. I thought you both understood that. If you didn't it is your
own fault. You may finish out your week here and on Saturday night you
may consider yourselves discharged from the tannery." Mr. Tyler put his
hand on Peter's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Strong," he added.

"Just one moment, Tyler."

It was Mr. Coddington who spoke.

"Tell me more fully about this matter, Peter Strong. You say you have no
suitable place to eat your lunch."

"Yes, sir."

"What do the other men do?"

"They sit around under the machinery anywhere they can. Often the place
is dirty and sometimes it is hot. If the windows are opened to air the
rooms the men get cold," answered Peter.

"Strong is a little fussy, I am afraid, Mr. Coddington," interrupted Mr.
Tyler. "The conditions are the same as they always have been--the same
as they are in most mills. The men can go home at noon if they like."

"But they can't get home, and eat anything, and get back here, all
within an hour," objected Peter. "Besides, they are often too tired. It
is much easier to stay right in the tannery. Of course in warm weather
we have the park and can go outside, so then we are all right; but
during the winter----"

"That will do, Strong," cut in Mr. Tyler. "Remember your time is up this
week. What's your name?" The superintendent turned severely on Nat.

"Jackson."

"Oh, yes--Jackson. You are the boy who was hurt."

Nat nodded.

"I am sorry to see that you are making such a poor return to the company
for its kindness to you. It is unfortunate all around. But we cannot
have the rules of the tannery broken. Mr. Coddington will, I am sure,
agree with me there."

"Undoubtedly, Tyler. Any person who is at fault should be punished. In
this particular case, however, just who _is_ at fault? If, as the lads
say, they have nowhere to go at noon, is the fault wholly theirs if they
seek a remedy from their discomfort? Suppose we suspend their sentence
until we investigate the conditions and simply caution them not to
repeat the offense. Had these empty cases not been left here by some
negligent persons seclusion would have been impossible. Somebody beside
the boys was to blame. Order the boxes removed and drop the matter."

Without another word Mr. Coddington stalked toward the elevator and the
men who accompanied him had no choice but to follow.

Peter and Nat breathed a sigh of relief.

There had been but a hair's breadth between them and a discharge from
the tanne