Mr. Merrill agreed that was a fine plan.
“Only I hope there isn’t any doubt about that lunch,” said Alice.
“Well-l,” said Uncle Will teasingly, “do you eat three times a day at your house?”
“My no!” retorted Alice promptly, “not if I can help it! We eat four times!”
“Then you’d better have another helping of this fish,” laughed Aunt Mabel, “because with all that sight seeing to do, you’re not going to have time to eat any four meals this day—I know that!”
In a few minutes they were off for the steel mills and Mary Jane and Alice found it one of the most interesting rides they had ever taken. Through narrow streets they went and then along boulevards; through tiny villages and a larger “model village” where industrial workers by the thousands made their homes. And finally great piles as high as houses of grayish looking stuff that looked like cinders but which Uncle Will said was “slag,” told them that they were approaching the mills.
When they stepped off the car Alice exclaimed, “This looks exactly like a picture of a mining town that’s in my geography!”
“Of course it is,” laughed Uncle Will, “because this is a mining town. All the mining isn’t done in the West you know. The iron ore and the coal for the furnaces are mined right here on the spot—that’s the reason these mills are just where they are, my dear.”
They walked along the narrow street where men, women and mule carts mingled together in busy confusion, till they came to the company’s office. There was some delay there because children were not usually allowed in the plant but on the firm assurance from Mr. Merrill and Uncle Will that each would take a girl under his especial care, permission was granted.
“But be sure you watch ’em, Mr. Cole,” warned the guard as they started and Uncle Will promised.