“But think of the narrow place he was in,” said Rob’s mother. “I tremble all over now to think of it.”
“Let it pass, mother. I do not think I shall lose anything by it. At any rate, I feel better than I did when I started down to the town, and I am going to look for better times.”
Rob’s hopefulness afforded comfort to the others, and the next morning found them all more light-hearted than they had been before, in spite of the ominous notice at their door.
“I’ve a mind to tear it down,” said Larry.
“Better save your strength to work that shovel in the sod, Larry,” said Little Hickory, with a laugh. “You know yesterday——”
“I’m sore and lame now, so I— hello! what’s up?”
“There’s somebody coming here. He looks like a real gentleman. He—here he comes!”
The exclamation was caused by the sudden appearance of Tom and Jerry, who appeared hatless, barefooted and very much out of breath.
In a moment great confusion and excitement reigned about the coal camps, while the occupants swiftly disappeared from the scene with the exception of Rob, Larry and Joe Willet, though half a dozen heads soon appeared at the low doorways.
Rob’s misapprehension quickly disappeared as he caught sight of the approaching person.