"You are to report for duty on the 'Richmond' as soon as she gets in."
"Oh!" Collins' face brightened.
"Here's your appointment," added Steve, handing over a document with the imprint of the steamship company at its head.
Collins read it through, changed color then stared at Steve.
"Is this some kind of a joke you're playing on me?"
"It is no joke, Gus. You are appointed foreman of the stoke-room of the ore carrier 'Richmond,' and you'll save more coal for the company than any other stoker who ever bossed a fire-room."
Collins sat down heavily. The tears were blinding his eyes. Steve did not try to stop them. He realized that they marked the turning point in what had been a hard life, a life that had bidden fair to be wholly wrecked in the name of justice. But what Steve Rush in his unselfishness did not realize, was that he had saved a human soul.
The interview with Mr. Carrhart took place that afternoon.
"Yes, sir; I think I have a few suggestions to make," answered Steve in reply to a question from the president. "But first I should like to ask some questions of you."
"Proceed."