"I warn you again to keep away from my daughter!" he cried, furiously.
"And I warn you that I shall come aboard the yacht to-night alone."
The president of the Trust turned, and, followed by his lieutenant, left the room without another word.
CHAPTER XXVI
IN WHICH A SCORE IS SETTLED
Cherry Malotte, coming down to the cannery on her daily visit, saw Willis Marsh and Mr. Wayland leaving it. Wondering, she hurried into the main building in search of Boyd. The place was as busy as when she had left it on the afternoon before, and she saw that the men had been at work all night; many of them were sprawled in corners, where they had sunk from weariness, snatching a moment's rest before the boss kicked them back to their posts. The Chinese hands were stoically performing their tasks, their yellow faces haggard with the strain; at the butchering-tables yesterday's crew was still slitting, slashing, hacking at the pile of fish that never seemed to grow less. Some of them were giving up, staggering away to their bunks, while others with more vitality had stood so long in the slime and salt drip that their feet had swelled, and it had become necessary to cut off their shoes.
Boyd was standing in the door of the office. In a few words he told her of Mr. Wayland's threat.
"Do you think he can injure the company?" she inquired, anxiously.
"I haven't a doubt of it. He can work very serious harm, at least."
"Tell me—why did he turn against you so suddenly? What made Miss
Wayland angry with you?"