ch chance of trouble. The thing to be
figgered out is, how're we goin' to fix this job?"

Again the two men discussed the situation, walking along the drift with
the plans before them, while the boys were forced to be content with
listening to the conversation.

It was finally decided that they should work here and there along the
entire cut, trusting that it would be possible to hear if any one began
to dig on the opposite side.

"It's a case of keepin' quiet an' listenin' for suspicious sounds," Bill
said. "We won't try to get out coal to-day, an', perhaps, by night Mr.
Wright will have a better plan."

"By watchin' Billings we could get some kind of an idea as to when he
was likely to begin operations."

"Donovan promised to see to that part of it."

"Then we'll kinder lay 'round till we get the hang of the place. You
boys go on to the end of the drift an' come back. Don't make any noise."

The forenoon was spent in what was little more than patrol duty, and
when Mr. Wright came below he approved of their plans. Nothing better
was suggested, and until night-fall all four paced to and fro, the other
miners having been withdrawn from the drift.

When evening came Skip did not wait to see if Fred came out; but hurried
off to the groggery where he was made happy by Billings' extreme
friendliness.

"The leader of the mob arose immediately upon seeing him, and led the
way outside, saying when they were some distance from the building:

"I've been thinkin' over what you told me, an' am certain we can work
this thing all right."

"When?"

"In a day or two. If you could manage to get hold of that paper the job
might be done in a jiffy."

"But Joe an' Bill have got it."

"S'posen they have. A smart lad like you oughter find some way to get at
it, an' it would be worth your while to try."

"It couldn't be done."

"P'raps not by you; but I know of some, no older than you, who'd have it
before morning. Of course, I don't blame a boy for not tryin' when he
hasn't the nerve----"

"See here," Skip cried, impatiently, "haven't I showed grit enough to do
most anything?"

"If you have, prove it by gettin' hold of that paper."

"I can't see what you want it for?"

"Because it shows us all the levels. With it we can tell jest where to
begin work."

"I'll make a try for it anyhow; but I can't figger any way to get at
it."

"Watch for a chance. They won't keep it in their hands all the time,
and, by knockin'