"Because we have both been discharged. There, you have it, now."
"Well, then, because we blew up the pit."
Bob gazed at his companion unbelievingly.
"Come now, you're joking. They're not all fools down at the mill. I blew up the pit--you didn't, and I didn't know that I was doing so, of course. I'm no anarchist, and neither are you."
"Nevertheless, they hold us responsible for it."
"I know who's at the bottom of this. It's that wooden Indian, Kalinski, and--and----"
"Yes, they're a choice pair. They have had a rod in pickle for both of us ever since you made the report on Foley at the time of that burning accident. Did _they_ fire us?"
"No, not directly. Mr. McNaughton did so, but they were at the bottom of it. They told him lies about us, and he believed them. Think of it, Bob. He wouldn't believe what I told him. He thought I was the one who was telling the untruths."
Rush did so, relating all that had occurred during his visit to the division superintendent's office, the injured boy listening with darkening face as the narration continued. He nodded approvingly when Steve related how he had invited the two men out to get their heads punched.
"I thought not. They've both got a streak of yellow in them that runs all the way from their heads down into their boot-tops. Wait till I get out! I've got a couple of good, swift punches in stock for them! They won't wake up for half an hour, once I unlimber," threatened Jarvis, shaking his bandaged fists threateningly.
"Bob, promise me one thing. Promise me that you will not have any trouble with those men. We can't afford to mix up in any disgraceful fights here. They would like nothing better than to have us do so. We should be arrested. Think of the disgrace of it! We will let them alone as long as they let us alone. We won't stir up any more trouble, but they must let us alone. Will you promise to be guided by me in this matter?"
"I don't know. I am afraid I shall lose my temper when I see them; then, if they say anything to me, it's all off. What are we going to do, now that we are out of a job?"
"I don't know," answered Steve thoughtfully.
"I'll tell you what let's do. Let's go back to the mines. We have fine jobs with good pay waiting for us there. We never should have left. Mr. Carrhart will be glad to have us."