Many of the small grafters were on the pay-rolls of the railroad company, and Blount was soon definitely assured of what he had before only suspected—­that they were merely nominal employees given a pay-roll standing so that there might be an excuse for giving them free transportation, and a retainer in the form of wages, if needful.

In many cases the ramifications of the petty graft were exasperatingly intricate.  For example:  one Thomas Gryson, who was on the pay-rolls as a machinist’s helper in the repair shops, demanded free transportation across the State for eight members of his “family.”  Questioned closely, he admitted that the “family” was his only by a figure of speech; that the relationship was entirely political.  Blount promptly refused to recommend the issuing of employees’ passes for the eight, and the result was an immediate call from Bentley, the division master mechanic.

“About that fellow Gryson,” Bentley began; “can’t you manage some way to get him transportation for his Jonesboro crowd?  He is going to make trouble for us if you don’t.”

Blount was justly indignant.  “Gryson is on your pay-roll,” he retorted.  “Why don’t you recommend the passes yourself, on account of the motive-power department, if he is entitled to them?”

“I can’t,” admitted the master mechanic.  “I am held down to the issuing of passes to employees travelling on company business only.  We can stretch it a little sometimes, of course, but we can’t make it cover the whole earth.”

“Neither can I!” Blount exploded.  “Let it be understood, once for all, Mr. Bentley, that I am not the scape-goat for all the other departments!  I have cut it off short; I am not recommending passes for anybody.”

“But, suffering Scott, Mr. Blount, we’ve simply got to take care of Tom Gryson!  He’s the boss of his ward, and he has influence enough to turn even our own employees against us!”

“Influence?” scoffed the young man from the East.  “How does he acquire his influence?  It is merely another illustration of the vicious circle; you put into his hands the club with which he proceeds to knock you down.  Let me tell you what I’m telling everybody; if we want a square deal, we’ve got to set the example by being square.  And, by Heavens, Mr. Bentley, we’re going to set the example!”

The master mechanic went away silenced, but by no means convinced; and a week later Gryson, who in appearance was a typical tough, and who in reality was a post-graduate of the hard school of violence and ruffianage obtaining in the lawless mining-camps of the Carnadine Hills, sauntered into Blount’s office with his cigar at the belligerent angle and an insolent taunt in his mouth.

“Well, pardner, we got them dickie-birds o’ mine over to Jonesboro, after so long a time, and no thanks to you, neither.  I just blew in to tell you that I’m goin’ to hit you ag’in about day after to-morrow, and if you don’t come across there’s goin’ to be somethin’ doin’; see?”