The superintendent was a large man, six feet tall, big, broad and powerful, but good nature shone from his round, full face, and his eyes always appeared to be sparkling with laughter. For all of that, Mr. Penton was a strict disciplinarian, as a number of those who had worked under him had reason to know.
"Who was the young man with whom I saw you shaking hands in front?" was the superintendent's first question.
"Bob Jarvis, sir. He is my roommate."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes, sir."
"How long have you been rooming together?"
"Since Saturday."
"Indeed. This is somewhat surprising. But, Rush, what has happened to you? You look as if you had been through an ore grinder."
Steve flushed, then straightened up, eyeing the superintendent steadily.
"I have been in a fight, sir. I had a little disagreement, but it is all right now."