The men welcomed him with eager nods and smiles, many coming forward to shake his hand in silent respect. The big plant was now going at full blast. Belts flapped, logs thudded, planers snored loudly, and the great saw ripped shrilly through the big logs in a raising crescendo of sound.
Down at the siding an engine bumped noisily into a long string of flat-cars piled high with lumber. With arms akimbo, his wet undershirt clinging to his powerful torso, the mop of blond hair hanging damp on his brow, Gillis stood surveying the heavily-laden cars with an air of complacency. The lumber handlers sat about in positions of weariness, mopping their hot faces.
Gillis smiled cheerfully as Donald approached.
“Good news for you, Donnie,” he said.
“What is it, Jack?”
“Last load for the big steamer,” replied Gillis, as he pointed at the moving train.
“We’re on time, then,” cried Donald gladly.
“One day ahead,” corrected Gillis.
The engineer came to the cab window as the engine passed, and pantomimed his congratulations by shaking hands with himself. The train gathered speed, and as the caboose rattled by, the conductor came to the rear platform.
“Good work, boys!” he shouted.