“It’s just wonderful how things have changed around, Frank,” replied the other. “But would ye mind telling me whether your father knew what ye were going to do about makin’ a change here in overseers?”
“Oh! we talked it all over, Sandy,” replied the boy. “He’s been convinced that a change would do good here, and that Riley was too severe with the men. So he is going to offer him a fine position on the ranch, for he needs just such a man there. I hope Riley takes the job, for he is all right, if a little too pig-headed.”
“And did your father mention my name, Frank?” asked the pleased engineer.
“You may be sure he did the same, Sandy. Long ago he had his eye on you, and told me you were going to get this billet if ever there was a change made. But come, I’d like to talk with the overseer. Suppose we go to the engine house, Sandy.”
Frank and Bob jumped to the ground, leaving their horses to be looked after by some of the men, who were only too eager to curry favor this way. Accompanied by McCoy, and followed by two dozen of the miners, they pushed through the camp, heading toward the buildings.
A head was thrust out of an opening, and a voice hailed them.
“Keep back, every man of you! If a single one crosses that dead line, I shoot!”
“Hold on, Mr. Riley,” the miner’s son called. “Look again, and you’ll see that it’s Frank Haywood.”
“Why, so it is, for a fact!” cried the prisoner of the engine house, in a surprised tone. “Whatever brings you here, and right now when there’s going to be all sorts of trouble breaking loose?”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Mr. Riley,” answered Frank, as, accompanied by his two companions, he continued to advance. “I’ve been sent here by dad, whose broken leg prevented his coming, to look into matters, and settle the same to the satisfaction of the men.”