truction the superintendent dispatched a
reliable man to maintain guard at the spot; and Weir, feeling that all
had been done that was possible under the circumstances, gave his
attention to other matters.

But he perceived that with this "liquor attack" in the air, for it was
but another of his enemies' moves against him, of course, directed
with the purpose of creating internal disorder, he must postpone his
trip to the headwaters of Terry Creek. Knowing the crafty,
persistent, conscienceless character of the four men inspiring the
trick, he was under no delusion that the "free whiskey" would end with
a single case of bottles. Among three hundred men that would amount to
but two or three drinks apiece--a mere taste, only a teaser. And
because it was only a teaser, the men would want more. If he could
carry them over this idle Sunday sober, they would be at work on the
morrow and the chief danger be passed.

Unfortunately a manager cannot take his workmen into his confidence in
such a case and explain the nature of such a cunning attack; the thing
was too complex, and their untutored minds would fail to perceive if
they did not actually reject the explanation, in jealousy for their
"rights" concluding that they were being hoodwinked. By very
perverseness they would refuse to deny themselves a free gift of
whiskey.

With Pollock, however, whose interest as a director was vital, he
could talk in full expectation of being understood. And moreover,
owing to the entangled condition into which the company's and his own
personal affairs had come, strict honor required that he inform his
visitor of the entire situation and offer, if in the director's view
such action would best serve the company's ends, to resign.

In his office immediately after dinner he gave the easterner a
complete account of happenings in San Mateo since his arrival as
manager, with a statement of his father's earlier residence here, of
the fraud practiced by Sorenson and his companions on him and his
tragically ruined life.

"This, you see, has resulted not only in bringing the animosity of
these men against me but in aggravating their hostility to the
company," he concluded. "I've never been a quitter. It would go sorely
against the grain with me to quit now while under fire. But my own
feelings or fortunes should have no weight; the company's interests
alone are to be considered. I shall turn over the management to Meyers
and retire if you desir