Hal descended from his rostrum, and the crowds made way for him, and with his brother at his side he went down the street to the office building, upon the porch of which the guards were standing. His progress was a triumphal one; rough voices shouted words of encouragement in his ears, men jostled and fought to shake his hand or to pat him on the back; they even patted Edward and tried to shake his hand, because he was with Hal, and seemed to have his confidence. Afterwards Hal thought it over and was merry. Such an adventure for Edward! The younger man went up the steps of the building and spoke to the guards. “I want to see Mr. Cartwright.” “He’s inside,” answered one, not cordially. With Edward following, Hal entered, and was ushered into the private office of the superintendent. Having been a working-man, and class-conscious, Hal was observant of the manners of mine-superintendents; he noted that Cartwright bowed politely to Edward, but did not include Edward’s brother. “Mr. Cartwright,” he said, “I have come to you as a deputation from the workers of this camp.” The superintendent did not appear impressed by the announcement. “I am instructed to say that the men demand the redress of four grievances before they return to work. First--” Here Cartwright spoke, in his quick, sharp way. “There’s no use going on, sir. This company will deal only with its men as individuals. It will recognise no deputations.” Hal’s answer was equally quick. “Very well, Mr. Cartwright. In that case, I come to you as an individual.” For a moment the superintendent seemed nonplussed. “I wish to ask four rights which are granted to me by the laws of this state. First, the right to belong to a union, without being discharged for it.” The other had recovered his manner of quiet mastery. “You have that right, sir; you have always had it. You know perfectly well that the company has never discharged any one for belonging to a union.” The man was looking at Hal, and there was a duel of the eyes between them. A cold anger moved Hal. His ability to endure this sort of thing was at an end. “Mr. Cartwright,” he said, “you are the servant of one of the world’s greatest actors; and you support him ably.” The other flushed and drew back; Edward put in quickly: “Hal, there’s nothing to be gained by such talk!” “He has all the world for an audience,” persisted Hal. “He plays the most stupendous farce--and he and all his actors wearing such solemn faces!” “Mr. Cartwright,” said Edward, with dignity, “I trust you understand that I have done everything I can to restrain my brother.” “Of course, Mr. Warner,” replied the superintendent. “And you must know that I, for my part, have done everything to show your brother consideration.” “Again!” exclaimed Hal. “This actor is a genius!” “Hal, if you have business with Mr. Cartwright--”