"Never did such a day's work in my life! That fellow is a slave driver."
"He is all of that," agreed Steve. "Have any words with him?"
"Nothing of consequence. I threatened to break his head with a shovel once—that's all."
"I should think once would be enough," replied Steve, laughing softly. "Don't let him run over you, but keep your hands off him. It's a pretty serious thing to have an argument with one's superior, even if he is a brutal contract boss."
"I'm surprised that they have a fellow like that in the mines."
"He gets out the ore, that's why," answered Rush. "And, by the way, I want to talk over something with you after supper to-night."
"You have something on your mind, eh?"
"Yes; I have something that I want you to help me with. Perhaps we may be able to do a great service for our employers. I am not quite sure yet. I can't be until we have tried something."
"I'm with you in anything, Steve," answered Bob with emphasis.
After supper, that night, the boys went directly to their room, where they were soon lost in earnest conversation. Their conversation was carried on in whispers and the hour was well along toward midnight when they had finished with their plans.