"Yes, I will. I dare you to meet me over by the dry house after supper. I promise you I will take it out of your hide."
"No, thank you," replied Steve dryly, with a slight shrug of the shoulders.
"You won't?"
"No, I will not."
"Afraid, eh?"
"Yes; afraid I might lose some sleep. I am going to bed after supper. I have work on hand to-morrow and I don't care to spoil my chances by getting into a row to-night. Besides, I am not a fighter. I am here for business."
"Fellows, I told you he was a missie. I see I've got to take you in hand, Rush. You'll never make a miner until you've been properly trimmed, and I'm the boy who's taken the contract to do the job. I——"
"Jarvis, that will be about enough for the present," warned the boarding house boss from the head of the table.
"Can't a fellow have a little fun without being called down?" demanded Bob in a tone of disgust.
"Yes; have all the fun you want, but don't pick on a boy who isn't your size. You, boy down there, what did you say your name is?"