“Oh, Reade!” he called to the stenographer who had gone into the back room, “come back here! I have something to add to that report.”
The stenographer came in, and again took his place before the typewriter.
“Owing to the slowness of the work on the exterior construction, I have found it necessary to dispense with the services of Mr. Fitz.”
Reade looked up in surprise. “Are you going to ‘can’ him?”
Stephen made no answer, but continued to dictate: “I have secured the services of a very good man, who until recently has been at the head of that work in the Quentin Mining Company and who, I think, will fill the position very satisfactorily.” “That is all, Reade.”
The stenographer left the room, whistling softly. “He sure acts with precision,” murmured Reade, as he closed the door. “When Fitz answered back at mess the other night, I knew he’d get into trouble. The Boss never speaks twice, and now that the men understand his ways, he don’t need to.”
A short half-hour after Loring had finished his letter the stage from the northward drew up outside the office door, and a passenger descended from it. Loring opened the window, looked out, and recognized his old friend McKay.
“Prompt as usual!” thought Loring. “I did not expect him until to-morrow or the day after; but I like his coming so soon. Promptness means efficiency.”
Loring smiled when he heard McKay tell the driver to charge the trip to the Company. “Mac has not much to learn of business methods in the west,” Loring chuckled, as he hastened to resume his seat at the desk. A little later he heard a thump, as McKay dropped his bag on the porch, and then he heard him asking for the manager. Some one directed the stranger to the office, and Loring heard the creak of his boots on the stairs.