"I am sorry, sir, but that was an accident. I did not know you were there. I thought you were sitting down over yonder."
Watski could not speak. His rage was consuming him and the cinders were keeping his hands fully occupied.
"I say, sir, it was an accident."
"It's a lie!" exploded the boss. "You—you did it on purpose!"
With a growl of rage the Pole leaped into the pit, intending to reach the plank. Steve hopped out on the opposite side and Kalinski fell on his face in the hot cinders.
Bob uttered a howl of delight. This was much better than he had hoped for. Watski was getting his punishment without the boys having to administer it, and he was getting it properly, judging from his yells.
By this time several men had gathered about the pit, making no effort to hide their delight at the Pole's predicament.
Rush hopped down to the plank, leaving his shovel on the ground. He grabbed Kalinski by the shirt collar and the seat of the trousers, and, without any apparent effort, tossed the man out of the pit. The spectators gazed at the young man in amazement. His great strength was a marvel to them.
"Oh, why didn't you let him toast some more?" grumbled Bob. "He hasn't had enough yet. I tell you, he's only half baked."