“No damage has been done?”
“No, M. Marcel. But the manager has been looking for you everywhere.”
“I will go at once and speak to him.”
He made his way towards the office. Through the closed shutters a ray of light announced the presence of M. Cardez in his study. Marcel entered. The manager was seated before his desk writing. On seeing the son of his master he rose at once, and, without waiting to be questioned, began—
“Well! what did I tell you, M. Baradier? Here they are in open revolt! And that without the slightest plausible reason! Simply to do as their comrades! Their heads have been turned by the leaders of the strike. I have reasoned and talked gently to them, but all in vain; they are nothing but machines! Ah! you are interested in the workers, now you will learn to know them!”
“What measures have you taken?”
“I have closed the doors, so that no one may enter without our permission, or without incurring a penal responsibility. Now I am expecting a delegation of the workmen.”
“Under what pretext have they ceased work?”
“They demand the suppression of sweeping and lighting, the supply of needles at a lower price.”
“Is the demand a just one?”