"Even then I don't see how we can do anything."
"You and Thomas must form some plan. Study this map, and I am confident you will hit upon a scheme."
"Is there any chance that the drift's choked with gas?"
"Very little."
Joe was thoroughly puzzled, and after several moments of silence Mr. Wright said:
"Get your supper now, and then talk the matter over with Thomas."
At this intimation that the interview was at an end, the miner left the office followed by the two boys, and when they were out of the store Skip Miller came from his hiding place without having been seen by the superintendent or his clerks.
The leader of the regulators lounged carelessly toward the door until satisfied no one was paying any particular attention to him, when he stepped briskly out, and walked rapidly to a groggery situated at the farther end of the town.
Here, as he had anticipated, was Cale Billings and a select party of friends, all of whom were discussing their late defeat.
Skip did not care to state the reason for his coming in the presence of the entire party, and waited patiently in one corner of the room until it should be possible to beckon the leader out of doors.