He opened it and read:
TO MY MEN,—I have thought matters over. I do not like to sever connections with men who have been so long in my employ. If you return to work this morning, you may go on at the old salaries, and we will consider the matter closed. If, however, you listen to advice calculated to ruin your future, and do not return, please remember that I will not be responsible. I shall then secure new men, and your places will be occupied by others.
Yours faithfully,
THEODORE MARRIN.
P.S.—Naturally, it is understood that under no circumstance will your leader—Jacob Izon—the cause of this trouble between us—be re-employed. Such men are a disgrace to the world.
Izon's cheeks flushed hot. He looked up.
"Shall I write to him that we will not consider his offer, and tell him we refuse to compromise?"
There was a silence a little while, and then one of the older men shuffled to his feet.
"Tell you what we do—we get up a collection for Izon. Then everything will be all right!"
Izon's eyes blazed.