“No; or if it is, it’s a gang of the less scrupulous ones.”
“That’s what Stanley thinks. He says Bassett’s at the head of it.”
“That’s a good idea—worth working on, anyway. Suppose you tell Stanley to have one of his best men keep an eye on Bassett. If he starts for Cincinnati, let me know and I’ll have him shadowed at this end. How are things at Wadsworth?”
“Stanley was just here and reported everything quiet. He says he’s worried, though, by a lot of tough-looking strangers who have showed up recently in the depot saloons.”
“Well, don’t take any chances. Swear in all the deputies you need. And keep everybody out of the yards.”
“I’ve already ordered that. Have we men enough to run the trains?”
“We’re a little short, but there’s another squad coming on from the east to-night. There have been a lot here looking for jobs, but I’m afraid to hire them. Don’t hire anybody at Wadsworth, unless you’re sure of them. We must hold our men together. I think the strikers are getting tired and another week will see the end of it.”
“I hope so.”
“The only thing I’m afraid of and want to guard against is a flare-up at the end. And that’s what I want you to watch for and try to prevent. Some of the young fire-eaters may feel so sore when they know they’ve lost the strike that they’ll try to take it out on us.”
“All right; and I’ll get out myself just as soon as I can.”