“Rather,” I returned bitterly. And taking Ford aside I told him of all that had occurred.

“The mean rascal!” exclaimed the ex-mill-hand. “It would do me good to punch his head.”

“I don’t know what to do,” I went on. “If I go back he may do me up.”

“He wouldn’t if I was around,” replied Ford with a decided shake of the head.

“I am satisfied that he is a wicked man at heart,” I went on. “It is an awful surprise to me too, because I always heard father speak well of him.”

“You can’t tell how some men will act when they have a little power. He, no doubt, thinks he can boss you just as he pleases.”

“Well, he’ll find out that he is mistaken.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Ford said,—

“Tell you what to do, Rube. You go back and I’ll go with you.”