“I would have much greater confidence in Kerr. He's quiet and conservative, and he's had an excellent training with us.” “Well, then, you can get him. He is doing nothing, and will be glad to come.” “But you have probably succeeded in antagonizing him.” “I hope so,” with sudden cheerfulness. “It was a hardship not to be able to give him a sound thrashing. That's what he deserved.” Holloway looked shocked. The young man was displaying a recklessness of temper which was most unseemly and entirely unexpected. “I guess it will be well for you to think it over, Oakley, before you conclude to break with General Cornish. To go now will be rather shabby of you, and you owe him fair treatment. Just remember it was those reforms of yours that started the strike, in the first place. I know--I know. What you did you did with his approval The men are peaceable enough, ain't they?” and he glared at Oakley with mingled disfavor and weariness. “Anybody can handle them but me.” “It won't be long until they are begging you to open the shops. They will be mighty sick of the trouble they've shouldered when their money is all gone.” “They will never come to me for that, Mr. Holloway,” said Dan. “I think they would, one and all, rather starve than recognize my position.” “They'll have to. We'll make them. We mustn't let them think we are weakening.” “You don't appreciate the feeling of intense hostility they have for me.” “Of course the murder of that man--what was his name?” “Ryder, you mean.” “Was unfortunate. I don't wonder you have some feeling about going back.” Dan smiled sadly. The vice-president was wonderfully moderate in his choice of words. He added: “But it is really best for the interest of those concerned that you should go and do what you can to bring about a settlement.” “It would be the sheerest idiocy for me to attempt it. The town may go hungry from now till the end of its days, but it won't have me at any price.” “I always told Cornish he should sell the road the first opportunity he got. He had the chance once and you talked him out of it. Now you don't want to stand by the situation.” “I do,” said Oakley, rising. “I want to see an understanding reached with the men, and I am going to do what I can to help along. You will please to consider that I have resigned. I don't for the life of me see how you can expect me to show my face in Antioch,” and with that he stalked from the place. He was thoroughly angry. He heard Holloway call after him: “I won't accept your resignation. You'll have to wait until you see Cornish!” Dan strode out into the street, not knowing what he would do. He was disheartened and exasperated at the stand Holloway had taken.