coddy

On some jobs, if the 'coddy' happened to be a decent sort, they posted a sentry to look out for

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

As the 'coddy' was a sensible man he took the beer and advised them to pull themselves together and try to get some work done before Misery came, which they promised to do.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

When the 'coddy' told him to go and burn off this window he did not like to say that he was not used to the work: he hoped to be able to do it.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

Bill Bates concurred, so they borrowed a piece of blacklead pencil from the 'coddy' and made out their time sheets, took off their aprons, put them into their tool bags, and went to the office for their money, which Misery passed out to them through the trap-door.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

When the 'coddy' was gone they made another attempt at the work.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

When they got back to the job they found the 'coddy' in the kitchen, looking for them and he began to talk and grumble, but the Semi-drunk soon shut him up: he told him he could either have a drink out of one of the bottles or a punch in the bloody nose -- whichever he liked!

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

When he arrived at the bottom and the others noticed how white and trembling he was, he told them about the pinnacle being loose, and the 'coddy' coming along just then, they told him about it, and suggested that it should be repaired, as otherwise it might fall down and hurt someone: but the 'coddy' was afraid that if they reported it they might be blamed for breaking it, and the owner might expect the firm to put it right for nothing, so they decided to say nothing about it.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

'coddy' came down and called out to them from the passage.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

'coddy' who would not scruple to curry favour with Misery by reporting the crime.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890

'I can't think why the coddy keeps him on the job,' said the first man.

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists Robert Tressell 1890