Philip Darnell was conferring with the manager in his private room, when glancing through the window he saw Sebastian Mouncey approaching the office. A flush of anger mounted to his forehead. He had always disliked the clergyman; now he regarded him as the friend and supporter of the men. Doubtless he had come to urge their cause, and set forth their grievances. Instantly Darnell decided that he would not listen to the parson, would not even see him.
"Gus," he said, stepping quickly into the outer office, "Mr. Mouncey is at the door. Tell him I cannot see him. Say I am not here."
Gus looked at him in amazement.
"But, sir," he began to speak, then paused.
"Well, what?" demanded his employer angrily, as Mr. Mouncey's knock was heard.
"You are here, sir."
"I suppose I know that as well as you do; but I wish you to tell him I am not here. Say that I have returned to London."
"I cannot say that, sir," replied Gus, flushing.
"You cannot? How dare you answer me like that? Do as I bid you at once."
"I cannot," said Gus, speaking more firmly. "I will not tell a lie!"