"Certainly, sir," answered Steve.
"Dominick will not get over his fright before to-morrow, and even at that, his testimony would not be of much value to us."
After a stenographer had been summoned, Steve related in a concise manner the story of the accident to the cage, not neglecting to mention the speed at which the car was traveling when the cage turned turtle.
"Have you anything to add to that, Jarvis?" asked Mr. Penton after Steve had concluded.
"Not a word. I couldn't have told it better."
Mr. Penton did not smile. He regarded Rush thoughtfully.
"That is the clearest and most comprehensive statement of an accident that I have ever listened to, Steve. After it has been transcribed I shall ask both of you to sign it."
This the boys did, swearing to the truth of the statement they had made. The claim adjuster then thanked them and left the room. It was a clear case against the company, for there had been neglect on the part of some employé. The accident would cost the company thousands of dollars, but to the credit of the company there was to be no effort to evade responsibility.
The Iron Boys rose to leave.
"Sit down," said Mr. Penton, motioning them back to their chairs. "As I told you over at the shaft, I desire to talk with you. How long have you been in the mines?"