"Mr. Forgan," said Ralph, "you will not be offended at something I feel it my duty to say?"
"Not a bit of it," pledged the foreman.
"You said I might ask you a favor."
"Just name it, Fairbanks."
"I shall, but first, I want to say this: You are in a fine, responsible position here, and your control and your influence affect every man in your service."
"I worked hard for the job," asserted Forgan proudly.
"I know you must have done that," said Ralph, "and I also know you must have had good abilities to step so high over the heads of others. But sometimes, Mr. Forgan--you will acknowledge it yourself--your temper, your impulses, your suspicions get the better of you."
Ralph was treading on dangerous ground. He realized it, for a certain quick flash came into Forgan's eyes. It was quenched, however, at an evident memory of the incident of the morning; and the foreman spoke, quite gayly:
"Go ahead, I'll listen. I see your drift."
"You have lots of friends, sir--try and know the real ones. And, Mr. Forgan, now for the favor I have to ask."