"There is one thing I should like to do, sir," said Steve.
"I wish you would give me permission to examine the shaft where I fell in."
"That already has been done. Something gave way, and----"
"I have reason to know that something gave way," he said. "I wish I could satisfy myself, though, just how it happened."
"Of course. There is no objection to your doing so."
"I will ask Bob Jarvis to help me. He is a shrewd boy, and he may see some things that I might not notice."
"He will have to be pretty keen if he does," laughed Mr. Penton. "I cannot imagine much of anything escaping your observation. But, my lad, you have some reason for wanting to do this. What is it?"
"I want to find out how the accident occurred."
"I do not know whether I do or not. Perhaps I am curious. Most boys have some curiosity, you know, sir."
"Go ahead, but do not try it until you are well and strong. We can't afford to have you laid up again. We need you, you know."
A faint flush stole into Steve Rush's face. He had grown to be very fond of the big-bodied, big-hearted superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine in the few months that he had known him.
"I thank you, sir. You are very kind to me. I want to tell you how much I appreciate it all."
On the third day following, Steve made his first trip below ground since the accident. The lad was welcomed with enthusiasm by nearly every one he met, many of whom he knew only by sight.
"I never knew I was so popular," smiled Steve, after he had looked up Jarvis, who was still at work at level seventeen.
"I reckon there are certain quarters where you are not so popular, eh?"
"I should not be surprised if that were true. But those quarters no longer exist, I understand."
"Yes; the pair have hit the trail over the mountains. What are you going to do down here to-day?"
"Mr. Penton said you might knock off and go with me."
"Did he? That's fine. I'll see the mine captain and tell him."
"I have told him already. You may come with me now, and we'll make a little examination on our own hook."
Bob dropped his shovel, and, telling the shift boss where he was going, accompanied Steve down the ladder to the level below. There the lads looked over the platform by the tally-board, Steve pointing out where he was standing when he went through the floor.