"He knows what he's up to, he does," the latter remarked. "Another week or so of this work and he'll be fit to boss the shed."
"Ah, that's satisfactory," said Mr. Marchant. "But I've something to say to you, Hal, so come to the office."
He turned and walked from the shed, taking no notice of the friendly glances his workmen threw in his direction.
"What can be wrong with the guv'?" he asked, looking after Mr. Marchant, and then at the manager. "What is it, Tomkins? Tell me."
For a moment the manager of the works wavered, uncertain whether to tell the truth.
"After all, he's got to know, sooner or later," he murmured. "Something's wrong, Hal," he continued. "There's no use in beating about the bush any longer. My only surprise is that you haven't seen for yourself that things were completely upset. I suppose every workman here knows what is going on, and it seems strange that they haven't dropped you a hint. The fact is, the foundry is broken, and the owner has lost every penny he possessed. He's ruined, and the works go to a creditor."
"Ruined! Part with the works! Why, we are full of orders, and by all accounts are in the most thriving condition!"
"Just so, Hal, that's the bitter pill about this matter. The cotton mills up Preston way have broken. For two years they have been working at a dead loss. Your father mortgaged the mills, hoping to tide over bad times. But instead of improving they became even worse. Then the foundry had to go to raise the money. The folks who advanced the money have claimed it, and your father is unable to pay; so the long and short of it is that he no longer owns these works; and, to put it bluntly, he has scarcely a sixpence left, and both he and you must work for a living."
Hal attempted to stutter out some answer, but a big lump rose in his throat, making him almost choke. And yet, had it been possible to read his thoughts at this trying time, there would have been found nothing selfish about them, for the question as to what was to become of himself had not crossed his mind. No; only the deepest sympathy with his father was felt, for they were the very best of friends.
"I can scarcely believe all you tell me," Hal said at length. "What will father do? It is a terrible blow for him."