"I had no intention of being impudent to you. I simply said the man lies, and I repeat it. He knows no such order was ever given by me, and he knows that no one told him any such thing," added Rush boldly. Kalinski's face was a study. It turned from red to white in rapid succession. The boss's fists were tightly clenched and he seemed to be trying to regain his voice, which had suddenly deserted him. "Sit down!" commanded the superintendent, projecting a finger at Kalinski. "Rush, you be careful that you do not go too far. I am not inclined to stand much of your impudence." "Mr. McNaughton, am I to be accused of something I did not do, and then not be allowed to say anything in my defense?" demanded the boy. "I will be the judge of what you did and did not do. Foley, you say several of the men saw these two talking together--Rush and Jarvis, just prior to the explosion." "Yes, sir." "And that the man Jarvis then went back to number eight and began playing the hose on it?" "Yes, sir." "Do you deny this, Rush?" "I don't know--I don't remember whether we were in conversation just before the accident or not. I can't remember. I do not think we were, however." "You will admit the accusation in a moment," snapped the superintendent. "You had been told that it was dangerous to put water on a hot pit----" "I had not, sir, neither did I put water on a hot pit. I knew Jarvis was sprinkling number eight, but I did not know that such a thing was dangerous. How should I? It was my first day in the mills. I was just beginning my work there. But, sir, what is it you are trying to do with me? Are these two men trying to get me into trouble?" "It begins to look as if you had gotten yourself in, without any of their assistance. Does any one know how badly the man Jarvis has been injured?" "I understand it is not serious," answered Steve. "I shall have to discipline you both," began the superintendent. "There can be no doubt," spoke up Foley, "that they were both to blame. It looked almost as though they did it maliciously, but that is hardly possible, as they were taking long chances. It was disobedience of orders, as plain as the nose on your face." Kalinski nodded emphatically. "I agree with you. Rush, what do you think we ought to do in a case like this?" "Am I to speak as I think?" "Certainly." "You won't like what I am going to say." "Then I will stop you if you say anything you ought not to." "What I not only think but know ought to be done, is to kick the man Kalinski and the man Foley out of the place. I shouldn't ask them to go, I'd use my boot. Both men have lied. The truth is not in them, and some day you will find it out, even if you don't know it now." The two bosses sprang to their feet, starting toward Steve, who stood eyeing them calmly, but in a belligerent attitude.