“What are the chances of filling the works with new men, should it prove impossible to come to terms with our present employees?”
“They are not so good as they were. We could do it gradually, but it would be some time before we were in full force again.”
“That would mean the refusal of new orders, and perhaps the cancelling of many now on hand.”
“Undoubtedly. That is the cost of war. We must face it if we fight. We might be crippled for six months to come.”
“That is very serious. Is no compromise possible? Could you not confer with Marsten and find out what he wants?”
“I know what he wants.”
“And you think compromise impossible?”
“Frankly, I do.”
“Have you the same objection to meeting Marsten that you had to meeting Gibbons?”
“As a matter of principle I object to discussing our business with any outsider. Marsten has never raised that point. When it was necessary to confer with me he always sent a deputation of our own men. He is a much more dangerous opponent than Gibbons was.”