Steve turned away when he saw that the men did not take his warning seriously. He made his way to the telephone, where he called up Superintendent Penton, acquainting him with conditions in section twenty-four L.
The superintendent said he would be down as soon as he could get into his mine clothes. He directed Steve to leave matters as they were until he could look into the affair. At the same time Mr. Penton warned Steve that these disagreements between mine captain and foremen were very bad for the discipline of the mine.
"I am willing to assume the full responsibility for my act, sir," was the answer of the young foreman, as he hung up the receiver and started away, his lips shut tightly together, a look of stubborn determination on his face. Steve was ready to give or take.
Shortly after that Mr. Penton arrived. He looked up the mine captain first, and heard what the latter had to say. Then the two men sought out Steve Rush, whom they found directing the work of one of his crews.
"Rush, this is a bad piece of business. What have you to say for yourself?"
"There is nothing more to say, sir, so far as I am concerned. It is for you to decide whether I am in the right or the wrong."
"You say the drift is not safe for the men to work in?"
"I do."
"The mine captain disagrees with you, and you have had an argument with him before the men. Rush, I am surprised at you."
Steve's face flushed a dull red, but he held his head erect, looking the superintendent squarely in the eyes.