“Killed two last year,” was the grim reply. “But their fault, no other. They not run away far; stand close; blast go off; both get heads blowed away, please you.”
“Horrible!” cried Oliver. And he made a mental vow that should he ever become master of the mine he would take extra precautions against such tragedies occurring.
“I suppose some men get so reckless they don’t value their lives,” remarked Gus. “Mr. Whyland was—”
Oliver gave him a sharp pinch in the arm. “Take care what you say!” he whispered.
In an instant Gus understood the slip he had made.
“Oh!” He drew a deep breath. “Mr. Ryder told me they don’t seem to care whether they live or not.”
Oliver was relieved to hear his friend turn the slip he had made.
“Well, Mr. Ryder ought to know,” he replied. “But I should think every man’s life would be sweet to him,” he went on.
“And so it is,” broke in a voice behind them.
Both boys started. Turning, they beheld Colonel Mendix close at hand.