pletion and how he, being - very busy, had guessed at the
result rather than take the time to analyze the sample
again. Toward the close of his small speech the Chemist
entirely recovered his composure and, having - finished, stood
with eyes fixed on the floor, waiting - for his employer to
speak. The latter for some moments remained silent, gaz
ing aimlessly out of the window as he had done most of the
time the Chemist was speaking. Finally, shifting his gaze
to the floor, he said in his usual deliberate tones:
“I had hoped, Mr. Johnson, not to iind the cause of this
trouble in you, but that your carelessness has caused the
trouble I cannot now doubt. The furnace is in such a bad
condition that I shall have to put it out of blast. As you
know, that means at least two months before it can be
blown in again.” Here the superintendent paused a mo
ment, as though to allow his words to have their full effect,
then continued, “From many men you could hope for noth
ing less than a discharge in a case like this.”—Another
pause, in which Johnson’s heart g - ave a throb of hope—“ Had
you not openly told me the truth of the matter I should most
certainly do the same provided I could prove the fault to be
yours. However, as it is, lam willing to g - ive you a new
trial. I hope you see from this how much value I place on a
straightforward and truthful man, especially one in your
position. You must now understand the full consequences
of your carelessness and, I trust, will govern your future
work accordingly.”
As he finished speaking Gray rose and moved to the
door. He did not wait for a reply, but passed quietly out
and, accompanied by the furnace-man, hurried away toward
the office.
Johnson, unable to utter a single word, stood staring
after the two men as they went. When finally he did open
his mouth to speak, it was not to exclaim over the fact that
he had escaped discharge, though that was important
The Chemist's Guess