"Does Skip Miller think he can say who I shall talk with?"
"Whether he does or not none of the fellers like bosses' pets."
"Even if I was a 'pet,' as you call it, I can't see how it concerns any one but myself; almost anything is better than being a regulator."
"I've told you what the fellers think, an' that ends it; look out for yourself after this."
"I can't accuse you of ever looking out for me, not even when a hint might have saved me from a pounding."
Chunky made no reply, and Fred understood that, although the riot was ended, his position in the community had not been bettered. One sample of mob rule evidently pleased the regulators, and they were prepared to assert their alleged rights more strongly than ever.
When the day's work was finished Joe Brace and Sam came for Fred, and he walked out of the breaker in their company, while Skip and his adherents stood near the building ready to take advantage of the first opportunity for mischief.
"Don't think we shan't get a whack at you," the leader cried. "Them fellers won't allers be 'round, an' when our time does come things'll be worse than they was in the shaft."
"If I ever hear of your touchin' Fred I'll take a hand in the row myself," Brace said threateningly.
"Oh, yes, you will," Skip replied with a leer, and then led his followers down the road, each one making some insulting remark as he passed.