“Mr. Nash,” he began, swinging around in his chair, “I am a blunt man, and when I approach a subject I strike for the heart at the first blow. I have asked you here to talk over certain matters that have come to my notice. As one of the aqueduct board, these affairs interest me strongly. I have been elected to this board by the honest votes of the Los Angeles citizens, and I intend to do my duty toward them. You have found certain irregularities on foot in Camp Forty-seven. I want to compliment you, Mr. Nash. Men of your caliber are the men we desire on the great undertaking. I am not going to deny these irregularities, but I intend putting a stop to them _immediately_. Mr. Hooker, the foreman, is, in a measure, responsible. I have relieved him of the foremanship. The position is open to you. Will you accept?” Nash did not attempt to mask his surprise. “You wish me to take Mr. Hooker’s place?” he asked. “Exactly. Hooker has proven himself to be unreliable. Camp Forty-seven is a most important station. It must be commanded by an upright, fearless man. I think you measure up to that standard, Mr. Nash.” “This is a big proposition, and a sudden one,” Nash said. “But--well, if you will allow me to run the camp according to my ideas, I’ll accept.” Sigsbee smiled and nodded vigorously. “Good! That’s the spirit I like to see. Since the beginning, I have interested myself in this particular camp, because I have been awarded a small steel contract. I want you to assume full charge and accept all the responsibility. Can I depend upon you?” “You can, Mr. Sigsbee,” Nash answered. “You may hold me directly responsible for all matters of which I have charge. I believe that is one of the specifications in all the contract work, isn’t it?” “Yes. Each foreman is supreme. To him is given all the praise, and likewise all the blame.” “When will you want me to begin?” “Right away--to-morrow.” “That is agreeable to me.” “Very well.” Sigsbee turned back his chair. “I will notify the aqueduct board at its next meeting--that is Monday. Your orders will come through me.” “I shall obey them to the letter.” “I’m sure of that,” said the politician, rising. “And let our motto be ‘All for Los Angeles.’” He accompanied the engineer to the outer office. “Will you step down and have a drink before going?” Nash asked to be excused, to the other’s surprise. “Don’t indulge, eh? Not even one?” “I’ve a lot of work ahead of me,” said Nash. “It’ll need a clear head. Thank you just the same.” “You’ll smoke, won’t you?” Sigsbee held out a cigar. Nash accepted it, and thanked him. He enjoyed a good cigar. Once down on the busy street, he lighted the weed, and walked slowly down to Fifth, and along this thoroughfare to the station. He was so busy with his own thoughts that he paid scant attention to what went on around him. So much had happened within the past twenty-four hours that it was small wonder he appeared preoccupied.