CHAPTER XXIV.
From one of the windows of Mary's office, she could see the factory gate.
"If they do go on strike," she thought, "I shall see them walk out." She didn't have to watch long.
First in groups of twos and threes, and then thick and fast, the men appeared, their lunch boxes under their arms, all making for the gate.
Some were arguing, some were joking, others looked serious.

It struck Mary that perhaps these latter were wondering what they would tell their wives.
"I don't envy them the explanation," she half smiled to herself.
But her smile was short-lived.

In the hallway she heard a step and, turning, she saw Uncle Stanley looking at her.
"What's the matter with those men who are going out ?" he asked.
"As if he didn't know!" she thought, but aloud she answered, "They're going on strike." "What are they striking for ?" "Because I wouldn't discharge those four women." He gave her a look that seemed to say, "You see what you've done--think you could run things.

A nice hornet's nest you've stirred up!" At first he turned away as though to go back to his office, but he seemed to think better of it.
"You might as well shut down the whole plant," he said.

"We can't do anything without the automatics.