the
roundhouse that day, Ralph had just learned, and had intimidated some
of the new hands into joining in the strike movement. He had left word
that, as men came in from their runs, they were to report at a hall
where the strikers met and announce which side of the contest they
favored.

"Here we are, lad," said the veteran engineer, as they started up the
stairs of a building on Railroad Street. "Don't look very
business-like, those pails of beer going into that hall yonder and
that cloud of tobacco smoke. I wouldn't stir a foot, only it's quite
regular according to union rules to call and report in a matter like
this."

"What are you going to do, Mr. Griscom?" asked Ralph.

"Short and sweet, give my sentiments and leave these loafers to fight
it out among themselves."

"Include mine," said Ralph. "I do not understand these strike
complications and I know you do, so I shall follow your guidance."

When they entered the hall they found a noisy crowd, smoking, playing
cards and lounging about. On a platform sat Jim Evans, looking
profoundly important. He sat at a table with a heap of papers before
him. Griscom approached him, Ralph by his side.

"Who's in charge here?" demanded the old engineer gruffly.

"I am," announced Evans, in a somewhat unsteady tone. "Head of the
movement."

"That so?" muttered Griscom. "Movement can't amount to much, then. Now
then, Jim Evans, just one word. We came here out of courtesy to the
union. We are members in good standing, and we represent the
majority. At the meeting last night we voted you out as seceders. I am
authorized to inform you that from now on no attention whatever will
be paid to your crowd here."

"Is that so?" sneered Evans. "I reckon we'll attract some attention
when we get in action. We have started our own union. We are going to
break up the old one. Whoever comes in now to help us holds his job.
Whoever don't, will get downed somewhere along the line, and don't you
forget it."

"Being in the wrong," predicted Griscom steadily, "you won't
succeed."

"Will you sign the roll?"

"No."

"Nor Fairbanks?"

"Let the lad speak for himself," said Griscom.

"I know little about these complications, Mr. Evans," said Ralph. "I
pay my dues, and we are upheld in our positions by the central union.
In the present instance I stand by the regular men."

Evans angrily picked up a sheet of paper. He scribbled upon it
hastily.

"Know what that means?" he demanded