At the usual hour next morning the whistle sounded, summoning the miners to work, and every one responded save those who had been warned to leave the town.
Mr. Wright was at the entrance to the slope, and had a pleasant greeting for each man and boy, causing more than one to look ashamed because of the part taken in the wanton destruction of his property.
Joe Brace and Sam went into the drift, leaving Fred with Chunky, and that young fellow said, as he seated himself at the chute:
"Things have been pretty lively 'round here, eh?"
"I should say so. Were you out with the regulators?"
"I saw 'em once or twice."
"If you'll take my advice you'll leave that crowd. Skip Miller's as bad as Billings."
"Don't speak so loud; he's lookin' over this way, an' may make things hot for you if much is said."
"If he didn't do anything yesterday I guess he ain't dangerous."
"He couldn't find you."