immons to his ally and friend. "'E's in with that
there young pup. 'E knows 'ow to work 'im and 'e'd sell us all up, 'e
would." Brother Simmons' brand of profanity strongly savoured of the
London pavements in its picturesque fluency.

"Get in here, McNish," said Maitland, who was waiting at the door. With
some hesitation McNish accepted the invitation.

"Now, what does this mean?" said Maitland savagely, then checking his
rage, "but I ought to thank you for getting me out of the grip of that
frantic idiot. What is this fool thing?"

"It's nae that," said McNish shortly. "It is anything but that. But I
grant ye this was no time to bring it on. That was beyond me. A doot yon
puir cratur had a purpose in it, however. He disna--does not think
much of these games of yours. But that's anither--another"--McNish was
careful of his speech--"matter."

"But what in--"

"I am just telling you. There is a strong, a very strong movement under
way among the unions at present."

"A movement? Strike, do you mean?"

"It may be, or worse." McNish's tone was very grave. "And as a good
union man they expect your assistance."

"Wages again?"

"Ay, and condeetions and the like."

"But it is not six months since the last agreement was signed and that
agreement is running still."

"Ay, it is, but condeetions, conditions have changed since that date,"
said McNish, "and there must be readjustment--at least, there is a
feeling that way."

"Readjustment? But I have had no hint of this in our meetings. This has
not come up for discussion."

A gentle pity smiled from the rugged face of the man beside him.

"Hardly," he said. "It's no done that way."

They came to McNish's door.

"Will you come in?" he said courteously. A refusal was at Maitland's
lips when the door was opened by an old lady in a white frilled cap and
without being able to explain how it came about he found himself in the
quaintly furnished but delightfully cosy living-room, soaking in the
comfort of a great blazing fire.

"This is really solid comfort," he said, spreading his hands to the
glowing pine slabs.

"Ay, ye need it the day. The fire cheers the heart," said the old lady.

"But you don't need it for that, Mrs. McNish," said her visitor, smiling
at the strong, serene face under the white frilled cap.

"Do I not then? An' what aboot yersel'?" The keen grey eye searched his
face. Maitland was immediately conscious of a vast dreariness in his
life. He s