Ralph wanted to tell him the nearest way to get to his office, but he hit it back, and waited. “I want to put a proposition before you,” said the supervisor. “I have turned my thought considerably to the train dispatching on this division. It might be greatly improved.” At that Ralph straightened up and his lips became a grim line. “I can refer you to Mr. Glidden at main headquarters,” he said bluntly. “He will undoubtedly be glad to take up any matter of the kind with you. I have no jurisdiction.” “Yes, yes! I understand all that,” said the supervisor, with a wave of his hand. “But you know I have practically a free hand here——” “I have not been so informed. I still take all my orders from Mr. Glidden,” and Ralph spoke doggedly. “Listen, young man! You are in no position to war with me. In my opinion you are quite too young for your responsible position, anyway.” “That can be taken up with the general manager if you choose,” said Ralph, with a sigh, turning away. “He gave me the job.” “Wait!” exclaimed Hopkins coldly. “You are a very smart young man; but you do not know everything—not even about your job.” “I admit the truth of your last statement, anyway,” said Ralph, grinning slightly. “In my line there is always something to learn.” “Listen to me, then. I can tell you something.” “Very well, Mr. Hopkins,” said Ralph. “If you really have something of importance to say, I am here to listen.” Ralph was not soothing in his speech. But he had heretofore been obliged to assert himself over older men in some authority in order to hold his position. Supervisor Hopkins was intruding, and Ralph felt that the matter had to be stopped right here and now. “You understand, Fairbanks,” said the supervisor, “that I have not called you down here for any picayune matter.” “I don’t know what you called me away from my duties for,” said Ralph brusquely. “It must be important. I am listening.” “I do not attempt to order you to do anything.” “You seem to expect me to obey your call in the very busiest part of the day.” “That is along the line of which I wish to speak,” said Hopkins composedly. “I think you should be much more closely connected with your work in the daytime. You have three men in your office between seven in the morning and seven at night. Now, if you handled the early short watch and the late short watch yourself——” “You mean the dog-watches?” demanded Ralph, in surprise. “Yes. I mean that you could easily arrange your hours so that you could handle the train traffic between seven and nine a. m. and five and seven p. m. I mean——” “What’s this?” demanded Ralph, not only in astonishment, but with anger. “You want me to come down as early as seven and go away as late as seven at night? What sort of hours are those?” “Remember, I am only suggesting,” said Hopkins coldly. “I take it that you have the interest of the Great Northern at heart.”