They were near the office door. Ralph talked rapidly in a low tone into the ear of his companion. The latter gave a great start. Then he grinned. Then, alive with animation, he clapped Ralph mightily on the back.
"Lad," he cried with enthusiasm, "you're better than the lawyer and the whole constable force of Derby put together."
"What do you say about my plan?" inquired Ralph.
"Say--bully for you, that's what I say!" almost shouted the factory foreman.
"If you start at eleven o'clock you'll be ready when that gang arrives?"
"Ready, and time to spare. Say, but you've been thinking to some purpose."
The foreman burst into a gay whistle as he reëntered the office. The tramp regarded him searchingly, and then looked at Ralph as if he half guessed that they were up to something. He was too indolent, however, to delve for the facts.
The lawyer did not put in an appearance, Ralph knew by the whistles just what trains were arriving at Derby. The 8 p. m. came and passed on its way. Then the 10:30. By five minutes of eleven Ralph decided that the lawyer must have missed connection in some way, for he did not arrive at the plant.
Just as the office clock struck eleven, Ralph arose from his chair and walked up in front of the tramp.
"Do you want to earn a few dollars?" he inquired.
"Sure, that's me," answered the man--"what doing?"
"Helping Mr. Bartlett here. It will be hot work, but he'll do most of it, he tells me."
"I'd rather stay here in the office and handle that Winchester when the mob comes," observed the tramp.
"You can do ten times as much good doing what I want you to do."
"Will it have anything to do with knocking out Dorsett's plans?"
The tramp arose to his feet like a jumping jack, his face wearing an eager grin.
"Guv'nor," he said, "I'd trust you in most anything. I'd like to have a front seat out here to see the fun when the show begins, but if my being behind the scenes helps, depend on me."
"I do," said Ralph. "You go with Mr. Bartlett."
Ralph sat down as the two men disappeared. He listened attentively to the sounds from the melting room. Soon the big blast chimney began to roar, and glancing out of the window Ralph could see fitful red gleams shoot out upon the snow.
There was a speaking tube running from the office to Bartlett's post of duty. Soon it whistled, and the foreman announced: