The lantern above was waved out over the edge of the timbered platform and a deep voice responded.
"Well, what'che want?"
"Send word down to the boys to come up. They're laid off fer a while, an' their pay's ready for 'em."
"Lay 'em off! Who says so?"
"Lacy, of course; hustle them out now—them's the orders."
"Well, that beats hell!" But the lantern vanished as he went grumbling back to his engine.
They came up, talking excitedly among themselves, stumbled down the rough path, and filed into the open door of the lighted office. There were twenty of them, according to Westcott's count, and the interview within must have been satisfactory as they departed quietly enough, disappearing down the trail toward Haskell. Moore remained outside, apparently checking the fellows off as they passed, and when the last one vanished again hailed the shaft-house:
"What's the matter with you, Tom? Why don't you close down and come and get your stuff?"
"You want me too?"
"Sure—we're here waitin' fer yer."