"Somebody will be tumbling into the shaft, first thing you know, and then we shall have damages to pay."
"I reckon you'll have some to pay as it is," muttered the man below. "I hope this costs you a million!"
The door through which Spooner had entered the shaft was closed with a bang and he heard no more of the voice above him.
"I've got to look sharp or I'll be caught. I haven't had a signal from Marvin yet, so everything must be clear above us."
Once more the steady rasp of the saw began on the other side of the post, and a few minutes later the contractor used his candle to examine his work.
"I guess that will do the business," he chuckled. "And now I must be getting out of here lively."
Instead of taking the saw with him, the fellow tossed it over to one side, then began climbing the ladder. Very soon he was at the door opening on to the sub-level where his contract had been located. Spooner opened it ever so little and listened. He could hear subdued voices. He opened the door a little wider, and, as he did so, Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis sauntered by.
"Keep your eyes open, old chap," was Bob's parting salutation.
"I will," answered Steve, starting down the ladder to his post.