George went over to Jim Milton, and after doing all he could see
to do and ordering Milton to do several things he thought might be
done, he said casually: "Of course I am BOSS around this shack,
but this is new to me. You fellows will have to tell me what to
do until I get my bearings. As soon as we get to running, I'll be
yard-master, and manage the selling and shipping. I'm good at
figures, and that would be the best place for me."
"You'll have to settle with Mrs. Holt about that," said Jim
Milton.
"Of course," said George. "Isn't she a wonder? With my help,
we'll soon wipe the Hartley mills off the map, and be selling till
Grand Rapids will get her eye peeled. With you to run the
machinery, me to manage the sales, and her to keep the books, we
got a combination to beat the world."
"In the meantime," said Jim Milton dryly, "you might take that
scoop shovel and clean the shavings and blocks off this floor.
Leave me some before the engine to start the first fire, and
shovel the rest into that bin there where it's handy. It isn't
safe to start with so much loose, dry stuff lying around."
George went to work with the scoop shovel, but he watched every
movement Jim Milton made about the engine and machinery. Often he
dropped the shovel and stood studying things out for himself, and
asking questions. Not being sure of his position, Jim Milton
answered him patiently, and showed him all he wanted to know; but
he constantly cautioned him not to touch anything, or try to start
the machinery himself, as he might lose control of the gauge and
break the saw, or let the power run away with him. George scoffed
at the idea of danger and laughed at the simplicity of the engine
and machinery. There was little for him to do. He hated to be
seen cleaning up the debris; men who stopped in passing kept
telling what a fine fellow young Bates was, what good timber he
was sending in. Several of them told George frankly they thought
that was to be his job. He was so ashamed of that, he began
instant improvisation.
"That was the way we first planned things," he said boastfully,
"but when it came to working out our plans, we found I would be
needed here till I learned the business, and then I'm going on the
road. I am going to be the salesman. To travel, dress well, eat
well, flirt with the pretty girls, and take big lumber orders will
just about suit little old Georgie."
"Wonder you remembered to put the orders in at all," said Jim
Milton dryly.
George glared at him. "Well, just remember whom you take orders
from," he said, pompously.