"When you have been in this business ten years I shall be glad to listen to your matured ideas. Now your ideas--your actions at least-must conform to the policy we have maintained for generations. I have called some of our department heads to my room. I believe I hear them assembling. Let us go in." Bonbright followed his father mechanically. The next room contained some ten or twelve subordinate executives who eyed Bonbright curiously. "Gentlemen," said the elder Foote, "this is my son, whom you may not have met as yet. I wish to present him to you formally, and to tell you that hereafter he and I share the final authority in this plant. Decisions coming from this office are to be regarded as our joint decisions--except in the case of an exception of immediate moment. ... As you know, a fresh and determined effort is afoot to unionize this plant. My son and I have conferred on the matter, but I have seen fit to let the decision rest with him, as to our policy and course of action." The men looked with renewed curiosity at the young man who stood, white of face, with compressed lips and troubled eyes. "My son has rightly determined to adhere to the policy established many years ago. He has determined that unionism shall not be permitted to enter Bonbright Foote, Incorporated.... I state your sentiments, do I not, my son?" At the direct challenge Bonbright raised his eyes to his father's face appealingly. "Father--" he said. "I state your position?" his father said, sternly. Against Bonbright's will he felt the accumulated power of the family will, the family tradition. He had been reared in its shadow. Its grip lay firm upon him. Struggle he might, but the strength to defy was not yet in him.... He surrendered, feeling that, somehow, his private soul had been violated, his individuality rent from him. "Yes," he said, faintly. "The first step he has decided upon," said his father, "and one which should be immediately repressive. It is to post in every room and department of the shops printed notices to the effect that any man who affiliates himself with organized labor, or who becomes a member of a so-called trade-union, will be summarily dismissed from his employment.... That was the wording you suggested, was it not?" "Yes," said Bonbright, this time without struggle. "Rangar," said Mr. Foote, "my son directs that these cards be printed AT ONCE, and put in place before noon. It can be done, can it not?" "Yes, sir," said Rangar. "I think that is all, gentlemen.... You understand my son's position, I believe, so that if anyone questions you can answer him effectively?" The department heads stirred uneasily. Some turned toward the door, but one man cleared his throat. "Well, Mr. Hawthorne?" said the head of the business. "The men seem very determined this time. I'm afraid too severe action on our part will make trouble." "Trouble?"