Part 23 (1/2)

”I merely wish to present for your consideration the fact that I believe the meeting at which these demands were drawn up was not a representative one. Many of us did not receive our notifications until this morning.”

”That was your own fault,” interjected Cavard.

”I beg to differ with you. The notifications advising us that the meeting was to be held last night were not mailed until midnight last night, after the meeting had taken place, Mr. Cavard, and you know that is the truth. It was a 'fixed' meeting and I am willing to go before a representative gathering of the union and prove that fact.”

”I object!” shouted the Duke. ”I did not come here to be insulted by a young loafer like you.”

Mr. Penton hammered on the table with his fist.

”Gentlemen, that will do. Mr. Rush is not a loafer. I consider him a young gentleman and an honest man. If his point is correct, I have but one thing to say.”

Cavard's face worked nervously. He was making a violent effort to control himself. Mr. Penton was eyeing the man keenly.

”If you can show me that these demands have been approved by a full and representative gathering of the men in our employ, then I will not only take your grievances into consideration, but will transmit them to the officers of the company for their decision. You no doubt know that it is not within my power to grant such sweeping demands as these. Unless it is the expression of a majority of the men, I decline to give the matter any attention whatever.”

”Are you going to take the word of an irresponsible boy against that of a man of experience and recognized standing among the men in your employ?” almost shouted Cavard, who was rapidly losing his self-control.

”I am of the opinion that Rush's standing is equally as high as your own. You thought enough of him to make him the secretary of your organization. As such, he surely should be ent.i.tled to attention and----”

”He is not the secretary of the union. The men fired him out last night.

He was----”

Cavard checked himself suddenly. His face flushed. He had said something that he had not intended to say at all, but his temper had gotten the better of him, leading him into an unwitting admission.

Steve Rush grinned sarcastically.

”Is this true, Rush?” demanded the superintendent, turning toward Steve.

”I am told that it is,” replied the boy politely. ”I have not yet learned why, but I have a fairly good idea.”

”And what do you propose to do about it, my lad?”

”I am going to see to it that the men understand the trick that has been played on them. I am going to let the majority of them know how they were fooled as to the meeting. I think they will be rather surprised.

But I beg your pardon; I have said too much.”

”I should say you had,” muttered Cavard.

”The interview is closed, gentlemen,” announced Mr. Penton. ”You have my ultimatum in the matter. When you can come to me properly authorized, I will give your demands consideration, and not until then. I have nothing to do with your differences in your organization. I do know, however, that Mr. Rush is a young man whose word I would take as far as that of any man I know. Good evening, gentlemen.”

The superintendent rose, indicating that the interview need not be prolonged.

Very much crestfallen, the delegates turned toward the door, followed by Steve.

”You will hear from us again, Mr. Penton,” announced Cavard, speaking with emotion.

”Very good, sir.”

”You young whelp, you'll suffer for this evening's work,” raged the walking delegate when the callers had regained the street. ”I'll see to it that your path isn't one of roses hereafter. I give you fair warning.

I am the master here, and you will find that out to your sorrow.”