"Very well, sir," replied Steve. "I don't know that I want to stay here, unless there is something that I can do to help you."
"There is nothing," replied Mr. Penton.
The boys walked away, thoughtful and silent. They had taken part in a grim tragedy, such as was likely to happen at any time in the busy mines. To-morrow it would be forgotten and the work of burrowing under the earth would go on just as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
"It was a close call," said Bob, glancing into the thoughtful face of his companion.
Steve nodded.
"Poor fellows," he murmured. "Did they leave families?"
"I don't know."
"We will find out. Perhaps we may be able to do something for them."
Not long after the youths had reached the office of the superintendent, Mr. Penton came in. He shook hands with the boys again, after which he called in the claim adjuster.
"This affair will cost us something in damages," Mr. Penton said. "But the company will pay willingly. Will you two boys make a statement, giving the adjuster all the facts?"