ron work to serve as a weapon.

"I thought I heard somebody running in that direction when I first
fell," Fred said, pointing toward the quarter in which it was reasonable
to suppose the old shaft might be found.

Joe led the way, the others following close behind until, when half a
mile had been traversed, they arrived at two slopes or inclined tunnels,
running at right angles from the level.

"It won't do to pass these," Bill cried. "We'll take one, while the boys
search out the other."

He darted into the right-hand opening as he spoke; but returned before
Joe could join him, saying:

"That was a false cutting. It only runs a dozen yards, an' there's
nothin' in it. Sam, you an' Fred look into the other one while we keep
on."

The idea of coming upon Cale Billings while they were unarmed was not a
pleasant idea for the boys; but they would have braved considerably
greater danger rather than show signs of fear, and both obeyed promptly.

This slope ran at an inclination of nearly forty-five degrees for about
fifty yards when it turned sharply to the right, terminating in a small
chamber where the vein had probably came to an end.

As Sam and Fred entered the place a figure darted from one corner and
attempted to rush past them; but the flight was checked very suddenly.

"Why it's Skip Miller!" Sam cried, as he lowered his lamp that the rays
might fall upon the prisoner's face.

"Yes, it's me," Skip said, piteously. "Please don't drag me off."

[Illustration: "Please don't drag me off," Skip said, piteously. "I'll
never hurt you or anybody else again."]

"How did you come here?"

"With Billings; he made me do jest what he said, an' I didn't dare to
show up in town."

"Why not?"

"'Cause I knew Mr. Wright would have me 'rested on account of pretty
nigh killin' you."

"What?" Fred cried, in surprise. "Then it wasn't an accident?"

Skip literally groveled on the ground in his fear. He understood now
that his share in that business had not been known until he himself
betrayed the fact.

"Don't lug me off," he screamed. "I'd have to go to jail."

"You wouldn't so long as we kept the thing a secret," Fred replied, with
a feeling of mingled pity and contempt because of the abject terror
displayed. "We must take you with us; but needn't tell about your
villainy."

"Then father would just about beat me to death for runnin' away. Why not
let me stay here? I'll never hurt you or anybody else again."

Al