This was, indeed, good news. The inhabitants of Farley's had been anxiously awaiting the day when it would be possible to earn something toward the household expenses, and this first evidence that the works were really to be opened caused a great amount of pleasurable excitement.
Nearly every one in the village was at the mouth of the slope to see the workmen go in, and there Sam and Fred met Skip.
"Mr. Donovan has promised to take me into the breaker as soon as there is any coal to come out," he said, gleefully, "an' my garden is lookin' fine."
"I don't reckon you've sold many vegetables yet," Sam replied, laughingly.
"The plants are only just up, an' the stuff will be late; but the first that is ripe I'm going to send you fellers, an' Bill and Joe."
The miners entered, while the spectators cheered loudly, and then the idle ones dispersed, well content to know their time would soon come.
Skip returned to his garden, while Sam and Fred resumed their duties at the store, but were interrupted an hour later by Mr. Wright, who said:
"It is important that a message be delivered in Blacktown before noon, and there will be no train until late this afternoon. Do you boys feel in trim for a ten mile tramp across the mountain?"
"Yes, sir, an' double the distance if necessary," Sam replied, promptly.
"Very well; wrap up some crackers and cheese while I write a letter."