“They asked if I had any influence with you.”
“Yes? And you told them——?”
“That I didn’t know.”
“Well, you will never know until you test the point. Have you anything to suggest?”
“Many are against a strike, but even the more moderate think you are wrong in refusing to see the delegation. They think the refusal seems high-handed, and that if you were compelled to reject any requests made, you ought not to let things come to a crisis without at least allowing the delegation to present the men’s case.”
“And do you think I am wrong in this?”
“I do.”
“Very well. I’ll settle that in a moment. You get some of the more moderate together—head the delegation yourself. I will make an appointment with you, and we will talk the matter over.”
The young man did not appear so satisfied with this prompt concession as might have been expected. He did not reply for some moments, while the elder man looked at him critically, with his back against the tall desk.
At last Marsten spoke: