Festing noted that although he made them useful, he did not give them the hardest work.

He refrained from asking how Charnock got the men, but was not surprised when the foreman arrived and inquired in forcible language what they were doing there.
"Let me answer him," said Charnock.

"I feel in the mood.

It's my first chance of letting myself go; as long as you're working for wages the advantage is with the boss.

Besides, I think I ought to do something for the boys, who can't talk back." Festing admitted that he talked very well.