"That's Stephen Carson!" he said. "I guess I'd better keep out of sight, because I don't care about getting into an argument with him. He's the most contrary person I ever saw in my life, and never fails to get up an argument about something or other with yours truly."
"You seem to know him pretty well," whispered Sandy.
"I ought to," returned Elmer, "he's my Uncle!"
"The two tall men in the party are my father and the cashier of the Night and Day bank. I'll take a sneak, and that will shorten the session."
Accordingly, Elmer strolled along the gangway and came to a halt some distance from where the three men had drawn up.
"My boy" Carson went on, looking condescendingly at the youth, "will you kindly run up to the second level and tell Mr. Canfield that his presence is required by the president of the mining company?"
"I'm not allowed to leave this place, sir," replied Sandy, taking offense at the man's air of proprietorship.
"All persons in and about this mine," Carson almost shouted, "are subject to my orders. Run along now, you foolish boy, and don't make any trouble for yourself!"
The man's manner was so unnecessarily dictatorial and offensive that Sandy found it impossible to restrain his temper. He was not naturally a "fresh" youngster, but now he had passed the limit of endurance.
"Aw, go chase yourself!" he said.