"Bob, promise me one thing. Promise me that you will not have any trouble with those men. We can't afford to mix up in any disgraceful fights here. They would like nothing better than to have us do so. We should be arrested. Think of the disgrace of it! We will let them alone as long as they let us alone. We won't stir up any more trouble, but they must let us alone. Will you promise to be guided by me in this matter?" "I don't know. I am afraid I shall lose my temper when I see them; then, if they say anything to me, it's all off. What are we going to do, now that we are out of a job?" "I don't know," answered Steve thoughtfully. "I'll tell you what let's do. Let's go back to the mines. We have fine jobs with good pay waiting for us there. We never should have left. Mr. Carrhart will be glad to have us." Rush shook his head. "We came down here to learn the iron and steel business, and we are going to do exactly that one thing." "Will you tell me how?" "There are other mills. We will try to get in one of them. I am going to start out to-morrow to look for work." "I thought we were going on a picnic to-morrow," grinned Jarvis. "Yes, that's so. Well, then, the day after to-morrow will be time enough for us to look for another place. Fortunately we are not broke. We have enough money in the bank to keep us for a long time, but that isn't the question. The question is whether or not we are going to get a job." "I hope we don't. I'd much rather be underground, digging ore or bouncing about on the Great Lakes." "You did not like the Lakes any better, when you first went out on them. Let's not confess that we are weak-kneed." "No; but I've got a burned knee and it smarts," retorted Bob. "So have I," laughed Steve. "I am behind you, though. You aviated yourself up to the roof, while I got buried in the pit. That was the time both ends did not meet. Well, I'm going home to clean up and dress. I will come back later, and, if the doctors will permit you to leave the hospital to-night, I will take you with me." "I'll go, whether they let me, or not," said Bob. "What's the use in hanging around here? If I'd broken my stanchions, or smashed in some of my plates, then things would be different. But I am all right. Never felt better in my life, except for the burns." Bidding his companion good-bye, Steve left the hospital and went home. His face was serious and thoughtful. On the way he stopped at the Brodskys, leaving word that he would like to have Ignatz come and see him that evening. "Discharged!" muttered the Iron Boy. "Well, who would have thought it? I might go and see Mr. Keating--but no, I'll not play the baby act and squeal. I'll show McNaughton and his bosses that I don't ask any odds of their old mills. Yet I _did_ want to stay with the company. Well, we shall see what luck I have when I get ready to look around a bit."