Salvation Joe marched away to report to the Manager.
"And went on after I'd spoken," he said. "Saucy with it too."
Christmas was over; Easter some weeks away; things were very slack.
The Manager was a thick young German with wavy black hair parted in the middle. He now sent for Ernie.
"You can go at the end of your month," he said. "I'm sick of it."
"You ain't the only one," retorted Ernie. "I'll go now."
"Then you'll go without your wages," replied the Manager.
Ernie went upstairs to his dormitory, dressed, gathered his few belongings, and came downstairs deliberately and with dignity.
He felt exalted.
Salvation Joe met him with a sardonic smile.