CHAPTER XVIII
MRS. AUSTIN MEDDLES
Chains rattled, an iron pulley clanked, and Kit went down the ladder. The heavy steel frame tilted, but its end had not yet reached the proper spot, and the men stopped for breath. To leave the mass suspended for the night was risky, and Kit meant to make all fast before the whistle blew. Jumping from the ladder, he joined the gang.
“Get to it, boys!” he shouted. “Heave and swing her home!”
The men bent their backs, but the pulley wheels did not turn. The gang was beaten, and if the chain stoppers did not engage smoothly, the load might get away and plunge through the lower platforms to the river. Then Kit saw the man in front was Railton, whom he had put off the bridge.
“You can’t pull, Steve. We must give you a softer job.”
“I reckon I’d pull you off your feet,” the other gasped.
“Show me!” said Kit. “Try again, boys. Steve claims he can boost her. Stay with it; that’s great! She’s going!”
The frame went, the stoppers held, and a man carrying the fastening bolts climbed the ladder. Railton turned and rubbed his sweating face with a greasy rag.
“Looks as if I could pull some! Where’s your soft job?”
“To get mad is foolish, Steve,” Kit remarked with a grin. “When a soft job is going I won’t forget you.”