"If you can show me that these demands have been approved by a full and representative gathering of the men in our employ, then I will not only take your grievances into consideration, but will transmit them to the officers of the company for their decision. You no doubt know that it is not within my power to grant such sweeping demands as these. Unless it is the expression of a majority of the men, I decline to give the matter any attention whatever."
"Are you going to take the word of an irresponsible boy against that of a man of experience and recognized standing among the men in your employ?" almost shouted Cavard, who was rapidly losing his self-control.
"I am of the opinion that Rush's standing is equally as high as your own. You thought enough of him to make him the secretary of your organization. As such, he surely should be entitled to attention and——"
"He is not the secretary of the union. The men fired him out last night. He was——"
Cavard checked himself suddenly. His face flushed. He had said something that he had not intended to say at all, but his temper had gotten the better of him, leading him into an unwitting admission.
Steve Rush grinned sarcastically.
"Is this true, Rush?" demanded the superintendent, turning toward Steve.
"I am told that it is," replied the boy politely. "I have not yet learned why, but I have a fairly good idea."
"And what do you propose to do about it, my lad?"
"I am going to see to it that the men understand the trick that has been played on them. I am going to let the majority of them know how they were fooled as to the meeting. I think they will be rather surprised. But I beg your pardon; I have said too much."