Behind him stood Nicolas, respectfully eager to do anything he could for the comfort of the great man.
"Ah, there you are, Reade," called President Bascomb in an irritated tone, as he caught sight of the young engineer striding forward.

"Now, what's all this row that you wired us about ?" "Will you come down to the water, and go out with me to look at the damage, sir ?" asked Tom, as he took the president's reluctantly offered hand.
"No," grunted Mr.Bascomb.

"Let me hear the story first.

Come inside and tell me about it." "Our friend is not quite so gracious as he has been on former meetings," thought Tom, as he led the way inside.

"I wonder if he is going to get cranky ?" Inside was a little office room, as in the foremen's barracks.
"Any decent cigars here ?" questioned Mr.Bascomb, after exploring his own pockets and finding them innocent of tobacco.
"No, sir," Tom answered.