As he thought over the situation and searched his mind to find whether he himself were to blame in any way, there was a rap at his door. He turned quickly away from the window, stood by his desk, and said sharply, “Come in.” There entered a young man in workman’s dress with his cap in his hand. His face was frank, clear-cut, and intelligent, and he had washed it when his work was done, which was a weakness not indulged in by the majority of his companions. “Ah, Marsten,” said the manager, his brow clearing when he saw who it was. “Did you get that job done in time?” “It was off before half-past five, sir.” “Right. Were there any obstacles thrown in your way?” “None that could not be surmounted, sir.” “Right again. That’s the way I like to have things done. The young man who can accomplish impossibilities is the man for me, and the man who gets along in this world.” The young fellow turned his cap over and over in his hands, and, although he was evidently pleased with the commendation of the manager, he seemed embarrassed. At last he said, hesitatingly: “I am very anxious to get on in the world, sir.” “Well, you may have an opportunity shortly,” replied the manager. Then he suddenly shot the question: “Are you people going to strike?” “I’m afraid so, sir.” “Why do you say ‘afraid’? Are you going out with the others, or do you call your soul your own?” “A man cannot fight the Union single-handed.” “You are talking to a man who is going to.” The young man looked up at his master. “With you it is different,” he said. “You are backed by a wealthy company. Whether you win or lose, your situation is secure. If I failed the Union in a crisis, I could never get another situation.” Sartwell smiled grimly when the young man mentioned the firm. He knew that there lay his weakness rather than his strength, for although the firm had said he was to have a free hand, yet he was certain the moment the contest became bitter the firm would be panic-stricken. Then, if the women took a hand in, the jig was up. If the strikers had known on which side their bread was buttered they would have sent a delegation of their wives to Mrs. Monkton and Mrs. Hope. But they did not know this, and Sartwell was not the man to show the weakness of his hand. “Yes,” said the manager, “I have the entire confidence of Mr. Monkton and Mr. Hope. I wonder if the men appreciate that fact.” “Oh yes, sir; they know that.” “Now, Marsten, have you any influence with the men?” “Very little, I’m afraid, sir.” “If you have any, now is the time to exert it; for their sakes, you know, not for mine. The strike is bound to fail. Nevertheless I don’t forget a man who stands by me.” The young man shook his head. “If my comrades go, I’ll go with them. I am not so sure that a strike is bound to fail, although I am against it. The Union is very strong, Mr. Sartwell. Perhaps you do not know that it is the strongest Union in London.”