Chapter 5 Summary

Frank begins to assume real control of Reidka. Consultation with Selwyn Crane brings out the fact that an overseer, Korobyev, has been cheating the workers at every turn. Frank calls a special meeting, the only purpose of which is to let the employees talk about the problems they have with the overseer. Korobyev himself does not bother to attend. He asks for his internal passport, which Frank gives him, and leaves the building.

There is a full description of the work habits of Tvyordov, the chief compositor. Tvyordov is widely respected for the quality of his work in hand-setting type. His reputation probably accounts for some portion of the firm's success. His fellow workers are in awe of him and the way he always does everything on a very precise schedule. He arrives for work at the exact same time each day, sets...