This argument was understood by Mr. Wright's adherents, and they kept at a respectful distance, while the others did their work.
New stakes were set up without any regard to those already in position, and the labor had but just been completed when the superintendent and two members of his company arrived.
"Why are you not at work?" he asked one of the carpenters.
For reply the man pointed toward Joe, who was pacing to and fro on what he believed to be the boundary line of his property.
"Get those timbers up," Mr. Wright cried angrily.
"You may drag them off; but the first one who dares so much as raise a joist for any other purpose, shall suffer!" Joe shouted.
"Knock that fellow down! What business has he here?" and the superintendent's voice trembled with suppressed fury.
"I'm where I belong, an' seein's how your men don't dare do the knockin' down, s'pose you take a hand at it."
Mr. Wright advanced as if to act upon the suggestion; but before he reached the imaginary line the miner shouted:
"If you put a foot on this land I'll shoot. Send your crowd home, and then if you want to tackle me I'll throw the revolver down, an' meet you half way."