"Then be careful that you don't do something that you will be sorry for," retorted the Duke. "I know a thing or two about what you fellows are up to, and let me tell you that the union won't stand for it by a long shot! First thing you know you will be out in the cold; you'll lose your jobs and you will find that it will be rather difficult to get others in these parts."
"Is that a threat?" demanded Rush.
"You may construe it as you wish."
"Very well——"
"Tut, tut; what's this?" demanded the man Driscold, who had come up in time to overhear the last remarks. "This won't do at all. Harmony is what we want in the union, and harmony is what we must have. What is the difficulty here?"
"There is no difficulty so far as we are concerned, replied Rush. "Mr. Cavard is a little excited, that's all. He will feel better to-morrow. Good night."
The boys turned away abruptly and started for home.
"Now, Steve Rush, will you please tell me what all this means?" demanded Jarvis after they had reached their room. "What on earth ever possessed you to join the union after you had been roasting it so hard?"
"I had my reasons, Bob."
"Yes; I suppose you had."