Mr. Penton was watching Steve at work with a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
"That's a promising boy, Jim," he said.
"You mean young Rush?"
"Yes. This is the kind of job I should like to turn him loose on, if he had more experience. He's as sharp as a steel trap."
"That is true."
"He has that dogged persistence that would make him hang on like a bull terrier. I'm going to push him along as fast as seems advisable."
"He's a likely youngster," admitted the mine captain, studying Steve's back as the lad swung his iron bar with unerring precision. "Yes, he's a very likely lad."
"I want to make an inspection of number twelve," said the superintendent, rising. "Will you come along?"
The captain followed his superior officer, the two men soon disappearing down the level. Steve watched their bobbing candles until he could see them no longer.