Mike Sikoria

Hal Warner

Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him.

Hal Warner

Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him.

Hal Warner

Mike is a miner and friend of Hal, often involved in the labor organizing efforts alongside him.

King Coal

An old miner who shares his knowledge with Hal.

XIV

Old Slovak miner who protests the underweighting of his coal cars, pleading with the weigh-boss before being threatened and silenced.

XV

Old Mike shares his bitter experiences of being cheated by mine bosses, describing dead-work and favoritism.

XVI

Old Mike explains how the company steals cars by switching checks, how scales are rigged, and tells the story of an Italian miner who was arrested and disappeared after protesting his weight.

Chapter XX

Old Slovak miner who helped rescue the trapped Lithuanian; explains the company's burial practices and offers Hal a job as his helper.

Chapter XXI

The old Slovak miner whose buddy is laid up; Hal wants to take his place.

Chapter XXII

Old Mike serves as Hal's buddy, showing kindness and patience. He talks constantly, curses the G.F.C., and tries to help Hal endure the work with stories and encouragement.

Chapter XXIII

Mentioned as calling Joe Smith his 'green mule.'

XXV

Mentioned by Hal as harmless, just old and grouchy.

Chapter XXVI

Old Mike is approached by Olson and cannot refuse to grumble, drawing Hal's attention.

Book II: The Serfs of King Coal

Old Mike embodies the weary, experienced miner who has seen the system's cruelty.

Chapter II

First on the list of trusted miners; eager to confront the bosses.

VI

Old Mike shows concern for Hal's sprained wrist and offers advice.

VIII

Eagerly joins the movement, excited to demand a check-weighman despite the risk of being fired.

IX

Argues for fighting back but eventually agrees to non-violence. Laughs heartily upon discovering Hal's fake wrist injury.

The Demand for a Check-Weighman

Accompanies Edstrom and Hal, initially hesitant but stands firm.

Chapter XI

Old Mike nervously accompanies Hal, fears company thugs, and grumbles about sleeping outdoors.

XIII

Exultant over new supporters joining the movement; discusses plans with Hal and helps identify a suspected spy.

XIV

Old Mike goes to sleep quickly at the start of the chapter.

XV

Angrily defends Hal and accuses Apostolikas of being a spy.

XVIII

Distributes papers to miners, is caught by Bud Adams and forced to surrender them.

XIX

Mentioned as one of the ringleaders shipped away by the company.

XXIII

Mentioned by Hal as an example of a miner who was not given the same consideration as Hal when being paid.

Book III: The Henchmen of King Coal

Old Mike represents the older generation of miners who are resigned to the system, providing a contrast to the younger, more rebellious workers.

Chapter VI

Mentioned as another miner expelled from camp and potential witness.

XXXI

Describes his arrest and banishment by Bud Adams, his long walk back, and his joyful reunion with Hal.