s longing to
throw himself heart and soul into the work. It was, indeed, the spirit
in which he had flung himself into the task of lifting Benson's to the
Head of the River over again. Though she had a mother's dislike to the
idea of her son's donning blouse and apron and working cheek by jowl
with the workmen, she had also a clear perception that it would be a
mistake to discourage such energy and thoroughness. She therefore
resolved to consult M. Schenk on the morrow, and, if he saw no special
objection, to allow Max to have his way.

M. Schenk did see several objections, foremost among which was his view
that for the master's son to work like a common workman would tend to
lessen the present extremely strict discipline in the workshops. Max,
however, scouted such an idea as an unfair reflection on the men, and
continued to press his point of view most strenuously. In the end he
managed to get his way, and within a week had started work at the firm's
smelting furnaces.

This story does not, however, deal with the experiences of Max Durend in
learning the various activities of the great manufactory founded by his
father. It will, therefore, suffice if we relate one incident that had,
in the sequel, an important influence upon his career, an incident, too,
that gives an insight into his character and that of the different
classes of workmen that would, in the course of time, come under his
control.

Max was at the time working at a huge turret lathe in one of the
turning-shops. Around him were other workmen similarly engaged. Across
the room ran numerous great leather driving-bands, running at high speed
and driving the great machines with which the place was filled.
Apparently the material of one of the driving-bands was faulty, for it
suddenly parted, slipped off the driving-wheels, and became entangled in
one of the other bands. As this spun round the loose band caught in the
machine close by, wrenched it from its foundation and turned it over on
its side, pinning down to the floor the workman attending to it.

The man gave a screech as he was borne down, a screech that was broken
off short as the heavy machine fell partly upon his neck and chest,
choking him with its fell weight. A straggling cry of alarm was raised
by the other workmen who witnessed the tragic occurrence, and many
pressed forward to his aid. But the great band which had done the
mischief was being carried round and round by the driving-band in