"You must think me a fool!" replied the Iron Boy. "Of course I shall not join the union. I have had enough unionism to last me for the rest of my life, if all unions are like this one. I do not believe they are, however."
"Take my advice and join."
"I took your advice once, and as a result I have some of the marks on my body still. I understand your purpose. You think I am a little too active, and you take this as the best way to rid yourself of the annoyance," added the boy shrewdly. "No, thank you. My activity will continue until I have shown you to your blind followers in your true colors."
Steve started to pass Cavard, whereupon the latter quickly stepped in front of him, barring the Iron Boy's progress.
Steve's eyes snapped dangerously.
"Are you going to let me pass?"
"Not until I have finished what I have to say to you."
"Are you going to let me pass, or have I got to knock you down first? It must be one or the other."
For a moment the man and the boy stood looking into each other's eyes. Cavard towered half a head above the Iron Boy, and he was strong in proportion. There were few men in the mines possessing greater strength than the president of the union.
A sudden flush suffused the face of Cavard. Without an instant's warning he let go a powerful blow straight at the head of Steve Rush.