to
Wickersham; but Wickersham had told him to go ahead, that Plume was a
friend of his, and as much interested in the success of the work as
Matheson was. Plume's satisfaction and nonchalant air vexed the
Scotchman. Just then Keith's note came, and Wickersham, after reading
it, tossed it over first to Plume. Plume read it and handed it back
without the least change of expression. Then Wickersham, after some
reflection, tossed it to Matheson.

"That's right," he nodded, when he had read it. "We are already over the
line so far that the men know it."

Wickersham's temper gave way.

"Well, I know it. Do you suppose I am so ignorant as not to know
anything? But I am not fool enough to give it away. You need not go
bleating around about it everywhere."

Plume's eye glistened with satisfaction.

The superintendent's brow, which had clouded, grew darker. He had
already stood much from this young man. He had followed his orders in
running the mine beyond the lines shown on the plats; but he had
accepted Wickersham's statement that the lines were wrong, not
the workings.

"I wush you to understand one thing, Mr. Wickersham," he said. "I came
here to superintend your mines and to do my work like an honest man; but
I don't propose to soil my hands with any dirrty dealings, or to engage
in any violation of the law; for I am a law-abiding, God-fearing man,
and before I'll do it I'll go."

"Then you can go," said Wickersham, angrily. "Go, and be d----d to you!
I will show you that I know my own business."

"Then I will go. I do not think you do know it. If you did, you would
not--"

"Never mind. I want no more advice from you," snarled Wickersham.

"I would like to have a letter saying that the work that has been done
since you took charge has been under your express orders."

"I'll see you condemned first. I suppose it was by my orders that the
cutting ran so near to the creek that that work had to be done to keep
the mine from being flooded?"

"It was, by your _express_ orders."

"I deny it. I suppose it was by my orders that the men were set on to
strike?"

"You were told of the danger and the probable consequences of your
insisting."

"Oh, you are always croaking--"

"And I will croak once more," said the discharged official. "You will
never make that mine pay, for there is no coal there. It is all on the
other side of the line."

"I won't! Well, I will show you. I, at least, stand a better chance to
make