"I am afraid you could not stand it, my lad," answered Mr. Carrhart after brief reflection. "And, besides, as you understand, all the hiring is done by the officials at the mines." "Yes, sir. But you need have no fear that I shall not be able to do a man's work. I was one of the best athletes in the high school. I was quite frail when I began going to school, but by systematic exercise I have built myself up. I can stand a much greater strain than you would imagine to look at me. If I do not make good they will not keep me. Won't you please give me a chance to try, sir?" "How would you like to come in the office here?" "I should like it, of course, sir; but, as I have already said, I prefer to begin at the bottom and work up." "My lad, you are of the right stuff. You will get on in the world. Not much of anything matters in the face of such determination as yours. The work in the mines is very hard. You will find rough men there and you will meet with more or less temptation, but I believe you are strong enough to keep yourself above it." "Yes, sir. I am sure of that, sir." By this time Mr. Carrhart was busily writing. Steve watched him, not quite certain whether or not the interview was at an end. "You--you will give me a chance, sir?" asked the lad after a moment's silence. "Yes; here is a letter to the general superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine. I have asked him to give you employment at the earliest possible moment. I shall hope to hear good reports from you, Rush. Remember what I have said to you. I shall keep an eye on you." "Oh, thank you, sir; thank you! I cannot tell you how I appreciate your kindness." "Purely a matter of business, my lad. I see in you the making of an excellent man for the company. We are looking for young men with your determination and grit." As Steve passed out through the reception room the office boy stepped in front of him. "I'll lick you the first time I catch you outside," announced the guardian of the door. "Please don't," answered Steve. "Somebody might get hurt. Besides, I am not a fighter. Good afternoon." Rush hurried out to carry the good news to his mother. "That boy has the making of a great man," mused Carrhart, as he stood with hands clasped behind his back, gazing down into the street. "Yes, he will be heard from some of these days, unless I am greatly in error." CHAPTER II HANDLING THE RED ORE "Why, boy, you couldn't stand up for an hour down below ground." Ike Penton, general superintendent of the Cousin Jack Mine, smiled indulgently into the eager face of Steve Rush. "It's a man's work, not a boy's work. Mr. Carrhart's letter gives you a fine endorsement. He seems to think you have the making of a miner in you, and acting on his judgment, I shall of course give you a chance." "Thank you, sir. You will try to place me down in one of the mines, will you not?"