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
t