The walking delegate stopped directly in front of the young man.
"Well, my friend, what do you think of the strike now?" demanded Cavard in a mocking tone.
"What do I think? I think it is the greatest outrage that was ever perpetrated on a body of men who have not the power to think for themselves. You will have much to answer for at the day of reckoning, Mr. Cavard."
"I'll pass all that, Rush. I have been talking with the men lately. They express themselves as being sorry for the way they used you. They want to make amends——"
"So I should judge from the way they act toward me when they meet me outside," interrupted Steve.
"That has all been a mistake. The men who have annoyed you are not the representative miners. They are the men who have been brought in here by the company. A pretty tough crowd——"
"I know who they are. You need not try to tell me."
"Our members have commissioned me to ask you to attend our meetings."
"What for? So they can give me another drubbing?" demanded the lad.
"No, no; you do not understand. They want to apologize. They want you to come back into the union. Believe me, it is the best thing you can do. Should you refuse I cannot answer for the consequences. The men are getting worked up to a high pitch. I do not know how long I shall be able to control them."