Of course, I had my opinion; but as he represents the contractor you are working for, I couldn't urge him." "Thanks!" said Festing.

"I wish I'd brought Charnock; he'd deal with this better." Kerr laughed.

"Your partner has some talents and seems to have made Norton and my storekeepers his friends.

If he hadn't, there might have been trouble about certain irregularities.

However, you can have the gravel gang if I'm forced to lay the boys off, and as soon as we can run the train over the repaired track you'll get your cheque." Festing went away, feeling satisfied, but not without some anxiety.