e 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 accusa