“Rather an uncomfortable position, is it not? I should like to be one thing or the other if I were in your place, Marsten.”
“I am one thing. I am entirely with the men.”
“Perhaps in that case you are afraid to be seen talking with me. Some of the men might happen to pass this way.”
“I am not afraid to be seen speaking with anybody, Mr. Sartwell.”
“Ah, you are young; therefore you are brave. I have known a smaller thing than this conversation to cost a man his life, but perhaps times and methods have changed since my early days. It is a pity you are on the wrong side for your bravery to be appreciated. The masters of this world always value talent and courage, and pay well for them. The men do neither. That is why they are usually beaten in a fight, and it is one of the many reasons why they should be. I have a few words to say to you; the street corner is not a good place for a private conversation; will you come to my office in an hour’s time?”
“Do you wish to speak about the strike?”
“Yes,” said Sartwell, looking with some intentness at the young man. “We have no other subject of mutual interest that I know of.”
“Very good. I merely asked, because whatever you may have to tell me, I shall use in the interests of the men.”
Sartwell shrugged his shoulders.
“You are quite welcome,” he said, “to make what use you please of the information I shall give you. I am well aware that your advice is in demand by the men and their leaders.”