t 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