“What are you gaping there for, Considine. Go 'long.”
“Where?”
“Go and get your time. We're through with you.”
Bruce stood still looking stupidly at Hunch.
“What?” he said. “You ain't——”
“Get off the job. Understand? You're laid off. We don't want you.”
Bruce slowly lifted his cant-hook to his shoulder. He stared at Hunch until Hunch turned away, then he walked over to where McGuire was standing, and went away with him.
Late in the afternoon they came back and hung around, watching the gang at work. They had been drinking again, and McGuire had a bottle in his pocket which he pulled out frequently. They were talking loud and laughing.
Their actions drew the attention of the men and annoyed Badeau, though he said nothing for a long time. Finally, Bruce and McGuire began calling at the men, growing bolder in their remarks. At last McGuire called, “You fellows mus' like working for tha' dam' fool,” and Hunch walked toward them.
“You'll have to move away from here,” he said. “We can't have you disturbing the work.”