The gentleman referred to, a vice-president of the company, promptly stepped back, glancing at the floor almost apprehensively. This brought another laugh from the visitors. "Come here, gentlemen," said Mr. Carrhart, "and I will show you where this young man fell in. I do not think we should be alive now had we been through that experience." The president threw open the door leading into the skip shaft. The others had stepped up to him, but as the skips thundered past them, leaping for the surface, faintly outlined monsters as they shot by, the members of the party instinctively drew back, casting wondering glances at the keen-faced boy who stood calmly, almost indifferently, looking into the shaft. Mr. Carrhart was explaining to them how the accident had occurred. "Excuse me," said Mr. Cary. "I think I should prefer to be run over by a touring car on Broadway." "And so should I," chorused the others, with the exception of Mr. Carrhart, who smiled grimly. A lunch had been prepared for the guests and they were to eat in the mine, on the platform by the tally-boards and the chutes. Tables were being set, and by the time the visitors had turned away from the shaft opening they were invited to be seated on the benches drawn up for the purpose. Steve and Bob stood talking with Mr. Carrhart, the president asking many questions. "Come, Carrhart," called one of the others. "I will be with you in a moment. Don't wait for me. Rush, how would you like to come to headquarters at the end of your year in the mines?" "You mean to take a position there?" "Yes." The lad reflected for a moment. "Would you advise me to do that, sir?" questioned Rush, looking Mr. Carrhart squarely in the eye. "So you are putting it up to me, are you, you young rascal?" laughed the president. "You know best, sir." "The question is, would you like to come into the offices?" "I am afraid I should not be worth much there. I think, sir, that I like the activity of this life better, so long as you have asked me. It is a rough, hard life, but I am happy here and I hope to learn the business so well that in time I shall be fit for a higher position." "I don't think there is any doubt about that, my lad. By all means remain here. I shall have an eye in your direction, as I have had ever since I sent you up here. Good afternoon, boys; the gentlemen are waiting for me." While this conversation was in progress an Italian was making his way down level seventeen. Over his back he carried a bag, the ends of which, fashioned into a loop, had been fastened in front of him, passing around his neck. The fellow was plodding half sleepily along, his boots slopping in the water beside the track as he staggered under his heavy burden. When near the chute a man suddenly appeared behind him, paused an instant, then walked swiftly away. A few seconds more and the Italian appeared passing the chute. "Look!" exclaimed Bob. "Great goodness! Look at that!"