And Allan, starting sharp around at the cry, found himself face to face with Hummel.
The latter, stopping short in his swift career by a mighty effort, stood for an instant, his face convulsed, one hand behind him.
“Well, what is it?” Allan asked, sharply, surveying him with astonishment.
“I—I wanted t’ see you,” answered Hummel, thickly. “I—I—”
“Well, go on,” said Allan, impatiently, as the latter stopped.
“I was hurryin’,” Hummel gasped. “I’m out o’ breath. I wants me job back.”
“You can’t have it. Now get out of these yards. If I catch you here again, I’ll have you run in.”
Hummel’s face flushed, and he made a convulsive movement forward, but stopped, as he heard rapid steps drawing near.
“Why, was it you who shouted, Jack?” asked Allan, in surprise, as the latter came running up. “What was the matter?”
“I seen this feller sneakin’ acrost the yards after you,” Jack explained, apologetically, “an’ I thought he meant trouble. I didn’t know he was a friend o’ yours.”