He would have fought for this man as determinedly as for himself, and yet only so far as commanded.

Strip him of his uniform, and he would have soon picked his side.
Hurstwood ascended a dusty flight of steps and entered a small, dust-colored office, in which were a railing, a long desk, and several clerks.
"Well, sir ?" said a middle-aged man, looking up at him from the long desk.
"Do you want to hire any men ?" inquired Hurstwood.
"What are you--a motorman ?" "No; I'm not anything," said Hurstwood.
He was not at all abashed by his position.

He knew these people needed men.

If one didn't take him, another would.

This man could take him or leave him, just as he chose.
"Well, we prefer experienced men, of course," said the man.