k upon the wall of tough rock, and
a small timber gang was struggling to hoist a huge log that they
called a "stull" into position.

"Here's the place, lad. Take hold and give a lift. Now, boys,
altogether"! shouted Mark Trefethen, and in another moment Dick
Peveril found himself hard at work.

Within a few minutes the new hand was as begrimed and dripping with
perspiration as any member of the gang, all of whom exchanged
significant glances as they noted the willingness with which he
exerted his great strength. Never had the heavy timbers been set in
place so quickly, and never in their remembrance had a green hand
"caught on" so readily.

"He won't last long, though, at that pace," remarked one of the older
men to Trefethen, as he paused to wipe the sweat-drops from his eyes,
"he's too fresh."

"Perhaps not," replied the timber boss. "We'll give him a bit of a
try, though, before dropping him," and then he walked away to inspect
the operations of another gang in a distant part of the mine.

Late that day, as Peveril's first shift of work drew towards its
close, he ached in every part of his body, but was learning his new
trade so rapidly that his fellows were already beginning to regard him
as one of the best men in their gang. He had made several trips to and
from the foot of the timber-shaft in company with others, and so,
when, shortly before quitting time, the foreman of his gang sang out:

"Oh, Peril! Just run back to the stack and bring us one of them small
sprags. Hurry, now!" the new man started without a moment's
hesitation.

He found his way without difficulty to the timber pile, and began a
search for such a piece as he had been told to fetch. The better to
see what he was doing, he removed the lamp from his hat and held it
low in front of him, in which position his own face was clearly
revealed by its light. While he was thus engaged, a miner, who, with
his day's work finished, was walking towards the plat, paused to
regard him. The man's face bore a malicious expression, and he seemed
to meditate some mischief towards the unsuspecting youth, for he
clinched his fists and took a step in Peveril's direction. Just then
the rumble of an approaching car caused him to pause and wait until it
should pass. As it came abreast of him he recognized one of its
pushers, and drew him aside, while the car, still propelled by two
members of its team, moved on out of sight.

Without a word the miner directed hi