The foreman observes a warning crack in the wall and calls the proprietor's attention to it.

In this case the manufacturer is the owner of the building, but he refuses to make repairs.

His argument is that the wall has stood for many years and so is likely to stand for many more; it would be a waste of money to repair the old shell.

Next day the foreman shows him that the crack has spread and extended along the wall in an alarming manner but still the owner will not act.

The workmen counsel together seriously.