"I saw Daly when I was down here last week." "My time's not valuable," replied Thorpe.

"Now when we get to town I want your power of attorney and a few figures, after which I will not bother you again." The next day the young man called for the second time at the little red-painted office under the shadow of the mill, and for the second time stood before the bulky power of the junior member of the firm.
"Well, young man, what can I do for you ?" asked the latter.
"I have been informed," said Thorpe without preliminary, "that you intend to pay John Radway nothing for the work done on the Cass Branch this winter.

Is that true ?" Daly studied his antagonist meditatively.

"If it is true, what is it to you ?" he asked at length.
"I am acting in Mr.Radway's interest." "You are one of Radway's men ?" "Yes." "In what capacity have you been working for him ?" "Cant-hook man," replied Thorpe briefly.
"I see," said Daly slowly.

Then suddenly, with an intensity of energy that startled Thorpe, he cried: "Now you get out of here! Right off! Quick!" The younger man recognized the compelling and autocratic boss addressing a member of the crew.
"I shall do nothing of the kind!" he replied with a flash of fire.
The mill-owner leaped to his feet every inch a leader of men.