But one piece was all that Bob was able to find, the other no doubt having been thrown into the shaft. The one found was lying at the edge of the platform near its end.
"I guess there is nothing more here for us to do," decided the lad finally. "We will take our evidence and go to Mr. Penton."
"We haven't enough to hang a dead cat on."
Steve smiled.
"We shall see," he answered. "You tuck the saw under your coat and I will carry the boards."
Entering the first cage that stopped at this level, the boys were quickly conveyed to the surface. Steve asked the cage-tender at the mouth of the shaft if he had seen the superintendent about the shaft, and was informed that Mr. Penton was at that moment in the dry house. He was no doubt dressing to go down in the mine.
The boys hurried to the dry house, finding Mr. Penton talking with one of the time-checkers.
"May we see you alone, sir?" asked Steve.
"Certainly. Come into my dressing room. You have some news, eh?" queried the superintendent, flashing a keen glance at them.
"We think we have, sir."