Again the two men discussed the situation, walking along the drift with the plans before them, while the boys were forced to be content with listening to the conversation.
It was finally decided that they should work here and there along the entire cut, trusting that it would be possible to hear if any one began to dig on the opposite side.
"It's a case of keepin' quiet an' listenin' for suspicious sounds," Bill said. "We won't try to get out coal to-day, an', perhaps, by night Mr. Wright will have a better plan."
"By watchin' Billings we could get some kind of an idea as to when he was likely to begin operations."
"Donovan promised to see to that part of it."
"Then we'll kinder lay 'round till we get the hang of the place. You boys go on to the end of the drift an' come back. Don't make any noise."
The forenoon was spent in what was little more than patrol duty, and when Mr. Wright came below he approved of their plans. Nothing better was suggested, and until night-fall all four paced to and fro, the other miners having been withdrawn from the drift.
When evening came Skip did not wait to see if Fred came out; but hurried off to the groggery where he was made happy by Billings' extreme friendliness.
"The leader of the mob arose immediately upon seeing him, and led the way outside, saying when they were some distance from the building:
"I've been thinkin' over what you told me, an' am certain we can work this thing all right."