Two young men came swinging along the tracks. Their step was springy and there was an alertness about them that at once attracted the observing ones. These two were Steve Rush and Bob Jarvis. They approached each other rapidly and waved their hands in greeting.
"Bob, there are the visitors," said Steve in a low tone.
"Oh, that's so; I hadn't noticed them. When did they come in?"
"I do not know. I had not seen them before."
Eight or ten men were assembled on the platform where the tally-board was located. The superintendent was holding an earnest conversation with them, the visitors keeping up a running fire of questions and comment. They had been through part of the mine and were discussing conditions and proposed improvements.
The boys had matters of their own to discuss, so they gave little attention to the gathering, so far as the latter observed. But the lads were interested, just the same.
"I suppose most of those fellows are millionaires," said Bob, indicating the group by a jerk of his thumb in their direction.
"They are not fellows, Bob; they are gentlemen," corrected Rush.
"How do you know they are?" came back the quick question.
"It is reasonable to suppose they are. I know one of them is, for I have met him."