"He is usually ahead of time, instead of behindhand," Larry thought.
He went to the door, and nearly collided with some one who was on the point of entering at the same time.
"How d' do, Larry?" was the off-hand salutation of the newcomer, who was a short, stout man whom the boy recognized as Gideon Stark, a former watchman in the works, who had of late been employed as a helper in the moulding department.
"Where is Jake?" Larry asked.
"Sick," was the sententious reply.
"And you're going to take his place to-night?"
"I'm going to try."
"Does Mr. Gardner know about it?"
"I suppose so. Jake said he sent him word."
"All right, then, if he knows. Only," and Larry looked at the man, sharply, "you know the engineer can't leave till the watchman comes, and you're not the watchman unless you're regularly hired."