"You stay there until you are wanted!" ordered the boy, at which Mr. Penton nodded his approval.
The visitors crowded forward, expressing their admiration at the bravery of the Iron Boys, at the same time plying them with eager questions.
"How did you ever have the courage to do it?" questioned one man.
"Because I didn't want to be blown up," answered Steve simply, at which the tension was relieved and everyone laughed.
"What I should like to know," exclaimed Mr. Carrhart, "is how this affair occurred—how did that bag of dynamite chance to catch fire?"
"From the Italian's candle, of course," said Mr. Cary. "I always have considered those open lights dangerous, especially where high explosives are used. We should have enclosed lights, the same as they do in the coal mines."
"What do you think about it, Rush?" asked the president, turning to the young man inquiringly.
"It did not catch from the man's candle, sir," answered the lad confidently.
"You think not?"
"I am sure of it, sir."