"I never knew anything like this to happen at Farley's before," an old miner said.
"And they don't even tell us why we are cheated out of a day's work."
"The engineer says there is nothing the matter with the machinery."
"Yes, an' he, like us, has been ordered to go home."
These and a dozen other remarks Fred heard as he left the breaker, and while loitering for an instant to learn if any one suspected the true state of affairs he became conscious that Skip and his friends were regarding him with mingled anger and consternation written on their faces.
"You'd better get out of here, or there may be trouble," Chunky whispered.
"Why?"
"'Cause Skip has got plenty of time now to serve you out, an' he looks like somethin' was goin' to be done."
"He'd better not try any more games. I can take care of myself in the daylight."
"What do you mean? Did he do somethin' last night?"