“Yes. Each foreman is supreme. To him is given all the praise, and likewise all the blame.”
“When will you want me to begin?”
“Right away—to-morrow.”
“That is agreeable to me.”
“Very well.” Sigsbee turned back his chair. “I will notify the aqueduct board at its next meeting—that is Monday. Your orders will come through me.”
“I shall obey them to the letter.”
“I’m sure of that,” said the politician, rising. “And let our motto be ‘All for Los Angeles.’” He accompanied the engineer to the outer office. “Will you step down and have a drink before going?”
Nash asked to be excused, to the other’s surprise. “Don’t indulge, eh? Not even one?”
“I’ve a lot of work ahead of me,” said Nash. “It’ll need a clear head. Thank you just the same.”
“You’ll smoke, won’t you?”