Steve caught him before he got into his private office and stated his business. Very much the same conversation ensued as had been the case at the Republic mills, save that the questions were shot at him at rapid-fire rate. He answered them fully as promptly, so that but a few minutes were consumed in the conversation. "We have no place for you," answered the assistant. "You may be telling the truth, and you may not. I haven't the time to inquire whether you are or not. Go back and tell your story to your own superintendent, and if you are any good he will put you to work again. That's all." Once more Rush walked from a mill office beaten, although he did not realize his defeat. He was tired, though not out of the race yet. He did not even consider the advisability of taking a train back to Steelburgh. Instead he started out bravely at a swinging gait. A few miles more or less was nothing to this strong-limbed, athletic lad. It was after dark when Rush, covered with dust, grimy and tired, swung into the village and strode to their boarding place. Jarvis was waiting for him anxiously. "Well, thank goodness you are back!" said Bob, with evident relief. "I thought something had happened to you." "What's new?" interrupted Rush. "Nothing. Oh, by the way, Ignatz has been here." "He has, eh?" "Yes." "What did he say?" "Nothing much, but he looked as I imagine the last rose of summer did when the cool nights came along in the fall," laughed Bob. "Is he all right?" "No; I told you he didn't look very scrumptious." "Did he say what happened to him last night?" "Yes, said he got kicked by a horse. But, Steve, I guess that horse story will bear looking into," laughed Jarvis. "That is what I was thinking. Had he been in a fight?" "I shouldn't be surprised. His face didn't show it, but he looked pretty seedy. How many jobs did you get to-day?" "None," answered Rush rather dolefully. "Why not?" "They didn't want us, Bob; that is, not without a recommendation from our last employer." "Meaning the Honorable Mr. Watski Kalinski?" "Exactly," answered Rush dryly. "I should enjoy reading the recommendation that Watski would give us. It wouldn't be worth much, would it, now?" "I guess not," agreed Steve thoughtfully. "Is Ignatz coming in this evening?" "He said he might, though he had to go down town on business, but he wouldn't say what." "That rascal is up to something, Bob," said Steve, with emphasis. "He surely is." "And I have an idea it has to do with us in some manner. I hope he doesn't mix in this affair. He will only get himself into trouble and make it harder for us. If you see him first, tell him so. If I see him I will give him a talking to. He is a faithful friend, old chap." "He is. Reminds me of a dog I had once. The more you kicked him, the more he loved you, and he had sharp teeth, too. So has Brodsky. Say, you don't suppose he got into a mix-up on our account, do you?" "He may have."