"They won't agree to your demands, men," urged the chairman. "They have already told you that. Any delay is so much more money in the pockets of the bosses. I do not wish to influence you; I merely want to point out the facts to you."
"Then we'll strike here and now!" yelled a miner, springing to his feet.
Steve recognized in him another of the walking delegate's lieutenants.
"Yes! Strike, strike, strike!" howled a hundred voices. Men leaped to their feet, yelling madly, beside themselves with excitement.
The walking delegate, by skilful manipulation, had stirred the men to a dangerous pitch. They were ready to do and dare anything. The mob spirit had taken possession of them. A few moments more and they would be past all control. Cavard saw this. Such a situation he did not desire. His must be the master hand.
The chairman pounded on the table with his gavel until it broke, the head shooting over among the excited miners.
Little by little quiet was restored.
"You are accomplishing nothing. Did I hear someone make a motion a short time ago?" asked the presiding officer suggestively.
The miner who had called for a strike rose to his feet.
"Mr. Chairman," he began, "I make a motion that this union declare itself opposed to the rule of the bosses, and that we call a strike, beginning at midnight to-night, in all the mines on the range, both those belonging to the company and the independent owners, as well."