Mr. Phillips mopped his brow after Steve had left the room, then moved over near the electric fan. Mr. Keating was regarding him with an amused smile.
"Keating, that boy has the most remarkable courage of any person I ever saw. It is a courage born of his intelligence. I wish you would let me have him in my department."
The general superintendent shook his head.
"I doubt very much if he would take the position. As I told you, he wishes to learn the mill business, and you and I know that there is only one way to do that--to work like a slave, toil from morning till night, doing the work with one's own hands. That is the way you and I learned the business."
"Yes, but you must recollect the work wasn't the same in those days. We didn't endure the hardships that the men of to-day endure. Do you object to my asking Rush if he would like to step into the engineering department?"
"Certainly not. I should be glad to see him with you."
Steve came out in his clean jeans, looking as fresh and cheerful as if he had not just passed through such a thrilling experience. The boy's eyes were bright and his face wore a pleasant smile.
"How do you feel?" asked both men at once.
"I never felt better, thank you," answered Rush. "Here comes the doctor."
The surgeon examined the wound, shaking his head as he finished.
"You had better go to the hospital and lay up for a day. That is a bad burn, Rush."
"Oh, I couldn't think of it. Dress it right here, and be as quick about it as you can, won't you? I've got business on hand this afternoon."
"The business will keep," retorted Mr. Keating. "You had better do as the doctor suggests."
"I hope you will not insist upon that, Mr. Keating. I do not want to lie up. I shall feel much better if I am busy, and if the wound is well bandaged no dirt can get in it."
"Is it safe, doctor?" questioned the superintendent.
"Well, yes, if nothing comes of it," was the equivocal reply.
"Very well; patch him up. Have your own way, Rush. I suppose you would do that anyway. You are a very headstrong young man."
"I have been told that before, sir, though I do not intend to be headstrong."
"No, I understand. You just can't help it; that's all."
While his wound was being dressed Steve joined in the conversation of the officials, though the dressing of the wound hurt him dreadfully. Once or twice he winced, his voice hesitated; then he went on apparently oblivious to what the surgeon was doing.