The delegate's reply was lost in the shout that suddenly went up from the western end of the line of laborers. Then came the sound of a locomotive bell and exhaust. Bannon started down the track, jumping the timbers as he ran, toward Vogel's lantern, that was bobbing along toward him. The train had stopped, but now it was puffing slowly forward, throwing a bright light along the rails. "It's a C. & S. C. local," Max shouted. "Can't we clear up the right track?" Bannon stopped and looked around. About half of the men had followed him, and were strung out in irregular groups between him and the timbers. Walking up between the groups came the delegate, with two men, chewing his cigar in silence as he walked. The train was creeping along, the fireman leaning far out of the cab window, closely scanning the track for signs of an obstruction. On the steps between the cars a few passengers were trying to get a view up the track; and others were running along beside the train. "This has gone too far," Bannon muttered. He turned and shouted to the men: "Clear up that track. Quick, now!" Some of the men started, but stopped, and all looked at the delegate. He stepped to one side and coolly looked over the train; then he raised his hand. "Don't touch the timbers," he said. "It ain't a mail train." His voice was not loud, but those near at hand passed the word along, and the long line of men stood motionless. By that time the train had stopped, and three of the crew had come forward. They saw the timbers on the track and hurried toward them, but the delegate called out:-- "Watch those sticks, boys! Don't let a man touch them!" There was no hesitation when the delegate spoke in that tone. A score of men blocked the way of the train crew. Bannon was angry. He stood looking at Grady with snapping eyes, and his hands closed into knotted fists. But Bannon knew the power of the unions, and he knew that a rash step now might destroy all hope of completing the elevator in time. He crossed over to the delegate. "What do you want?" he said gruffly. "Nothing from you." "What do you want?" Bannon repeated, and there was something in his voice that caused the delegate to check a second retort. "You'll kill these men if you work them like this. They've been on the job all day."