he fellows in Number 9 are all upset over that new man,” said Bill Wiley, as he filled his pipe and prepared to settle himself to read “Three Weeks,” a book that very much interested him.
“What new man?” asked John Hogan.
“A new man that the Colonel sent over. He’s a timekeeper, and is getting only about $75 a month,” answered Bill.
“What’s the matter with him?” quickly asked Higgins.
“The fellers say that he’s been a jailbird, an’ they don’t want him in the house. Some of ’em telephoned to the Colonel, but he did not give ’em any satisfaction, only said that he desired the man to stay in Number 9; that he sent him to Balboa, and that if any of the men complained about living with him they could get out themselves.”
“That’s just like the Colonel,” said Higgins. “What business is it of that bunch of mutts if the poor devil has been in jail, if he’s behaving himself now?”
“Schopenhauer says that all men are—” began Ikey.
“For the love of Mike, don’t spring him on us again,” said Wiley. “I thought you had given up reading his book, anyway,” he continued.
“He says some darn good things,” said Ikey.