The foregoing colloquy has been carried on in low tones for I have no wish to disturb the shop, or make a show of rebellion.[14]

I make my way back to our work-table. “Well, Jack, I’m in for it!”

“What did you tell him?”

“I refused to work any longer.”

“Gee! You’ll get it in the neck, sure enough. You’ve committed a serious offense.”

“That’s all right; but I wish my hands weren’t so sticky. I can’t get them clean with that cold water.”

“I’ll get you some hot water.”

Jack goes off to fulfill his errand; and I see that Grant has come into the shop and is talking to Captain Kane. Wondering if this is the first the latter has heard of my plan of action, I take my coat and cap down from the hook and put them on. The men begin to feel that something is up; and a number of them cease work and stare as an officer steps up to our table.

“Thomas Brown.”

“Yes, sir.”