“We will treat with the strikers, just as is done in industrial strikes,” said Doctor Meredith with an air of triumph, as if he had discovered a most unusual way of settling the trouble. “We will arbitrate. That is the best way. I will send them a personal communication, when they have assembled. I must make some notes. If you will kindly post a bulletin, requesting the class to assemble in, say, the gymnasium, I will send a communication to them. That, I believe is the usual way the authorities treat with strikers. I will personally communicate with them,” and with a delighted air, and a childish eagerness, Doctor Meredith took out pen and paper.
“I am to post a bulletin, calling the students together, am I?” asked Professor Skeel, not altogether relishing his work.
“Yes, and I will communicate with them. Wait, better still, I will speak to them in person.”
“And what will you say?”
“I will ask them to return to your class room, and resume the interrupted session and lecture,” spoke the head master with an air of triumph, as though he had made a most astounding discovery. “I will point out to them how foolish it was to strike, I will assure them that there will be no more double lessons in the future, and I will talk with them, and get at the reasons that impelled them to strike. I can use their answers in the paper I propose to write.”
“Is—is that all you will do?” asked Professor Skeel, much disappointed.
“That is all that will be necessary,” replied Doctor Meredith mildly. “You will see, Professor Skeel, I will soon break the strike. I think that ‘break’ is the proper word; is it not?”
“Yes, but it will not be broken that way, Doctor Meredith. Drastic measures are needed. Very drastic!”
“We will try my way first,” decided the head master quietly. “Write out the bulletin, Professor.”