"But surely I won't be any worse off than you are."

"I'm not so sure about that. You see, I'm about boss here, and do and
say just what I like."

"How's that?"

"Well, I'm the only person Jim can get to work here. All the girls for
miles around know what kind of a creature he is, and they wouldn't come
for any amount of money. They're scared to death of him. But I'm not,
and I tell him right to his face what I think of him, and the way he
treats his poor wife. He would like to horsewhip me, but he knows that
if I leave no one else would come in my place. But I'm glad now that I
am here so I can look after you."

"Look after me!"

"Yes. I guess you'll need me all right. I know who you are, and I'm
sorry for you. I'm going to stand between you and Jim Goban. He's
scared to death of me, for I'm the only one who dares give him a
tongue-lashing, and I do it whenever it is necessary, which is quite
often."

"You're a brave girl," and David looked with admiration upon the slight
form by his side. "How old are you?"

"Fifteen last March. But one's age is nothing. I've done a woman's
work ever since I was ten. I stand up for my rights now, though. When
I first came here Jim was bound that I should work all the time. But
at last I told him that I was going to have every Saturday afternoon