Later, Mr. Knight again brought business forward; and the day of rest was to Arthur a very different one from that for which he longed. They were still talking together when an unexpected diversion arose. The gate which formed the only entrance to the grounds of Brent House was always kept locked, and could only be opened from the inside. There was a ring at the bell, and when the boy unlocked it three men immediately stepped inside. While the porter was asking their business, one of them again opened the gate, and a dozen other men pressed in. Mr. Knight and Arthur were endeavouring to discover what it all meant, and they saw that a great crowd was in the street. The frightened porter came breathlessly into the room. “If you please, sir, here are men who say they are a deputation, and they come on very particular business.” “Tell them to take their particular business away, then, as fast as they can.” The boy went out with the message, and soon came again. “They say they are your workmen, sir, and what they have to say concerns you very much. And they say they are not going until they have had their talk with you.” “Oh, that’s it, is it? Set the dog on them.” Arthur rose hastily. “May I see them, father? They seem respectful and quiet enough. Let me hear what they have to say.” “No, Arthur; I would rather you keep out of it. Would you let them tell you what they want if you were me?” “Yes, I certainly would.” Mr. Knight threw up the window. “Now, then, you fellows, what is the meaning of this?” A man who was in the front touched his cap and cleared his throat, and began a short speech. “Beg pardon sir, but we are come to lay our case before you, man to man. We have been given to understand that the factory in Chislehurst-street belongs to you, though it is carried on in the name of Woolton and Company. We are all employed at that factory; and we are not satisfied with the wages. We want a rise, sir, begging your pardon.” “And so do we,” said another man, in tones that were far less respectful. “We find that a good many of them works at the back of Stepton belong to you; and it is impossible for a man to keep his family respectable on the wages you give. We’re going to strike and demand better pay, and we have come here to-day to give you notice to that effect.” “Yes, we have,” began another, but Mr. Knight angrily stopped him. “If you don’t clear out of this directly I will have you all arrested for trespass,” he said. “And you are very much mistaken if you think this is the way to get what you want. If you have a case, lay it before the man from whose hands you take your money, and approach me through him.” A scornful laugh broke in here, and several voices said, “A lot of good that would do!”