"It was the jouncing, I think, broke the chain. That roadbed is in a vile condition." In a few days Owen was well enough to go to work. In the meantime the doctor continued to call upon Dale, and told him that he might be able to get around in a week or ten days, but that he must not attempt to do real heavy work for at least a month. When Owen reported to Larson, the foreman told him Mr. Balasco wanted to see him at the office. "I suppose I'm in for it," thought the young lumberman dismally. He found the lumber merchant seated at the window, reading a lumber journal as before. When Ulmer Balasco saw who his visitor was his face darkened a trifle. "So you've come to report at last, eh?" he said abruptly. "What have you got to say for yourself, young man?" "I didn't know you wanted to see me until an hour ago," answered Owen. "Up to to-day I haven't felt able to go to work." "I suppose not--by the looks of you. But, come, what have you to say for yourself? Don't you know that that accident has cost this company a neat penny?" "I'm sorry for that, Mr. Balasco." "I am told that you and Bradford fastened the chains that gave way." "We did; and we fastened them exactly as all the other chains were fastened." "Quite likely," sneered the lumber merchant. "If they had been properly fastened they would have held. We have never had an accident of that sort here before." "The chain was rather rusty. I haven't seen it since the accident. Did the links give way, or was it the fastening alone?" "Hum! I understand it was the fastening. The chain went under the trucks and was pretty well broken up before the train stopped." "I can't see how you can hold me responsible if the links of the chain gave way." Ulmer Balasco shifted his feet uneasily. "I consider you responsible for this accident--you and your friend Bradford. Under ordinary circumstances I would discharge both of you." The merchant cleared his throat. "But, in consideration of the fact that you were recommended to me by Mr. Wilbur, I will retain you in our employ for the present. But in the future I want you to attend to your work up at the yards, and leave the railroad end of the business alone." Owen's face flushed, and he was on the point of making some sharp answer, and throwing up the position then and there. But he thought of Dale and of how his chum was not yet able to move. "All right, sir," he said coldly. He waited a few seconds. "Is that all you want?" "Yes." And Ulmer Balasco resumed the reading of his trade journal. "Oh, what a man!" thought the young lumberman, as he hurried away. "I'd like to throw his job in his face, and I will as soon as Dale and I can turn ourselves; and I'll let Mr. Wilbur know just what I think of Balasco, too!" When Owen got back that night he felt in duty bound to tell Dale of the interview with their employer. Dale was as indignant as his chum, if not more so.