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 thewhole 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 thethreats 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 onthe 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.
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, yourun 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."
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 togive 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 huntingfor 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 rightangles 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."
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 morethan 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."