At last Steve saw a man who looked as if he might be a person in authority, and to this one he appealed to direct him to the Spooner contract.
"Who are you?" demanded the man sharply.
"My name is Rush. May I ask who you are?"
"I am the mine captain. Do you work with Spooner?"
"I am going to do so if I can find the way to his place."
"Come this way. I will show you how to get there. You are late."
"Yes, sir; I was not able to find my way and I guess I was among the last ones to come down in the cage."
"This is your first experience below ground?"
"It is, sir."
"Then let me give you some advice; never get careless. There is danger everywhere about here."