"Rubbish!" scoffed Mr. Penton.
On the third day following, Steve made his first trip below ground since the accident. The lad was welcomed with enthusiasm by nearly every one he met, many of whom he knew only by sight.
"I never knew I was so popular," smiled Steve, after he had looked up Jarvis, who was still at work at level seventeen.
Bob grinned.
"I reckon there are certain quarters where you are not so popular, eh?"
"I should not be surprised if that were true. But those quarters no longer exist, I understand."
"Yes; the pair have hit the trail over the mountains. What are you going to do down here to-day?"
"I am going down in the skip shaft."
Jarvis nodded understandingly.
"Mr. Penton said you might knock off and go with me."