There is a strong, a very strong movement under way among the unions at present." "A movement?
Strike, do you mean ?" "It may be, or worse." McNish's tone was very grave.

"And as a good union man they expect your assistance." "Wages again ?" "Ay, and condeetions and the like." "But it is not six months since the last agreement was signed and that agreement is running still." "Ay, it is, but condeetions, conditions have changed since that date," said McNish, "and there must be readjustment--at least, there is a feeling that way." "Readjustment?
But I have had no hint of this in our meetings.

This has not come up for discussion." A gentle pity smiled from the rugged face of the man beside him.
"Hardly," he said.

"It's no done that way." They came to McNish's door.
"Will you come in ?" he said courteously.

A refusal was at Maitland's lips when the door was opened by an old lady in a white frilled cap and without being able to explain how it came about he found himself in the quaintly furnished but delightfully cosy living-room, soaking in the comfort of a great blazing fire.
"This is really solid comfort," he said, spreading his hands to the glowing pine slabs.
"Ay, ye need it the day.