go over to the
blacksmith's for four shovels," Bill added as he pulled the plans from
his pocket.
Sam and Fred obeyed, and while they were absent the two men studied the
drawing for at least the hundredth time.
Save for those who were seated on a block of coal poring over the paper,
the drift was deserted, and the one who had secreted himself in the
cutting crept silently forward until it was possible to see what the
miners were doing.
As a matter of course this party was Skip Miller, and he said to
himself, with a chuckle of satisfaction:
"With all day before me it'll be queer if I can't get what Billings
wants."
When Sam and Fred returned Bill had decided at which point the
excavation should be made, and he said, designating a spot hardly more
than a dozen yards from where Skip was hidden:
"If the plan is co'rect this oughter be our place. We'll try it anyhow.
You boys tell one of the drivers to bring up a car, for we don't want to
choke the drift with dirt."
Then Bill stuck his pick in the wall, which was made up of earth and
slate. Skip, who sat directly opposite, had a full view of all that was
done.
When the car had been brought into position Bill told Sam and Fred to
shovel into it what he and Joe threw from the cutting, and soon all four
were working industriously.
Before the time for "nooning" arrived it became necessary to shore up
the top of the tunnel lest the mass of earth should fall and bury the
laborers, and when this was done both the men entered the excavation,
which was now twelve feet in length.
In this confined space the air was oppressively warm, and the miners
threw off their blouses, leaving them in the drift near the entrance.
Skip knew that in the pocket of the one worn by Bill was the paper he
had been instructed to steal, and he watched eagerly for an opportunity
to creep up unobserved.
While Sam and Fred were at work it was impossible to do this; but the
car had been nearly filled, and in a short time it would be necessary to
get another.
The men could no longer throw the dirt from where they were working to
the entrance, and Fred had been ordered to stand midway the cutting that
he might pass it on to Sam.
"I'll run this car down, an' get another if you'll give me a lift at
starting it," Sam finally shouted, and Fred came out.
The incline was sufficient to carry the rude vehicle to the switches at
the foot of the slope after it was once set in motion, and, using a
crowbar as a lever, this was soon accomplished.
Sam ran behind it a few paces, and then clambered up to the brake where
he could control the movements of the heavy load.
Fred watched him until the tiny flame in his cap was lost to view in the
distance, and then he returned to the tunnel, unconscious that Skip had
glided from his hiding-place to follow closely behind.
It was necessary the leader of the regulators should work with the
utmost celerity, for if Fred turned he would distinguish the dark form
even in the gloom.
Skip had already formed a plan.
He crept close behind the boy whom he hated, until the latter entered
the tunnel. Then stooping he picked up the crowbar, and raised it for a
blow. In this position he waited until Fred was in the middle of the
tunnel clambering over the pile of dirt to get at his shovel.
The time had come.
Swinging the heavy bar once around he struck the bottom of the joist
which supported the shoring over head, and the heavy timbers, put up
insecurely because they were to be used but temporarily, fell with a
crash.
The jar disturbed the earth at the top, and large masses fell,
completely filling the entrance, burying alive those who were on the
inside.
"That settles them, I reckon," Skip cried, gleefully, as, unmindful of
the blinding dust, he sprang toward Bill's blouse.
To find the plan of the mine was but the work of a moment, and then,
with the precious document thrust in the bosom of his shirt, he started
at full speed toward the entrance to the slope.
The crash of the timbers and earth was by no means an unusual sound in
the mine, where heavy masses of coal were constantly being detached by
blasts, and the leader of the regulators had good reason to believe it
would be unnoticed. His only care was to avoid Sam, in case he should
return sooner than might be expected, and to this end he darted from one
cutting to another, until having reached a point from which, at the
proper moment, he could gain the slope.
Here he remained partially screened from view until the empty car, which
Sam was to send to the new cutting, had passed on its way up the drift.
Now he listened intently, and in a few moments came the cry:
"A break! A break, and three men buried! Help on the lower level!"
Those who were near enough to hear this appeal sent the alarm from drift
to drift up the slope, until the entire mine seemed to be ringing with
the words:
"Help is needed on the lower level!"
In view of all that happened, together with the knowledge that if any
attack was made by the Billings' gang it would be on the lower level,
every workman ran with all speed to the bottom of the slope, and among
the foremost was Mr. Wright.
"What has happened?" he asked of a blacksmith, who was darting toward
the chamber in which the tools were stored.
"Bill Thomas, Joe Brace, and a butty are buried in a cutting the fools
were makin' up there a piece."
"Go back," Mr. Wright cried to the swarm of men which came down the
slope like a living stream. "Not more than twelve can work to advantage,
and we have that number here."
"But we want to do our share," an old miner replied.
"You shall have a chance if we do not find them soon. It is not safe to
have so many here at once."
All hands understood the reason for this caution, and as the crowd
turned to ascend Skip Miller slipped from his hiding place and joined
them. He did not fear detection while every one was in such a state of
excitement, and even if he should be recognized it would be only natural
for him to have followed the men at the first alarm.
It was necessary, however, that he should avoid Donovan, and with the
utmost caution he emerged from the slope, running as fast as his legs
would carry him on reaching the open air.
Not until Taylor's groggery was near at hand did he slacken speed, and
then, assuming as best he could an air of composure, he opened the door
cautiously to peep in.
Cale Billings was the only customer, and on seeing Skip, he cried:
"Come in, lad. I reckon you're here to see me."
Struggling hard to prevent his heavy breathing from being observed by
the proprietor, the leader of the regulators entered, and whispered:
"There's been an accident on the lower level, an' two or three shut in."
"Explosion?"
"The top of the cuttin' fell in, an' it won't be a easy job to dig em
out."
"Was you there?"
Sam nodded his head in a triumphant manner.
"You're a lad after my own heart," Billings said, approvingly, as he
extended a huge, grimy hand for the boy to shake. "If half the men here
had your spunk Wright wouldn't have got the best of us so easy. Did you
fix that thing I told you about?"
Skip nodded his head, and again Billings shook his hand.
"That's what I call business. Let's have it."
The leader of the regulators was about to draw the dearly-earned
document from his pocket when the proprietor of the place interfered.
"None of that," he said sharply. "There's somethin' goin' on what ain't
straight, an' I won't have it in my shop."
"Do you mean to go back on a friend?" Billings asked in an injured tone.
"Not a bit of it; but the company are lookin' after you mighty sharp,
Cale, an' I don't want to get in trouble. There's plenty room out of
doors."
"All right, the shop belongs to you; but it may be the losin' of a good
customer," and Billings walked out with Skip close at his heels.
"Now give me the paper."
When the document was delivered the man glanced at it to make sure it
was the one wanted, and then said in a fatherly tone:
"I reckon you've fixed things to suit yourself if the new breaker boy
was in the cuttin' when the roof fell."
"They're diggin' for him now; but I'm goin' to get the worst of this
job."
"How so?"
"Taylor will blow the whole thing, an' then Wright will know it was me."
"Ain't I here to protect yer?"
"Yes; but----"
"Don't worry, my son. Go into the breaker as if nothin' had happened."
"I can't 'cause I sent word I wouldn't come to-day."
"Then keep out of sight till night, and meet me on the railroad track
after dark. We'll have this job mighty nigh done before morning."
Billings was walking toward the slope, and not daring to follow him any
farther, Skip ran swiftly in the opposite direction, wondering where he
could hide until sunset. For the first time he began to fear the
consequences of his cruel deed, and the thought that the officers of
the law might soon be in search of him was by no means reassuring.
He sought the shelter of the thicket farther up the hill where a view of
the slope could be had, and there he waited, expecting each moment to
see lifeless bodies brought from the mine.
CHAPTER XIII
BURIED ALIVE
At the moment when Skip Miller knocked away the joist which supported
the timbers at the top of the tunnel, Fred had stooped to pick up his
shovel, and this position saved him from being instantly killed.
One end of the shoring plank was yet held by the upright placed in the
center of the cutting, and it remained at an angle, although pinning him
down, while the earth covered him completely.
For a moment he was at a loss to know what had happened, and then he
heard, as if from afar off, Joe calling him by name.
"Here I am under the timber," he replied.
"Are you hurt much?"
"I think not; but I shall stifle to death if the dirt isn't taken away
soon."
"It ain't a sure thing that you won't stifle even then," he heard Bill
say sharply. "Take hold, mate, an' let's get him from beneath while we
have a chance to breathe."
Then the grating of the shovels was distinguished, and pound by pound
the weight was removed until nothing save the timber held him down.
"Can you get out now?" Joe asked, and his voice sounded strangely
indistinct.
"Not till the joist is pulled away."
"When that is done it's safe to say tons of the roof will follow," Bill
muttered, and Joe asked:
"Does it hurt you much, lad?"
"The edges are cutting into my back terribly."
"Grin an' bear it as long as you can. Our only chance for life is to
break through the wall into the old tunnel; but if that timber is taken
away it's good-bye for all hands."
"Then don't bother about me. It's better one died than three."
There was no reply to this. The men were digging at the barrier of earth
with feverish energy, and each instant respiration became more
difficult. The slight amount of air which filtered through the bank of
slate and sand was no more than sufficient for one pair of lungs.
The darkness was profound. The lamps had been extinguished by the shock,
and five minutes later it was impossible to re-light them. The oxygen
had become so nearly exhausted that a match would not burn.
Fred bit his lips to prevent an outcry. The huge timber was crushing him
slowly but surely, and the pain was intense.
Each instant the blows of the men grew fainter. Strength and even the
power of movement was rapidly succumbing to the noxious vapor.
Joe was the first to give up, and as the pick fell from his nerveless
hands he said faintly:
"It's all over, lads. We might as well pull the timber from Fred, and
die at the same moment."
"Don't weaken, mate," Bill said, imploringly. "Who knows but we're
within a few inches of the other drift."
"Even if that's true, the chances are we'll be stifled by the gas."
"The alarm may be given in time to save us from the entrance."
"Sam can't have come back yet, an' before any one knows what has
happened we shall be dead."
Joe had lost all courage and the apathy of despair was upon him. His
words robbed Fred of the last hope, and as it fled consciousness
deserted him.
Bill delivered a few more feeble blows with the pick, and then he in
turn sank to the ground.
The hand of death was very nearly upon them, and the agonies of
dissolution already passed.
Within a few feet of where the unconscious men lay, willing hands were
working at the obstruction. No more than three could labor at once, but
these were relieved every two minutes, in order that their energy might
not be impaired by weariness, and meanwhile others shoveled the slate
and earth into cars, that the drift might be kept clear.
Mr. Wright personally assisted in the labor, and it was he who began the
cheering which ensued when an aperture was made in the barrier.
"At it with a will, boys," he shouted, "but be careful about removing
the timber, for some of the poor fellows may be beneath it."
The foul air rushing out nearly overcame the laborers, but the eager
rescuers heeded not their own peril, and the moment finally came when
the unconscious ones were fully exposed to view.
"Pass out the men, and then dig beneath the boy; he must be released in
that manner, otherwise we may all share their fate," and Mr. Wright
shoveled the earth carefully away from Fred, while the others carried
Joe and Bill into the drift.
From his place of concealment on the hillside Skip Miller saw a party of
men come out of the slope bearing an ominous looking burden.
"One of them is dead," he whispered to himself, as his face paled.
Then came another party, and a few seconds later the third, each
carrying a similar load, marched down the road leading to the village.
The sight nearly overpowered Skip; he shook as if in an ague fit, and
after staring at the sad spectacle until the men had passed from view,
he turned and ran through the grove, believing the officers were close
upon him.
The news that two miners and a boy had probably been killed spread
through the village rapidly, and Cale Billings was in Taylor's groggery
when one of the late rioters brought the intelligence.
"It's a wonder they don't accuse us of havin' somethin' to do with the
accident," the newcomer added, and the proprietor said sternly:
"I don't want to drive customers away, but if any who come here have had
a hand in murder, they'd better not show their heads 'round this place
again."
Billings looked disturbed, but made no reply. Although having had no
direct share in the crime, he knew he was really an accomplice, and the
knowledge that Taylor might inform against him was by no means pleasant.
It was eight o'clock in the evening when Skip ventured to come down from
the hillside, and he looked like a boy who had been very ill. Even at
this late hour he did not dare to walk through the village, but skulked
around the outskirts until he saw Chunky, whom he hailed in a whisper.
"Where have you been?" Fred's chute mate asked in surprise.
"I had some work on the other side of the hill."
"Have you been there all day?"
"Yes. Jest got back. Are those fellows dead!"
Ordinarily Chunky was not quick to arrive at conclusions, but now he
asked in a suspicious tone:
"How did you know anything about it if you've jest got back?"
"Oh, I heard from some of the fellows."
"Who?"
"Never mind," and Skip spoke sharply.
"Did they all get killed?"
"None of 'em; but the doctor says Fred won't be over it for three or
four days. Joe an' Bill are both in bed, though they'll be out in the
morning."
"Does Wright know who did it?"
"Did what?"
"Why, knock--whatever was done."
"I thought the roof of a cuttin' fell in 'cause it wasn't shored up
enough."
"I s'pose that was the reason," Skip replied in a nervous way.
"It seems to me you know more about this thing than anybody else."
"You'd better not say that again," and Skip stepped forward a few paces
with clenched fists.
"You can get the best of me, so I'll have to hold my tongue; but I
reckon I've had all I want of the regulators. Tryin' to kill a feller
who never did much of anything to you is a mean trick."
"Shut up or I'll knock your head off. You can't back out of our s'ciety,
an' if you ever say I tried to kill anybody I'll pound you till there
won't be an inch of skin left."
Chunky did not wait to hear more. He started at full speed toward his
own home, and Skip was more alarmed than before.
"Now I'm in a worse scrape than ever, for he's jest fool enough to tell
what he knows, an' then there will be trouble. I'd better go to meet
Billings, an' perhaps he can help me out."
He could reach the rendezvous without going through the village, and
greatly to his relief the leader of the rioters was waiting to receive
him.
"Now this is somethin' like business," and Billings patted the boy on
the head.
Skip stepped back; the touch of the man's hand now, when through him he
had gotten into so much trouble, was disagreeable.
"What am I to do?" he asked fiercely.
"Help me finish what you've begun."
"I won't do it. They'll have me arrested, an' you must get me through
the scrape."
"So I will after I've served the company out. We'll go off somewhere
together."
"And I'm to leave home?"
"There's nothin' for it if Wright gets the idea that you knocked the
timber away."
"If he doesn't know it already there are them who will tell him. Chunky
thinks I did somethin' to help the thing along."
"He does, eh?" and now Billings began to look disturbed. "Is he likely
to go to any of the bosses?"
"He might tell some one else who would do it."
"That's true. What with him an' Taylor, things begin to seem kinder
scarey for me."
"I'm in worse trouble."
"You're right, an' that shows we two must keep together."
"But I don't want to leave home."
"You can't help yourself. Once in the scrape, it's bad to back out."
Skip had good evidence that the way of the transgressor is hard. He felt
a decided repugnance to becoming Billings' constant companion, but he
dared not go home, and it seemed as if there was no other course left
open.
"It won't do to stay here very long, for folks might see us, and it
wouldn't be hard to guess we were up to mischief. Will you go with me,
or take the chances of bein' arrested?"
"I'll have to do what you say," Skip replied with a groan, and Billings
started straight across the hill toward the abandoned shaft.
"Where are you going?"
"We'll hide for a while. It ain't safe to loaf 'round here much longer.
Here's a dollar. Go to Taylor's an' get somethin' to eat. Tell him I
want cooked food, 'cause I'm bound on a tramp."
"I don't dare show up there."
"Move on, or I'll break every bone in your body! You've got to toe the
mark now if you don't want to go to jail."
Billings used the tone of a master, and Skip understood that his crime
had brought him to slavery of the most degrading kind.
The groggery was filled with men when he arrived, and in the number he
found safety. All were excitedly discussing the accident, some
intimating that Billings had a hand in it, and no one paid any
particular attention to the frightened boy who crept cautiously in, as
if to avoid being seen.
"Wants grub, eh?" Taylor asked, when Skip made known his errand. "What's
he up to? Afraid they'll nab him for what was done to-day?"
"I don't know."
"Now, look here, Skip Miller, I ain't got any too much love for you, but
it don't seem right to let a boy go on as you've begun. Go home now, an'
leave Billings to take care of his own business."
"If I don't carry back the stuff he'll say I stole his money."
"Well, take the grub, an' then get back as soon as you know how."
"All right," Skip replied meekly.
"If you're not home in half an hour I'll see your father to-night."
"I wish I dared to go," Skip said to himself as he hurried away with the
bundle. "Workin' in the breaker ain't a marker to what it'll be runnin'
around with Cale Billings."
CHAPTER XIV
PRECAUTIONS
Not until two days had elapsed were the victims of the "accident" able
to leave their rooms, and then they met Sam and Mr. Wright at Mrs.
Byram's home.
"We'll be ready for work in the morning," Bill said in reply to the
superintendent's inquiries. "What troubles me is that I've lost the plan
of the old mine. It was in my blouse when the timber fell, an'----"
"How that joist could have got away without some one to help it is what
worries me," Joe interrupted. "I set it, an' know the weight from above
could not have any effect."
"There is no chance of foul play. The level has been guarded night and
day, therefore, unless our trusted men are at fault, it was purely an
accident."
"I'm not sayin' it wasn't; but yet the whole business looks queer," and
with this remark Joe dismissed the subject from his mind.
Mr. Wright had come to learn when the guardians of the level would be
ready to return to duty, and Bill's answer sufficed.
"The men who have been there during the past twenty-four hours shall be
given other work in the morning, and once more I can rely on you. Thus
far nothing suspicious has been seen or heard," he said, "and I begin to
believe Billings has given up his thoughts of revenge. The only strange
thing is that Miller's boy has disappeared, and his father can think of
no reason why he should run away."
"Farley's won't be the loser if he never comes back," Joe replied. "That
boy is a bad one, an' it wouldn't take much to make me believe he an'
Billings are firm friends."
"There is no necessity of talking about him; we are not afraid of boys.
The question is whether we are warranted in guarding the lower level
much longer."
"That's for you to say, sir. We had rather be at our regular work."
"Well, we'll try it a day or two more. Perhaps you'd better break
through into the old drift, and then we shall know whether it is
possible for evil-disposed persons to find a hiding place there."
This closed the interview so far as Mr. Wright was concerned, and on his
leaving the house the others discussed the work to be done the following
day; but Skip Miller's disappearance had little place in the
conversation.
Bill mourned the loss of the plan, which was supposed to be the only
guide to the old mine, but Joe did not think it was of such very great
importance.
"All we care to know is whether the air's foul, an', of course, the best
way is to finish the tunnel which came so near finishin' us. That work
can be done without any guide."
"But we may want to follow up the drift, which will be a long job if we
have to go on blindly."
"There's no use fussin' over what can't be helped. The paper got
trampled into the dirt, most likely, otherwise them as have been lookin'
would 'a found it before this."
"I don't feel like givin' over the search so easy; s'pose we four have a
reg'lar hunt in the morning?"
"Sam and I will go now," Fred said. "We shall feel better for a little
exercise after being cooped up in the house so long."
"Very well. Take a turn at it this afternoon, an' if you don't succeed
Joe an' I'll try to-night."
The boys set off without delay, but they were a long while reaching the
slope, for every person on the street thought it necessary to
congratulate them upon having escaped a terrible death, and at the
breaker Donovan delayed the search by making minute inquiries as to the
condition of affairs in the drift just prior to the accident.
"Any one would think from all these questions that you believed somebody
was responsible for the trouble," Sam said with a laugh.
"P'rhaps I do. Billings an' Skip Miller disappeared on the same day, an'
that looks suspicious to me, though Mr. Wright won't listen to anything
of the kind."
"It's a big satisfaction to know they have left," Fred added, "and we
have gotten rid of them cheaply. Do you know where they went?"
"Out of the village somewhere; Harvey saw them walking up the track."
"Then we can reckon that there'll be no more mischief done for a while.
Come on, Fred, let's get down the slope."
The boys left the breaker without noticing that Chunky was trying to
attract their attention, and were soon in the lower level making a
systematic search.
Shoveling over the loose dirt along the track, they continued on until
the cutting which had so nearly been a grave for Fred was passed, and
then Sam said as he halted:
"It's no use to hunt here. It couldn't have got up this way."
"The draught may have carried it quite a distance."
"There isn't air enough stirrin' to move it a foot; but it won't do much
harm to look."
They were nearly at the chamber where Sam was taken prisoner before Fred
abandoned the hunt, and as he turned to retrace his steps both came to a
sudden halt.
As if from beneath their feet arose a muffled cry of distress.
The boys looked at each other in alarm, and as they stood motionless the
mysterious sound was repeated.
"What can it mean?" Fred asked in a whisper.
"That's more'n I can tell. There's no drift below this."
"That was surely a human being, and in trouble of some kind."
"Perhaps the cry comes from the end of the drift which has been
closed."
"It sounds under the ground right here," and Fred stamped with his foot
just as the noise was heard for the third time.
"There's no question about it's being a man. Come on; let's bring some
of the miners to help find him."
The boys ran down the drift at full speed, and half an hour later
returned with two of the miners.
"It was right here that we heard it," Sam said, as he pointed to the
shovels they had left behind, in order to mark the spot.
The party listened intently, but no sound save their own breathing could
be distinguished.
"I thought you'd been frightened about nothing," one of the miners said
with a laugh. "You might as well tell us the mine was haunted as to give
out such a yarn. I'll guarantee that nothin' larger'n a mouse could hide
here."
"But we surely heard a cry," Fred insisted.
"And it seemed to come from beneath our feet."
"Nonsense. It's foolish to make such talk when we know the thing's
impossible," and the men turned away as if angry at having been brought
so far on a useless errand.
"We know whether----"
Sam ceased speaking very suddenly, for at that moment the sound of
distress came with great distinctness.
The men looked around, each trying to hide his fear, and then a regular
search was begun.
The noise could not have come from the old drift, and the level was
examined thoroughly, but without success.
"It beats me," one of the miners said at length. "I'm sure there's
nothing beneath here but the solid earth."
"Let the boys tell Wright," the other suggested, and his companion
assented.
"We'll hang around here till he comes or you get back; but don't stay
very long, for I don't like the looks of things."
"Why not?"
"It may be a warnin' for some of us. I've heard tell of such."
Fred laughed heartily, and the man replied impatiently:
"When you've been in a mine as long as I have, you won't think there's
any fun to be made of warnin's. Before the explosion of fire damp in the
old workings, I've been told the miners heard all kinds of queer
noises."
"Go on," the second man said fretfully, "an' don't waste time chinnin'
here when p'rhaps we oughter be gettin' out to save our lives."
The boys started, feeling a trifle disturbed because of the
unexplainable cries, and arrived at the store as the whistle sounded for
the night shift to begin work.
The superintendent was surprised by the information brought, and
insisted, as had the miners, that the sounds could not have been made by
a human being.
"I will go down the slope at once, however," he said, and the boys
accompanied him on what proved to be a useless errand.
Every portion of the lower level was searched. A party descended the old
shaft, traversing the abandoned passages to the chamber connecting with
the new portion of the workings, but nowhere could be seen any signs of
life.
Joe and Bill, alarmed because the boys had not returned, came to look
for them in time to join the exploring parties, and the latter was
decidedly uneasy when Mr. Wright ordered the useless labor to be
stopped.
He, in common with several others, believed the mysterious noises to be
warnings, and there was every evidence of a panic until Mr. Wright spoke
at considerable length on the subject, intimating that the cries were
due to natural causes.
Then those who were off duty went home, and among them were Joe, Bill,
and their helpers.
These last discussed the subject without arriving at any definite
conclusion when the time to separate arrived.
On the following morning work was resumed in the cutting. The loose
earth having been cleared away, a reasonably solid roof was put up, and
once more the tunneling operations were pushed forward vigorously.
All hands were on the alert for a repetition of the mysterious cries,
but nothing was heard save the noise of the picks and shovels, with now
and then a muffled crash as fragments of the vein were detached by
blasts.
During the "nooning" lunch was eaten in the cutting, and while they were
sitting quiet a singular vibration of the earth could be felt.
"It seems as if some one was digging directly beneath us," Fred said,
when the little party ceased eating to gaze at each other in surprise.
"Most likely there's a line of slate just under our feet, an' brings the
sound from the other drift," Joe replied promptly.
"That's about the size of it," Bill added; but the boys noticed that
both the men listened from time to time as if in great perplexity.
The peculiar tapping continued without interruption, and before the time
of rest had more than half expired Joe said, as he arose to his feet:
"Come on, lads. We're close to the old drift, an' after that's been
opened we'll have another look around, for I want to find out what these
queer noises mean."
Each one worked with the utmost rapidity, and when another hour had been
spent Bill's pick broke through the barrier of earth.
"That ends the job, an' now to see how the air is."
The miner had hardly ceased speaking when a huge volume of gas burst
through the aperture, nearly suffocating the party and extinguishing the
lamps instantly.
"Jump to it lively, boys!" Joe cried hoarsely, as he began shoveling
back the earth. "When you can't work any longer get a breath of fresh
air in the drift."
There was every danger that the lower level might be so filled with the
noxious vapor as to cause an explosion, and both men and boys labored
manfully.
All were working blindly, but the general direction of the aperture was
known, and the greater portion of the earth could be thrown with a fair
degree of accuracy.
Ten minutes passed and the flow of foul air was partially checked. Twice
had each person been forced to retreat to the main drift, and Fred was
about to go for the third time when it seemed as if the flooring of
dirt gave way beneath his feet.
Half suffocated by the gas, and overwhelmed by the falling fragments, he
hardly realized what had occurred until finding himself in what was
unmistakably another and yet lower tunnel or drift.
CHAPTER XV
A DISCOVERY
After the first alarm passed away, Fred understood that he had fallen
but a few yards, and the earth which covered him represented only a very
small portion of the upper tunnel's floor.
Scrambling to his feet he fancied for a moment that the sound of
scurrying footsteps could be heard, and while listening, Joe said:
"Hello! Are you hurt?"
"Not a bit."
"Where are you?"
"It seems like a regular cutting, and the air is pure."
"Light your lamp an' look around."
Obeying this command, Fred found his suspicions correct, and so
reported.
"Can you get back?"
"Not unless you pull me up."
"We'll attend to that in a minute."
The rush of air from below had so far checked the gas, now partially
shut off, that the men could also light the lamps in their caps, and
the remainder of the task was quickly accomplished.
With a couple of timbers as braces the aperture to the old mine was
closed securely, and then the attention of the men was turned to the
boy.
"Look out down there!" Bill shouted. "I'm goin' to drop a couple of
joists so's we can come back."
"Let them go."
"Now drag 'em out of the way, an' we'll follow."
When this had been done the men and Sam descended, all completely
mystified by this new discovery.
"Here's somethin' that I reckon Mr. Wright didn't know about," Bill
said, as he surveyed the scene, and then he added with great emphasis as
a sudden thought occurred to him. "Now we can come pretty nigh guessing
what them noises meant. Some one has been tryin' to get into the other
level, an' when a big hole was made Fred put an end to the work by
fallin' through."
This could be told by the mound of earth a short distance away, as well
as by the marks of a pick around the edges of the aperture; but further
proof was found in the shape of a shovel which Sam stumbled over.
"This belongs to the company," he cried, pointing to the brand.
"Yes, an' a blind man can figger who's been here. Cale Billings didn't
leave town as he tried to make folks believe."
"Then let's have him. This cuttin' can't be so long but that we'll get
all over it before sunset," Joe cried, as he wrenched the shovel handle
from the iron work to serve as a weapon.
"I thought I heard somebody running in that direction when I first
fell," Fred said, pointing toward the quarter in which it was reasonable
to suppose the old shaft might be found.
Joe led the way, the others following close behind until, when half a
mile had been traversed, they arrived at two slopes or inclined tunnels,
running at right angles from the level.
"It won't do to pass these," Bill cried. "We'll take one, while the boys
search out the other."
He darted into the right-hand opening as he spoke; but returned before
Joe could join him, saying:
"That was a false cutting. It only runs a dozen yards, an' there's
nothin' in it. Sam, you an' Fred look into the other one while we keep
on."
The idea of coming upon Cale Billings while they were unarmed was not a
pleasant idea for the boys; but they would have braved considerably
greater danger rather than show signs of fear, and both obeyed promptly.
This slope ran at an inclination of nearly forty-five degrees for about
fifty yards when it turned sharply to the right, terminating in a small
chamber where the vein had probably came to an end.
As Sam and Fred entered the place a figure darted from one corner and
attempted to rush past them; but the flight was checked very suddenly.
"Why it's Skip Miller!" Sam cried, as he lowered his lamp that the rays
might fall upon the prisoner's face.
"Yes, it's me," Skip said, piteously. "Please don't drag me off."
[Illustration: "Please don't drag me off," Skip said, piteously. "I'll
never hurt you or anybody else again."]
"How did you come here?"
"With Billings; he made me do jest what he said, an' I didn't dare to
show up in town."
"Why not?"
"'Cause I knew Mr. Wright would have me 'rested on account of pretty
nigh killin' you."
"What?" Fred cried, in surprise. "Then it wasn't an accident?"
Skip literally groveled on the ground in his fear. He understood now
that his share in that business had not been known until he himself
betrayed the fact.
"Don't lug me off," he screamed. "I'd have to go to jail."
"You wouldn't so long as we kept the thing a secret," Fred replied, with
a feeling of mingled pity and contempt because of the abject terror
displayed. "We must take you with us; but needn't tell about your
villainy."
"Then father would just about beat me to death for runnin' away. Why not
let me stay here? I'll never hurt you or anybody else again."
Although Skip had tried to kill them, the boys felt a certain sense of
aversion to dragging him away while he pleaded so piteously, and in
order to gain time in which to think the matter over, Sam said:
"Tell us how you got into the lower level."
In a faltering voice Skip gave a truthful account of all his movements
on that particular day.
"Have you been here ever since?"
"Yes."
"And Billings, too?"
"He went out twice for whisky an' some water."
"What have you been doing?"
"Billings made me dig an' shovel all day, an' most of the night."
"Trying to get into the lower level, eh?"
"Yes, an' when I got played out he pretty near pounded my head off."
"I reckon we heard you yelling. Where is Billings now?"
"He ran ahead of me when the earth began to cave in, an' that's the last
I've seen of him. Say, it won't hurt you a bit to let me stay here, an'
I'll do the square thing if I ever get out of the scrape."
"You'd starve to death."
"I'd rather take the chances of that than go to jail, or let father get
hold of me."
"But what good will it be to stay here?" Fred asked. "Hiding won't mend
matters, and you'll have to come out some time."
"That may be; but I don't want to go now," and once more Skip fell on
his knees in front of those whom he had wronged.
"What do you think about it, Fred?" Sam asked, in a whisper.
"I don't like to yank him out, no matter what he tried to do to me."
"Nor I."
"Then why not let him stay? He'll get punishment enough by hiding here
alone in the darkness with nothing to eat."
"But we shall have to give him a little grub. We can't think he's hungry
when we're got plenty."
"I'll agree to whatever you say."
Sam was silent for a moment, and then turning to the kneeling boy, he
asked:
"Could you find your way out of here?"
"I might if I had a lamp; but the oil has all been burned in mine."
"How long do you count on staying?"
"Jest as many days as I can."
"Well, see here, we're going off, an' leave you to take the dose in your
own way; but it's on the agreement that you try to be a decent fellow
after gettin' out."
"I'll promise anything, an' won't so much as say the name regulators
agin."
"If it's possible, Fred an' I'll bring you some grub; but you mustn't
count on it."
"Don't take any risks," Skip replied, humbly. "I can live on wind a
couple of days if that villain of a Billings don't come back."
"You needn't worry about that. If he went up the drift Bill an' Joe will
most likely nab him. Come, Fred, we mustn't stay any longer, or they'll
think something is wrong."
As the boys turned to go Skip tried to thank them for the mercy shown;
but did not make a great success at it. He had been literally trembling
with fear, and now his gratitude rendered him almost incapable of
speech.
"That's all right, Skip. We'll see whether you mean it or not after you
get out."
"I'll be square as a brick if I ever get through with this scrape," he
replied, and then as the boys turned the angle of the slope he was
hidden from view in the darkness.
"I don't know as we're actin' very sensible," Sam said, slowly, when
they were in the drift once more; "but it's better than draggin' the
poor beggar off to be arrested."
"A good idea, Sam, and I'm sure Skip will be a decent fellow after this.
We must try to get back here to-night with food and oil."
"Unless Joe and Bill keep us at work we'll have plenty of time,
for--hello! Here they come now!"
The two miners could be seen in the distance, or, rather, the light of
their lamps was visible, and when they were within speaking distance,
Fred asked:
"Did you find him?"
"No; we've followed up the drift as far as we dared, an' are now goin'
back to see if any of the day crew know these old works. Where did that
slope lead to?"
"It ends about fifty yards from here."
"Didn't see anything of the villains, eh?"
"Billings isn't there, that's certain," Fred replied after a brief
hesitation.
The men did not appear to notice the equivocal answer, and Bill
suggested that they return to the workings without further delay.
"We'll have a guard set at the shaft, so he can't give us the slip in
that way, an' if any of the boys know these drifts it won't be a long
job to smoke him out."
"He may get off before we can reach the top of the slope," Fred
suggested, hoping by this means to prevent the conversation from
reverting to their long delay.
"Then so much the better, lad," Bill replied, in a tone of satisfaction.
"All we want is to be rid of such trash, an' if he leaves town that's
enough."
If at this moment either of the party had turned it would not have been
difficult to distinguish even in the gloom the form of Cale Billings, as
he followed ready to work further mischief, or escape as might be most
convenient.
Unsuspicious of the nearness of their enemy, the little party continued
on to the hole through which Fred had fallen, and as they clambered up
the joists the leader of the rioters muttered:
"Don't think you can smoke me out so easy. I'll leave my mark on this
mine before bein' run down, or know the reason why."
Neither Sam nor Fred gave so much as a passing thought to the man who
was responsible for all the damage which had been done; they were so
engrossed with the desire to aid Skip without being discovered by those
who might call him to an account for his crime that all else seemed as
trifles.
"I'll tell mother, and she will cook for us what may be needed," Fred
whispered, after they were in the lower level walking rapidly toward the
slope.
"That part of it don't trouble me so much as how we're to come back to
the mine without bein' seen by some of the men," Sam replied, and,
turning sharply Bill asked:
"What are you fellers chinnin' about?"
"There's no harm in talkin', eh?" and Sam assumed an air of impudence
such as the men had never seen before.
"I don't reckon there is, lad; but seein' as how we've hung together so
long, it wasn't strange to ask."
"I didn't mean to be too fresh, Bill," Sam replied, understanding that
he had spoken in a disagreeable manner. "Fred and I were only figuring
about coming back to make sure Billings didn't get into the level while
you were outside."
"That part of it can be fixed easy. Joe shall go to the store while I
see if anybody here knows about the old drift, and with three on guard I
don't reckon he can do much mischief."
"Then you can stay with him while I run home for some provisions," Fred
whispered, and during this conversation Cale Billings was clambering up
the joist which led to the last level.
CHAPTER XVI
GOOD SAMARITANS
Knowing that Joe and Bill were in Mr. Wright's confidence Donovan had no
hesitation about placing guards as desired, and immediately after they
ascended from the slope every exit was closely watched.
"Now you boys can see we've fixed things in proper shape," Bill said, in
a tone of triumph. "Do whatever you choose until to-morrow, an' Joe an'
me'll attend to Mr. Billings' case."
"But he might get into the lower level by the same way we did," Sam
ventured to suggest.
"There are plenty below to take care of that."
"Then there's no reason why we should come back?"
"Not unless you want to see the game played out."
"We'll run down to Fred's house, and then have a look at the place where
he went through."
"Suit yourselves about that," was the careless reply, as Bill started
toward the store to confer with the superintendent.
"Now is our chance," Sam whispered. "It won't take us more than ten
minutes to run over to your house, and we can get back before Bill
comes."
Fred started at a rapid pace, and by the time the miners had finished
telling their story to Mr. Wright, Mrs. Byram knew of the interview with
Skip.
"Of course I will give you some food," she said, readily. "It may prove
to be the best possible thing for him that he should be so thoroughly
frightened. Can you carry oil enough in a bottle?"
"As much as will be needed until to-morrow. It won't do any harm if he
scrapes along on short rations for a while," Sam replied, with a laugh.
"The only thing is to get him something before Joe an' Bill go back."
A generous package of food, a small quantity of oil, the whole in a
paper parcel, and the good samaritans started for the slope once more,
noting with satisfaction as they passed that the miners had not yet left
the store.
No particular attention was paid to them as they entered the slope, and
screening the package as much as possible from view, the boys went with
all speed to the repentant regulator's hiding place.
So far as could be seen, the cutting through which Fred had fallen
remained as when they ascended, and after letting themselves down this
the task was well nigh accomplished.
Skip was most extravagant in his demonstrations of gratitude when they
entered the chamber and displayed the supplies.
"It'll take me a mighty long while to straighten this thing up; but I'll
do it somehow," he said, and Sam replied, roughly:
"We'll talk about that later. Jest now there's a chance others will find
out where you are, for Joe and Bill have gone after men to help search
for Billings."
"Then they didn't find him?"
"No."
"I reckon he has gone to Taylor's."
"That won't do him much good unless he walks out of town, for now it is
known he's near by, all hands are bound to hunt him down."
"Then they'll be sure to find me."
"We'll hold on in the old drift till they get back, an' try to prevent
them from coming up here by saying we've searched this slope," Fred
said, after a moment's thought. "That's the only way I know of to keep
the secret."
"It won't do any harm to make the attempt," Sam added. "Don't light your
lamp, and keep perfectly quiet."
Skip retreated once more to the farther corner of the chamber, and the
boys walked slowly down to the drift, halting a short distance from the
mouth of the slope as Sam picked up a shovel.
"Here's another tool belonging to the company. It must have been thrown
away by Billings or Skip when you dropped on their heads."
"Keep it to show we've been hunting; it can't be long now before the men
come, and we'll need some good excuse for loafing here."
"Let's sit down till we hear them. I'm tired enough to want a rest."
Seated on the decaying timbers of the car track the boys discussed in
whispers the possibility of aiding Skip to escape from his unenviable
position, with never a thought of the deed with which Billings was to
crown his villainous career.
The leader of the mob had immediately begun to look about for a chance
to wreak his vengeance on the company, when Joe and Bill with their
helpers left the level, and he was yet at the farther end of the passage
when the boys returned with supplies for Skip.
Their desire to avoid attracting the attention of the workmen caused
them to move noiselessly, consequently he was ignorant of the fact that
they were in the mine.
It was hardly five minutes after they descended to the old drift when he
came back to the cutting, and the odor of gas brought him to a stop.
"Them fools broke through after all," he said, examining the earth piled
up at one end, "an' I reckon they found out it wasn't safe to work much
farther on that course."
One of the shovels was standing against the side of the excavation, and
with this he dug a portion of the dirt from the hole made by Bill's
pick.
The foul air rushed through with such force as to nearly suffocate him;
but instead of being disappointed he appeared overjoyed.
"I couldn't a' fixed things better in a week's solid work, an' I'll take
the chances of gettin' out."
Enlarging the aperture by pushing the earth through between the braces
while he covered his mouth and nose with his blouse, he crept back to
the drift, unfastened his cap-lamp, removed the safety screen, and
placed the light in the passage after raising the wick a trifle.
Just as these preparations had been completed the faint sound of the
whistle could be heard from above.
"It's astonishin' what luck I'm having," he muttered. "I can get out
while the day shift are leavin', an' ten minutes will be enough to fill
this level so full of gas that no power can prevent an explosion."
The air was heavy with the noxious vapor as he went rapidly toward the
slope up which crowds of miners were passing, and as some of the men
loitered behind the others it became necessary he should hide in the
drift to escape detection.
"Why don't the fools move faster," he said, in a hoarse whisper. "It
can't be many seconds before the thing comes, an' there'll be no chance
for me. There'd be a lynchin' sure if I should show up jest ahead of an
explosion."
Big drops of perspiration stood on his brow as he realized that the trap
he had set for others might close upon himself, and for an instant he
resolved to run back and extinguish the lamp.
"It won't do," he said, half turning and then moving nearer the slope.
"There's gas enough in the drift to choke me before I'd get ten yards.
Why don't the idiots move faster!"
Only the absolute conviction that he would be lynched if caught at such
a time prevented Billings from rushing out.
Each second the vapor became denser, and he wondered why the miners did
not perceive it.
The catastrophe must be very near at hand, and he was exposed to the
greatest danger.
When it seemed as if an hour had passed, the last man went up the slope,
and he started at full speed to gain a higher level.
The incline was almost reached; half a dozen steps more and he would be
partially sheltered by the jutting point of slate.
"Luck is still with me," he cried, so loud that those above must have
heard him, and at that instant the earth seemed to rock to and fro;
there was a flash of blinding light, and the air was filled with flying
fragments.
Where had been the lower level was now an apparently solid mass of
earth, coal, and slate, covering the body of him who had wreaked his
vengeance upon the company.
Joe and Bill were returning from the store when the noise of the
explosion was heard, and they, as well as everyone in the vicinity, knew
from sad experience what had occurred.
"We're responsible for this!" Bill cried, his face paling. "The gas has
burst through from the old drift."
"Thank God it came when most of the poor fellows were quittin' work,"
and Joe started on a run, followed by every person in the village.
At the mouth of the slope a vast crowd had gathered. Women were calling
their husbands and children by name, and as each learned her loved ones
were safe, shouts of joy mingled with the wailings of those whose cries
remained unanswered.
Even after Mr. Wright arrived the utmost confusion prevailed. All knew
it would be certain death to make a descent, while the deadly vapor was
so dense, and a second explosion might be expected at any moment.
Bill and Joe stood near the mouth of the slope ready to respond to the
first call for volunteers, when Mrs. Byram came up.
"Where is Fred?" she asked, with a brave attempt controlling her fears.
"He went to your house with Sam, so there's no need to worry about
them."
"They were not there more than ten minutes."
"Then both are in the crowd somewhere, for they wouldn't go down the
slope till we got back."
The almost distracted mother had no thought of keeping Skip's secret at
such a time, and when the two miners heard her story all hope for the
safety of the boys fled.
"They must have been in the old drift underneath the explodin' gas," Joe
exclaimed, involuntarily.
"It isn't sure the trouble began where we think," Bill said, quickly,
with a warning glance at his companion. "I've known of men who were shut
in a drift for a week, an' then brought out none the worse for wear, so
don't despair, Mrs. Byram."
"But why isn't something done to aid them?"
"We shall set to work the very minute it is safe to venture into the
next level. Go home, an' Joe or I will bring you the first news."
"Do you think I could remain there knowing my boy is dying,
or--or--dead?"
The women near by endeavored to console the sorrowing mother with words
of encouragement they themselves believed to be false, and Bill
whispered to his mate:
"There's a mighty slim show for the poor lads, an' it's through helpin'
him as tried to murder 'em that they've been caught."
Mr. Wright was doing his utmost to ascertain how many were yet in the
mine, and after a long while succeeded in learning that at least a dozen
men had been overpowered while some distance up the slope.
Those who reached the surface told of a number whom they had seen fall,
and some were certain one or two did not have time to gain the slope.
"Who will go with me?" the superintendent asked, as a car was made
ready. "I don't want the married men to volunteer, for they are needed
at home, and none of us may come back alive."
"Then why not stay here yourself?" a woman cried. "Your wife an'
children need you as much as ours need their fathers."
"Because it is my duty," was the calm reply. "Now who will come? I only
want two."
"Then the car is full," Bill said, as he and Joe took their places in
the box-like vehicle. "We're willin' to go alone, if you'll stay
behind."
"No man shall encounter dangers from which I shrink. Lower away slowly,
boys," he added to those who were fastening a rope to the car, "and keep
a sharp look-out for our signals."
"An' it was his house my Jim helped try to burn!" the woman who had
spoken before said in a whisper.
"Make haste," Mr. Wright cried, impatiently. "Remember that every second
is precious."
The miners crowded around the car to shake its brave occupants by the
hand as if they were never to return, and it was absolutely necessary to
push them away in order that the terrible journey might be begun.
With their safety lamps held so that the condition of the air might be
ascertained at each stage of the descent, the men slowly disappeared
from view, and at the mouth of the slope the crowd surged to and fro in
painful suspense; but not a sound could be heard, save as some wife or
mother gave vent to a sob of distress.
CHAPTER XVII
DOWN THE SLOPE
During the time that Billings was making his preparations for the last
act of his life, Sam and Fred remained seated a short distance from the
cut which led to Skip's hiding place.
Both were listening intently for the first sound which should betoken
the coming of the miners, and the falling earth which was displaced by
Billings' feet as he worked in the cutting attracted their attention.
"There's some one in the tunnel we made," Sam whispered. "Let's creep up
and find out who it is."
"That won't do, for there's no chance Billings would come back if he
once got out, and we should arouse suspicions."
Despite this warning Sam advanced a short distance, and on becoming
convinced that the tunnel really had an occupant rejoined Fred, as he
whispered:
"We'd better sneak further along. I reckon somebody is on guard up
there, and we musn't be seen so far down."
He had held the shovel during this excursion, and still retained it as
they walked noiselessly along the drift until arriving at the mouth of
the short slope.
Here the two halted at the moment when the confined gas, ignited by the
open lamp, burst its bonds, and the shock sent them headlong up the
incline.
Huge masses of earth were detached on every hand, except directly in the
narrow way leading to Skip's hiding place, and on scrambling to their
feet a solid wall shut them out from the drift.
"What was that?" Fred cried in alarm, as he assured himself his lamp was
uninjured.
"An explosion, an' we're penned in here to starve to death," Sam
replied, in a trembling voice.
"Can't we dig through this bank and reach the hole in the roof?"
"There is no longer any lower level, as we knew it, and unless we could
make a new drift there'd be no use working."
"But this part of the mine seems to be all right."
"Yes, unless there's another explosion I reckon we can stay here 'til--"
"'Till what?"
"We shall starve to death after a while."
This mournful conversation was interrupted by Skip, who came running
down the slope with the most abject fear written on every feature of his
face.
Familiar as he was with the mine he had no need to ask for the cause of
the noise, and understood as well as Sam the little hope there was for
life.
"Are you shut in, too?" he cried.
"We're here," Sam replied, grimly.
"An' you'd been outside if I hadn't wanted to stay rather than take a
flogging."
"You're right, Skip, but this ain't the time to find fault. All three
are in the same box, an' we might as well be friendly."
"Won't they try to get us out?" Fred asked, faintly.
"Nobody knows where we are," Skip replied, bitterly.
"We told mother about you, and she'll be sure to repeat it to Joe and
Bill now we're in such danger."
Skip's face brightened for an instant, and then he said, in a despairing
tone:
"They don't know where this place is. Billings is certain the oldest
miners never heard of the drift; he thinks it was made years before the
workings were opened at Farley's."
"Joe and Bill have been down here."
"Even they wouldn't know where to start in. How long will the air hold
out, Sam?"
"I don't know, but there's no need of usin' it any faster than's
necessary. We'll put out two of the lamps; one is enough, an' we may be
mighty glad to drink the oil."
Fred was very nearly incapable of action. The knowledge that his
companions had lost hope literally dazed him, and he could not even
follow Sam's suggestion.
Two of the lamps were extinguished, and since Fred was the only one
retaining the means of dispelling the darkness, Sam and Skip forced him
on ahead as they went still further into the tunnel where the air would
be more pure.
"This is the only point from which we may expect aid," Sam said, "an'
seein' that we can do nothin' it's better to stay here."
"Won't Joe and Bill try to help us?" Fred asked.
"They'll try, but whether it'll be possible to do anything is another
matter."
"Can't we begin to dig? We've got one shovel."
"Neither of us knows in which direction to start, an' when workin' more
food would be needed, therefore, to keep alive as long as possible we'd
better stay quiet."
Skip threw himself on the floor close to the end of the cutting, as if
reconciled to whatever might happen, and Sam sat down beside him.
"Do you think there is any chance that we can get out of here?" Fred
asked after a long silence, and Sam replied, gravely:
"We may as well look the matter straight in the face. It's possible they
can strike us without much trouble, but that ain't likely."
During half an hour the boys remained silent and motionless, as if each
was trying to reconcile himself to the terrible doom which threatened,
and then Fred said, with a feeble attempt at cheerfulness:
"It must be near supper time. Suppose we have one square meal?"
"Because a man knows he's slowly drowning there's no reason why he
should try to keep his head under water more than is necessary," Sam
replied, sternly.
"What do you mean?"
"We are not suffering with hunger now, but soon will be, so it's wise to
wait till grub is absolutely needed to keep us alive."
"Then let's do something; this sitting still thinking of what is to come
seems worse than the reality can ever be."
"Very well, we've got a shovel; we'll decide in which direction it's
best to dig, an' begin operations."
"There surely is a chance of striking another drift."
"Yes, there's a chance," Sam replied, as if the conversation wearied
him. "Each one shall say which course he thinks most likely to bring us
out."
Skip wished to continue up the slope, arguing that each inch gained
would carry them so much nearer the surface, while Fred believed it best
to work through the mass of earth that had fallen, because there a pick
would not be necessary.
"We'd better try Skip's plan," Sam finally said. "By making our way
along the old drift a chamber of gas might be struck, when all hands
would be suffocated. Come on, and I'll start it."
He wielded the shovel until tired, the others carrying the earth back to
the foot of the slope in their hats, and then Fred tried his hand at the
labor.
In this manner each did a certain amount of the work, but at the expense
of no slight suffering. In the confined space it was very warm, and this
exercise brought with it an intense thirst, which, of course, could not
be quenched.
Skip drank a little oil now and then, but Fred could not force himself
to taste the ill-smelling stuff.
There was no way by which the passage of time could be measured. When
all were sleepy they laid down to rest, and on awakening a small
quantity of food was dealt out. After the scanty meal had been eaten
they continued what every one now believed was useless labor, ceasing
only when the desire for slumber became overpowering again.
Reckoning these periods of work and rest as days and nights, seventy-two
hours had elapsed when the supply of food was exhausted, and they
realized that the final struggle was at hand.
The air remained reasonably pure, probably because a vent had been left
somewhere in the choked drift, but there were moments when the odor of
gas was perceptible, thus causing Sam to believe efforts were still
being made to reach them by those on the outside.
But little work was done when the food had been consumed. Now and then
one or the other would use the shovel in a listless way for a few
moments at a time, but each had become so weak that any prolonged
exertion was out of the question.
They slept as much as possible, and refrained from discussing the
terrible situation. Fred no longer listened for the sounds which would
tell that help was near at hand, and the odor of the oil did not prevent
him now from taking his share when the scanty allowance was doled out.
Finally the hour came when the last drop had been drank. The tiny flame
of the lamp seemed to have been the only link which connected them with
the outer world, and then without any means of dispelling the profound
darkness the bitterness of death came upon them.
Fred was the first to sink into a stupor from which he awakened only at
rare intervals. Then Skip yielded to despair, and Sam was virtually
alone.
All three were half sitting, half lying in the excavation they had made,
and the moments passed unheeded. To Fred it seemed as if he had been
unconscious for many days when he became aware that Sam was shouting
wildly.
In a dazed way he raised his head, and after a while understood that his
companion was saying in an incoherent tone:
"They're coming! They're coming!"
"Who? Who?" Skip asked, feebly, trying in vain to rise to his feet.
"The miners! Can't you hear the sound of their picks?"
When t
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