"No, you will remember my sending him up to you with a letter. You know I saw that he had good material in him. He was a live wire, even then."
"I give way; the honor is yours," answered Mr. Penton.
"If you can spare your young friends from their duties, for a few moments, I should like to speak with them."
The lad straightened up, touching his cap immediately.
"How are you, Rush?" exclaimed President Carrhart, stepping forward and extending a cordial hand.
"How do you do, Mr. Carrhart. I am afraid my hand is not shakeable. It is grimy with red ore."
They did so, the president holding to Steve's hand as he gazed keenly into the manly face of the boy, Steve returning his gaze, respectfully but steadily.
"Thank you, sir. And I want to thank you also for giving me the opportunity that you did. This is my companion, Bob Jarvis."
The superintendent stepped forward at that juncture, presenting the boys to each member of the party in turn. There were vice-presidents, secretaries and directors--more titles than the boys could remember. To their surprise these big men greeted them as if they were equals.
"I hear you already have made a record for yourself, Rush," said Mr. Carrhart.
"I don't know about that, sir. I am just beginning to realize that I have a lot to learn."
"I hear also that you have had some exciting experiences. You must learn to safeguard yourself, and remember another thing, make your mine safe for your men and you will always get results. You and your friend are in charge of the tracks?"
"I am pleased to see them in such splendid condition. It is almost like riding on a rock-ballasted railroad, they are so smooth."
Bob threw his shoulders back ever so little as he heard this.
"My, but those fellows must have eyes all around their heads the way they take things in," muttered Jarvis. "No wonder they are millionaires! They can see what the fellow behind them is doing as well as they can what's going on in front. You can't beat that kind of a game."
"I hope he doesn't see that turned rail there over the chute," thought Rush.
"I noticed only one bad rail in the entire system, the one there by the chute. I see you have caught that, however."
"Well, what do you think of that?" muttered Bob under his breath. "I never heard anything like it."