George hesitated.
"Well, no. I ought to go down to the country immediately, and see after my own affairs and the strike, before Committee begins. There is a meeting of coal-owners on Wednesday."
"What I want wouldn't take long," said Fontenoy, persistently, after a pause. "I hear you have been going round workshops lately?"
His keen, peremptory eyes fixed his companion.
"I had a round or two with Everard," said George. "We saw a fair representative lot."
The thought that flashed through Fontenoy's mind was, "Why the deuce didn't you speak of it to me?" Aloud, he said with impatience:
"Representing what Everard chose to show, I should think. However, what I want is this. You know the series of extracts from reports that has been going on lately in the 'Chronicle.'"
George nodded.
"We want something done to correct the impression that has been made. You and I know perfectly well that the vast majority of workshops work factory-hours and an average of four and a half days a week. You have just had personal experience, and you can write. Will you do three or four signed articles for the 'Reporter' this week or next? Of course the office will give you every help."
George considered.