Sartwell’s eyes partially closed, and he looked keenly at his visitor through the narrow slits for a moment or two before answering. Gibbons fidgeted uneasily. “We all play for our own hand, you know,” the new secretary added, laughing uncomfortably, “and I know that with you it is better to say out what one means.” “We all play for our own hand,--yes,” said Sartwell, slowly. “_Can_ you end the strike?” “I think so.” “You only think so. Well, Mr. Gibbons, come back to me when you are sure, and I will talk to you.” “I am sure, if it comes to that.” “Ah, that is a different matter. The meeting, then, after making you secretary, passed a resolution to end the strike?” “Hardly that, Mr. Sartwell. It has authorized me to negotiate with you. Now, if you promise me the assistant managership, I will bring the men back tomorrow.” “The strike was bound to end soon without any promises from me. I sent a communication to Mars-ten to-night regarding it. Do you mean to hint that he has not read it to the meeting?” “He did not. He tried to, but the men had enough of Marsten, and they refused to listen.” “Quite so. Then it is with you alone I have to deal? Marsten is out of it?” “That is the state of the case.” “Well, I am sorry I cannot offer you the assistant managership; although, of course, I hope the strike will end as speedily as possible.” “Marsten said you offered it to him; is that true?” “I think Marsten generally speaks the truth. Let us stop beating about the bush, Gibbons. The men to-night have either resolved to come back, or they have not. If they are coming back, they will come whether I deal with you or not. If not, then I don’t see how you can say more than that you will do your best to bring them back. Now, all I shall promise is this: if you bring the men back to-morrow, I will see that your position in the works is improved.” “That’s rather hard lines, Mr. Sartwell. Marsten brought on the strike, and you offer him the assistant managership. I end the strike, and you will make no definite terms.” “I offered Marsten the position before the strike began. Once the fight was on, it had to be fought to a finish. The finish has come, and I think you had better accept the only terms I can offer. Don’t you see that, if I were not a man of my word, I could easily promise you anything, and then discharge you a month hence?” “Well, I’ll trust to your generosity, Mr. Sartwell. Now, what will you promise to the men?” “What do they ask?” “They wish you to discharge all the blacklegs you have engaged.” “I’m afraid, Gibbons, I cannot promise that either. I will, however, send home all who want to go and can find situations, but your men will not suffer on account of the new employees. I have work enough for you all; there will be plenty to do to make up for lost time.” “You practically offer us nothing, Mr. Sartwell.”