They did not move, and Charnock resumed: “Have you brought your foreman or Wilkinson?”
Somebody said neither had come, and Charnock nodded.
“Well, I reckon they know what's best for them! Wilkinson doesn't like me, but he's not looking for more trouble; I imagine he's had enough. Then the foreman's not a friend of mine, but he has a better job than yours and means to hold it down. If you get up against the bosses, he's not going to be fired.”
There was silence, and he saw his remarks had not been wasted. He had hinted that the men were being used and given them ground to distrust their leaders.
“I half expected another fellow, a friend of Wilkinson's, who claimed he had been hit by a stone. Has he come along?”
“Said he was too sore and would have to lay off to-morrow,” one replied. “That's another thing. When you shoot off your blasts you have got to watch out that nobody gets hurt.”
“Sure,” agreed Charnock. “We did watch out and blew the whistle; but we want to do the square thing. If Pearson got hurt and can't work, let him show you the bruise. We'll stand for his pay until you think he's fit to begin again.”
“That's fair,” admitted the other with a laugh. “He wasn't showing the bruise much. Say, you're pretty smart!”
“I hope so,” said Charnock, modestly. “Looks as if I needed all the smartness I've got. We're up against the weather and a big awkward job, and then you come along and worry us! However, what are you going to do about it if we can't put the rails down as soon as you want?”
“We'll make the bosses break your contract.”