"Yes, we'll throw both of you out first thing you know," added another. "If you want to fight, why don't you have it out before you come to the table?" Jarvis gave no heed to the warnings. He was bent on punishing the boy on the other side of the table who had defied him. Just as he was passing the head of the table, a heavy hand gripped his collar, sending Bob spinning back toward his seat. "Sit down!" bellowed a voice. The boarding boss straightened up threateningly. It was he who had checked the pugnacious Bob Jarvis, and just in time to prevent a lively fight in the miners' boarding house. Bob fell rather than sat down in his chair. "If you want to fight, go out doors. But if you do fight, I'll report you both to the superintendent," warned the boss, resuming his seat. Bob sulked in his chair, while Steve Rush, appearing to take not the least bit of interest in the disturbance, went on with his supper unmoved. "I'll make you take that back when I catch you outside, one of these fine days, Miss Hurry-up," threatened Bob in a low tone, leaning over the table with one eye on the boarding house boss. "Yes?" "Yes, I will. I dare you to meet me over by the dry house after supper. I promise you I will take it out of your hide." "No, thank you," replied Steve dryly, with a slight shrug of the shoulders. "You won't?" "No, I will not." "Afraid, eh?" "Yes; afraid I might lose some sleep. I am going to bed after supper. I have work on hand to-morrow and I don't care to spoil my chances by getting into a row to-night. Besides, I am not a fighter. I am here for business." "Fellows, I told you he was a missie. I see I've got to take you in hand, Rush. You'll never make a miner until you've been properly trimmed, and I'm the boy who's taken the contract to do the job. I----" "Jarvis, that will be about enough for the present," warned the boarding house boss from the head of the table. "Can't a fellow have a little fun without being called down?" demanded Bob in a tone of disgust. "Yes; have all the fun you want, but don't pick on a boy who isn't your size. You, boy down there, what did you say your name is?" "Stephen Rush." "Well, Steve, don't be afraid of Jarvis. His bark is much worse than his bite." "I am not afraid of him, sir." "If he bothers you here, let me know. If you have any trouble outside, report it to the superintendent or to your foreman. Where are you going to work?" "I don't know, sir. I have not been assigned. I thank you, but I think I shall be able to take care of myself without reporting to anyone," added Rush, flashing a significant glance at Bob Jarvis. The latter started to make some reply, but checked himself sharply. From that time on the meal proceeded without further disturbance. Just as they were leaving the table, however, Jarvis edged over to where Steve was standing, waiting for those ahead of him to pass through the narrow door. "I hope you get in my shift," he whispered in Steve's ear. "Why?"