A flash of feeling came into Ralph Fairbanks’ face and he looked steadily at his old friend and superior.
“What did you expect him to do here?”
“Confound it all! I don’t want to be catechised. I want you to answer me. I want to know what you think of the man’s work?”
“You want it straight, then, do you?” asked Ralph sharply.
“Yes, I do.”
“Then I think he will end in setting everybody by the ears and bringing on a strike that may spread to every division of the Great Northern. You have forced this answer from me. Remember, you must not quote me.”
“I won’t snitch,” said the general manager, with a wry grin. “I understand. Then you take the men’s view of Bart? You believe he is a trouble-maker?”
“As sure as you are two feet high!” exclaimed Ralph, with conviction.
“Huh! He has already brought about changes that have saved the division a mint of money.”
“The other changes he has made will cost the road a good deal more—if there is a strike.”