“In a way—yes, sir.”
“Indeed!” said the superintendent, ominously. “And you don't care what the company thinks about it!”
“It's not that, Mr. Cartwright, but we don't see anything for the company to object to. It's a simple business arrangement—”
“Well, if it seems simple to you, it doesn't to me,” snapped the other. And then, getting himself in hand, “Understand me, the company would not have the least objection to the men making sure of their weights, if they really think it's necessary. The company has always been willing to do the right thing. But it's not a matter that can be settled off hand. I will let you know later.”
Again they were dismissed, and again Old Mike turned, and Edstrom also. But now another ant sprang into the ditch. “Just when will you be prepared to let the check-weighman begin work, Mr. Cartwright?” asked Hal.
The superintendent gave him a sharp look, and again it could be seen that he made a strong effort to keep his temper. “I'm not prepared to say,” he replied. “I will let you know, as soon as convenient to me. That's all now.” And as he spoke he opened the door, putting something into the action that was a command.
“Mr. Cartwright,” said Hal, “there's no law against our having a check-weighman, is there?”
The look which these words drew from the superintendent showed that he knew full well what the law was. Hal accepted this look as an answer, and continued, “I have been selected by a committee of the men to act as their check-weighman, and this committee has duly notified the company. That makes me a check-weighman, I believe, Mr. Cartwright, and so all I have to do is to assume my duties.” Without waiting for the superintendent's answer, he walked to the door, followed by his somewhat shocked companions.
SECTION 11.
At the meeting on the night before it had been agreed to spread the news of the check-weighman movement, for the sake of its propaganda value. So now when the three men came out from the office, there was a crowd waiting to know what had happened; men clamoured questions, and each one who got the story would be surrounded by others eager to hear. Hal made his way to the boarding-house, and when he had finished his supper, he set out from place to place in the camp, telling the men about the check-weighman plan and explaining that it was a legal right they were demanding. All this while Old Mike stayed on one side of him, and Edstrom on the other; for Tom Olson had insisted strenuously that Hal should not be left alone for a moment. Evidently the bosses had given the same order; for when Hal came out from Reminitsky's, there was “Jake” Predovich, the store-clerk, on the fringe of the crowd, and he followed wherever Hal went, doubtless making note of every one he spoke to.