This last disastrous attempt convinced the organizers and President Mitchell that Rock Springs was impregnable, and that they might as well quit. The organizers were mystified and indignant, and the operative appeared to be just as puzzled and furious. They declared they could not understand it. He insisted just as vehemently that it was entirely beyond his comprehension. Another exclamation, another
The Pinkerton Labor Spy. 177
wrathful expletive, another handshake, and the train bearing President Mitchell's defeated lieutenants pulled out of Rock Springs, leaving Operative No. 15 absolute master of the situation, with a better standing than ever among the leaders of the United Mine Workers.
Afterwards Brother Williams, the gifted No. 15, lost his morals and took to drinking heavily, and as he could no longer render good service, the Agency unceremoniously discharged him, and replaced him with another operative.