“Yes, I suppose you'd call him a young man, but he has been with the road for a long time, and has a pretty level head. I have found him very trustworthy.”
“I would have much greater confidence in Kerr. He's quiet and conservative, and he's had an excellent training with us.”
“Well, then, you can get him. He is doing nothing, and will be glad to come.”
“But you have probably succeeded in antagonizing him.”
“I hope so,” with sudden cheerfulness. “It was a hardship not to be able to give him a sound thrashing. That's what he deserved.”
Holloway looked shocked. The young man was displaying a recklessness of temper which was most unseemly and entirely unexpected.
“I guess it will be well for you to think it over, Oakley, before you conclude to break with General Cornish. To go now will be rather shabby of you, and you owe him fair treatment. Just remember it was those reforms of yours that started the strike, in the first place. I know—I know. What you did you did with his approval The men are peaceable enough, ain't they?” and he glared at Oakley with mingled disfavor and weariness.
“Anybody can handle them but me.”
“It won't be long until they are begging you to open the shops. They will be mighty sick of the trouble they've shouldered when their money is all gone.”
“They will never come to me for that, Mr. Holloway,” said Dan. “I think they would, one and all, rather starve than recognize my position.”