"It don't do to think of such things when there's nothing which can be done to help them. It might be worse, an' there's some comfort in that."
"I fail to see anything very cheering in such an idea," Fred replied, and then the two were at Mrs. Byram's home.
The door was locked; but the lightest of taps sufficed to attract the widow's attention, and the visitor received no less warm a reception than did the son.
Brace was so impatient to learn what had been done by the rioters that he descended the stairs immediately upon hearing the boys' voices, and while Mrs. Byram prepared supper, Fred and Sam gave an account of their own adventures, as well as all which was known concerning the mob.
"So I'm to sneak over to the store, eh?" the miner asked, as the recital was concluded.
"That was what Mr. Wright said."
"I'll do nothin' of the kind."
"Why not?"
"Because I've had enough of hidin' like a fellow who had done somethin' wrong."
"But it isn't safe to show yourself."