after a brief inspection of the work, retired to his private office. Ten
minutes later, the foreman of the room in which he was employed came up
to Robert and touched him on the shoulder.

"Mr. Davis wishes to see you in his office," he said.

"Now for it!" thought Robert, as he left his work and made his way,
through the deafening clamor of the machinery, to the superintendent's
room.




CHAPTER V.


DISCHARGED.

The superintendent sat at an office table writing a letter. He did not
at first look up, but kept on with his employment. He had some remnants
of conscience left, and he shrank from the task his wife had thrust upon
him.

"Mr. Baker tells me you wish to see me, Mr. Davis," said Robert, who had
advanced into the office, by way of calling his attention.

"Yes," said the superintendent, laying down his pen, and turning half
round; "I hear a bad account of you, Rushton."

"In what way, sir?" asked our hero, returning his look fearlessly.