"Most astounding obstinacy on the part of so young a man when dealing with his elder." "I'll try to explain to you, Mr.Prenter," volunteered Reade, "just what I've been trying to tell Mr.Bascomb." "I don't know that I need trouble you," replied Mr.Prenter, moving so that he stood more behind the irate president.

"I overheard what you were telling him." Then the treasurer did a most unexpected thing.

He winked broadly at the young engineer.
"Yes, Prenter," Mr.Bascomb went on, "this camp is in a state of mutiny.
The men are all at odds with their chief." "Strange," murmured the treasurer of the Melliston Company.

"When I paused on the porch, before entering, I thought I caught sight of unusual activity down at the water front.

Did you notice it, too, Bascomb ?" "I noticed nothing of the sort," replied the president stiffly.