Part 39 (1/2)

CHAPTER XIX

WRECKED IN AN ORE CAR

It was all the ranch owner could do to keep peace after Tad Butler had so cleverly outwitted his adversary in the rope throwing contest.

Yet, though the defeated man was fairly beside himself with rage, the cowboys generally favored fair play.

Their companion had been beaten in a fair contest, princ.i.p.ally because his opponent had been quicker witted.

Tad and Chunky, one bearing a rifle, the other a handsome saddle, were proud boys when they rode home with Tom Phipps and their companions that night. The Pony Rider Boys had carried away the real prizes of the cowboy meet. Chunky had few words. He was so filled with self-importance that he could only look his gratification. When part way home, however, he rode up beside Tad, and leaning from his saddle, whispered, ”I didn't fall off, did I?”

The news of triumph spread about the mining camp quickly. When the miners learned that Cravath's pony and his man had been defeated, they shouted for joy. From that moment the Pony Rider Boys became persons of consequence in the Red Star mining camp.

It was suggested that evening that the whole party spend the next day in the mine. Tom Phipps had permission to devote the day to them if they wished to go underground.

”That will be fine,” cried Tad, to which sentiment all the rest subscribed, except Stacy.

”I'm going hunting,” he announced.

”Hunting? What for?” questioned Ned.

”Anything I can see.”

”Then, I'm glad we are all going to spend the day underground. It will be about the only safe place around this part of the country.”

”Remember, Chunky, that's a powerful weapon of yours and long range,”

warned Tad.

”And remember to watch out that you don't fall off your new saddle and break your neck,” retorted the fat boy.

On the following morning the boys, with the exception of Stacy, reported at Tom Phipps's shack ready for the day's sight-seeing in the zinc mine far underground. The a.s.sistant superintendent had made ready a large basket of food, as the party was to dine in the mine.

Professor Zepplin was enthusiastic. It was an opportunity that he had much desired.

”I understand,” he said, fixing Tom Phipps with a stern glance of inquiry, as they started for the mine, ”that Silurian species have been found in the limestones hereabouts. Also that others believed to be Cambrian have been discovered. Is this in accordance with your experience?”

”I think I understand to what you refer,” answered Tom gravely. ”I can't say that I am familiar with the species, however.”

”If Chunky was here he would want to know if it were something to eat,” laughed Ned. ”I'm not very certain myself whether it is or not.”

”You'll be wiser by-and-by,” said Tad.

Entrance to the mine was gained through a shaft leading straight down for a great many feet. A windla.s.s and bucket was employed to carry the miners up and down, while through another and larger shaft automatic buckets raised the zinc ore to the surface.

All of the party could not be accommodated in the pa.s.senger bucket at one time, so it was necessary to make two trips, Mr. Phipps returning with the vehicle to see that the rest of the boys got down safely.

Descending into the cool, damp darkness was a new experience for them.

And while the sensations were not particularly pleasant, they agreed that it was the most interesting journey they ever had taken.