"Pull out your drills," commanded Rush.
The drill-men began to obey his command.
"Shovelers and trammers knock off. Hand in your time until I can see the superintendent and get you in a new place."
The mine captain came striding back. He had overheard the orders of the young foreman, and the captain's face reflected his anger.
"See here, what are you doing?" he demanded sternly.
"I am closing this drift for the present."
"I order your men back to work. What do you mean by interfering with the work of this shift?"
"I already have told you what I mean, sir. I decline to risk the lives of the men in section twenty-four L until it has been made safe."
"Get back to work, every man of you, unless you want to be fired out of this mine!" commanded the captain.
Steve raised a warning hand.