“But they have, given up.”
“Given up expecting to use the works. But what are they going to do in revenge?”
“Revenge!”
“Yes. You may depend upon it we are marked men, and that we shall have to fight hard to hold our own.”
As the day went on—a day busily spent in making plans for the future of our factory, we had one or two applications from men who were seeking work, and if we had any doubt before of how our coming was to be received, we realised it in the yells and hootings that greeted the men who came in a friendly spirit.
Uncle Dick went off directly after breakfast to see about the machinery waiting at the railway being delivered, and it was late in the afternoon before he returned.
“One of us will have to stay always on the premises for the present,” he said, “so I have ordered some furniture and a carpenter to come and board up and make that corner office comfortable. We must make shift.”
The matter was discussed, and finally it was settled that two of our party were to be always on the premises, and until we were satisfied that there was no more fear of interference, one was to keep watch half the night with the dog, and then be relieved by the other.
“We shall have to make a man of you, Cob,” said Uncle Jack. “You must take your turn with us.”
“I’m ready,” I replied; and very proud I felt of being trusted.