and that
was the radical element in the unions. Simmons and his gang had from the
very first assumed an attitude of hostility to himself, had sought to
undermine his influence and had fought his plans for the promotion of
clean sport among the Mill men. None knew better than Simmons that an
active interest in clean and vigorous outdoor sports tended to produce
contentment of mind, and a contented body of men offered unfertile soil
for radical and socialistic doctrines. Hence, Simmons had from the first
openly and vociferously opposed with contemptuous and bitter indignation
all Jack's schemes and plans for the promotion of athletic sports. But
Jack had been able to carry the men with him and the recent splendid
victory over a famous team had done much to discredit brother Simmons
and his propaganda.

Already Jack was planning a new schedule of games for the summer.
Baseball, football, cricket, would give occupation and interest to all
classes of Mill workers. And in his new position he felt he might be
able, to an even greater degree, to carry out the plans which he had
in mind. On the other hand, he knew full well that men were apt to be
suspicious of welfare schemes "promoted from above." His own hockey men
he felt sure he could carry with him. If he could only win McNish to
be his sergeant-major, success would be assured. This must be his first
care.

He well knew that McNish had no love for Simmons, whom the Scotchman
despised first, because he was no craftsman, and chiefly because he had
no soundly-based system of economics but was governed by the sheerest
opportunism in all his activities. A combination between McNish and
Simmons might create a situation not easy to deal with. Jack resolved
that that combination should be prevented. He would see McNish at once,
after the meeting of his local, which he remembered was set for that
very night.

This matter being settled, he determined to proceed immediately to the
office for an interview with Wickes. He must get to know as speedily
as possible something of the shop organization and of its effect upon
production. He found Mr. Wickes awaiting him with tremulous and exultant
delight, eager to put himself, his experience, his knowledge and
all that he possessed at the disposal of the new manager. The whole
afternoon was given to this work, and before the day was done, Jack had
in his mind a complete picture of the planing mill, with every machine
in place and an est