ath the men
had already trampled. Within the circle of light between him and the C. &
S. C. tracks stood scattered groups of the laborers, and others wandered
about with their hooks over their shoulders. There was a larger, less
distinct crowd out on the tracks. Bannon ran through an opening in the
fence, and pushed into the largest group. Here Peterson and Vogel were
talking to a stupid-looking man with a sandy mustache.

"What does this mean, Pete?" he said shortly. "We can't be held up this
way. Get your men back on the work."

"No, he won't," said the third man. "You can't go on with this work."

Bannon sharply looked the man over. There was in his manner a dogged
authority.

"Who are you?" Bannon asked. "Who do you represent?"

"I represent the C. & S. C. railroad, and I tell you this work stops right
here."

"Why?"

The man waved his arm toward the fence.

"You can't do that sort of business."

"What sort?"

"You look at that fence and then talk to me about what sort."

"What's the matter with the fence?"

"What's the matter with it! There ain't more'n a rod of it left, that's
what."

Bannon's scowl relaxed.

"Oh," he said, "I see. You're the section boss, ain't you?"

"Yes."

"That's all right then. Come over here and I'll show you how we've got
things fixed."

He walked across the track, followed by the section boss and Pete, and
pointed out the displaced sections of the fence, each of which had been
carefully placed at one side.

"We'll have it all up all right before morning," he said.

The man was running his fingers up under his cap.

"I don't know anything about that," he replied sullenly. "I've got my
orders. We didn't make any kick when you opened up in one place, but we
can't stand for all this."

He was not speaking firmly, and Bannon, watching him closely, jumped at
the conclusion that his orders were not very definite. Probably his
superintendent had instructed him to keep a close eye on the work, and
perhaps to grant no privileges. Bannon wished he knew more about the
understanding between the railroad and MacBride & Company. He felt sure,
however, that an understanding did exist or he would not have been told to
go ahead.

"That's all right," he said, with an air of easy authority. "We've got to
be working over your tracks for the next two months. It's as much to our
interest as it is to yours to be careful, and I guess we can pull
together. We've got an agreement with