Joe the Sweeper had been watching Mr. Gandiss with concentrated attention, though too far away to hear what was said. With amusing haste, he swept his way closer to the group. Finally he smirked and sidled up to the factory owner.
"Can I see you alone fer a minute, Mr. Gandiss?" he asked, his voice a whine.
"I am very busy," the factory owner discouraged him. "What is it you want?"
Joe edged even closer, dropping his voice so that it was barely audible above the clatter of the machinery.
"You been losin' copper and brass from your factory, ain't you?"
The direct approach startled Mr. Gandiss. He gazed at Joe keenly, then nodded.
"Well, maybe I kin help you. What's it worth?"
Mr. Gandiss was careful not to show his dislike for the man. "If you are able to provide information which will lead to the apprehension of the thieves, I'll see that you get a substantial salary increase."
Joe blinked and grinned. "Last night I seen a girl in this room stick a piece of brass into her shirt front. She carried it off with her."
"Who was the girl?"
"Dunno her name. A blond piece in blue slacks."
"I'm afraid your information is of no value," Mr. Gandiss said impatiently. "Unless you know who she is--"
"She's a new gal that's only been workin' here a few nights," Joe supplied hastily. "You'll give me that salary raise if I turn her in?"
"If your information proves correct."
Joe's eyes brightened with a crafty light and he jerked his head toward the left.
"You can't see her from here," he muttered, "but you can get her name easy enough. She's the gal that operates machine No. 567."
