"I'll straighten that fellow out," Joe said angrily. "He's got the will to do most anything, an' we must take him down a peg before it'll be safe for you to move around."
"Don't say anything to them, for it will only make matters worse. I'll see to it that they don't get another chance at me. Sam, Mr. Wright wants to see us at the store. Will you wait for us, Joe?"
"Indeed, I will. Till things get settled I want to keep my eye on both you boys."
The superintendent was in his office, at one end of the building, when the party entered, and he beckoned them to join him.
"Don't hang back, Brace, for I wish to see you as well. I want to take your butty away, and give you Fred instead. How would you like that?"
"First class, sir."
"I wish to have a few whom I can trust, on the lower level. I don't ask for any spying: but expect to be informed if there is any serious mischief brewing. There may yet be some who will aid Billings to gain his revenge. Sam is to remain with Thomas; but will work near you."
"Very well, sir," and Brace rose to go, thinking the interview was at an end; but Mr. Wright detained him.
"The most important matter is concerning the old shaft and drifts, from which points very much mischief might be done. Sit down while we talk of it."
At this moment Skip Miller entered unobserved by those in the office, and, seeing the occupants of the little room, made his way behind a pile of goods where he could hear very much of what the superintendent said.