"Tell me all you know about the plan to flood the mine."
The story was given in detail, and at its conclusion Mr. Wright asked:
"How do you happen to know so much about this thing?"
"Because I belonged to the party till I found they meant murder."
"Are you acquainted with all the members?"
"No, sir; wasn't allowed. Billings allers let us understand there was a big crowd, but wouldn't let any besides the officers know about it; he said the men might give themselves away by talkin' if they found who was members."
"Why do they wish to throw all hands out of employment by flooding the mine?"
"Some of the bosses are too hard on 'em, sir, an' a good many think it's like sellin' theirselves to deal at the company store."
"They should have come to me with their grievances; but it is too late to talk of that now, and immediate steps must be taken to prevent the mischief. It won't be policy for you to show yourself until my plans have been perfected, otherwise they would take alarm. The boy can go home, and I want him to be in the breaker this morning as if nothing had happened. Where can you remain in hiding for a few days?"
"I don't know, sir, unless I leave town."