ed astonishment.

The machinery suddenly stopped, and from all the bosses came the orders
that every laborer should return home without delay.

No explanations were given, and when the vast army were on the outside
they stood in groups around the works discussing the cause of this very
strange state of affairs.

"I never knew anything like this to happen at Farley's before," an old
miner said.

"And they don't even tell us why we are cheated out of a day's work."

"The engineer says there is nothing the matter with the machinery."

"Yes, an' he, like us, has been ordered to go home."

These and a dozen other remarks Fred heard as he left the breaker, and
while loitering for an instant to learn if any one suspected the true
state of affairs he became conscious that Skip and his friends were
regarding him with mingled anger and consternation written on their
faces.

"You'd better get out of here, or there may be trouble," Chunky
whispered.

"Why?"

"'Cause Skip has got plenty of time now to serve you out, an' he looks
like somethin' was goin' to be done."

"He'd better not try any more games. I can take care of myself in the
daylight."

"What do you mean? Did he do somethin' last night?"

Before Fred could reply the captain of the regulators came up, and
Chunky lost no time in moving away from this very important personage.

"Say," Skip began, as he stepped threateningly in front of Fred, "what's
the meanin' of all this?"

"Do you mean the shutting down of the machinery?"

"Of course I do."

"Why should I know anything about it?"

"Don't try to play off innocent to me. You've been blowin' about what
the regulators did, an' that's why all hands can suck their thumbs
to-day."

"Don't you think that is a foolish idea?" Fred asked, with a feeble
effort at a smile. "Do you fancy you, the regulators, or I, are so
important that the whole force is laid off because of anything which
may have happened between us?"

Skip was staggered by this reply, and after thinking the matter over for
a moment, he said in a surly tone:

"All I've got to say is that things will be too hot for you in this
town, if a word is told about what was done last night."

"You said pretty near the same before throwing me down the shaft."

"Well, I'm sayin' it again, for it stands you in hand to remember it."

"I won't forget."

Skip turned quickly as if the tone offended him, and after glaring
fiercely at the breaker boy, w