“I am sure the manager will neither dock nor fine either of you,” he replied reassuringly.  “On the contrary, you might sue the company for damages, for leaving that lumber where you would fall over it.”

“Oh, no,” she returned, laughing at the idea.  “We have signed contracts waiving any damages for injuries sustained while at work on the premises.  We all have to do that, you know, because the business is hazardous at its best.  On the other hand, Mr. Goldstein has a physician and surgeon always within call, in case of accident, and the service is quite free to all the employees.”

He nodded.

“I know.  But the fact that you signed such a contract, under compulsion, would not prevent the court from awarding damages, if you sustained them while on duty.”

“This hurt is nothing of importance,” she said hastily.  “In a day or two I shall be able to walk as well as ever.”

Flo came running back with Maud’s things.  Aunt Jane followed, saying that if Maud was to go to the hotel she would accompany her and take care of her.

“I’ve examined the ankle,” she said to young Jones, “and I assure you it is not a severe strain.  But it is true that she will be better off in her own room, where she can rest quietly.  So I will go with her.”

“How about Miss Flo?” asked the boy.

“Flo is very self-reliant and will get along to-day very nicely without me,” replied Mrs. Montrose.

Mr. Goldstein entered, frowning and still resenting the interference of this Mr. A. Jones of Sangoa.  But he ventured no further protest nor did he speak until Maud, Flo and Aunt Jane had all left the room.

“You’re not going, Mr. Jones?” he asked.

“Only to see Miss Stanton started for home.  Then I’ll come back and have a little talk with you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

CHAPTER XII

PICTURES, GIRLS AND NONSENSE

“Well, Aunt Jane,” said Maud Stanton, when their car was rolling toward the hotel and the girl had related the remarkable interview in the office, “what do you think of Ajo now?”

“He is certainly an amazing young man,” was the reply.  “I cannot in any way figure out his connection with Goldstein, or his power over the man.  The Continental Film Manufacturing Company is a great corporation, with headquarters in New York, and Mr. Goldstein is the authorized head and manager of the concern on the Pacific coast.  I understand his salary is ten thousand a year.  On the other hand, young Jones has only been in this country for a year, coming from an insignificant island somewhere in the South Seas, where he was born and reared.  Much of the time since he arrived in America he has been an invalid.  Aside from this meager information, no one seems to know anything about him.”