Part 22 (1/2)

”Yes; I'll do that, all right. It won't violate any regulation of the department that I know of.”

”Thank you. Say nothing to anyone of what I have asked you to-night, please.”

”I think I have got something on our friend, the walking delegate, now,”

muttered the lad triumphantly, as he made his way toward home. He had gone but a short distance when he met five of the members of the union, all dressed in their best, hurrying along the street.

Steve halted and peered at them suspiciously.

”h.e.l.lo, where are you fellows going?” he demanded.

”To the superintendent's office.”

”What for?”

”We are going to present our demands. You know the doc.u.ment we decided to present to him to-day?”

Steve did not know, but he did not say so.

”You are going there now?”

”Yes; Mr. Cavard is going to meet us there at eight o'clock. We are the committee. You lost your secretary job last night. That's what comes of being too fresh,” jeered the speaker.

”So that's the game, is it?” muttered Steve. ”I should like to be present at that committee meeting. And I'm going to be there, too,” he added, after a moment's reflection. ”They can do no more than put me out.”

CHAPTER XIV

MINERS MAKE DEMANDS

”YOU go on about your business. You do not belong with this committee,”

snapped Cavard as the Iron Boy joined them at the entrance to the superintendent's office, where the meeting was to take place.

”If the superintendent doesn't wish to see me I will leave. You have no business to give me orders, so attend to your own affairs, if you will be so good.”

The lad slipped in behind the others and stood near the door of the private office, where, with the others, he was awaiting the arrival of Mr. Penton. The latter entered very shortly afterwards.

”Well, gentlemen, what can I do for you this evening?” questioned the executive smilingly.

Cavard cleared his throat, a.s.suming his most suave air.

”In the first place, Mr. Penton, we are a duly authorized committee with power to wait upon you. This boy Rush is not a member of the committee.

We represent the newly formed union. Will you kindly ask the boy to withdraw?”

The superintendent elevated his eyebrows in mild surprise.

”Is he not a member of the union?”