"Yes, sir."
"And that the man Jarvis then went back to number eight and began playing the hose on it?"
"Yes, sir."
"Do you deny this, Rush?"
"I don't know—I don't remember whether we were in conversation just before the accident or not. I can't remember. I do not think we were, however."
"You will admit the accusation in a moment," snapped the superintendent. "You had been told that it was dangerous to put water on a hot pit——"
"I had not, sir, neither did I put water on a hot pit. I knew Jarvis was sprinkling number eight, but I did not know that such a thing was dangerous. How should I? It was my first day in the mills. I was just beginning my work there. But, sir, what is it you are trying to do with me? Are these two men trying to get me into trouble?"
"It begins to look as if you had gotten yourself in, without any of their assistance. Does any one know how badly the man Jarvis has been injured?"
"I understand it is not serious," answered Steve.
"I shall have to discipline you both," began the superintendent.