entreaty.

"Yes, I shall come to see you," said Maitland, bowing over her hand in
farewell.

"We shall expect you to come and see us to-night at the match, remember,
Captain Jack," said Patricia, as he passed out of the room. "Now be sure
to go and have your sleep."

But there was no sleep that afternoon for Captain Jack. On his way
through the town he was halted by McNish.

"The boys want to see you," he said briefly.

"What boys? What do you mean, McNish?"

"At the rooms. Will you come down now?"

"Now? I can't come now, McNish. I have to be on the ice in three hours
and I must get a little rest. What's up, anyway? Tell them I'll see them
to-morrow."

"No! they want you now!" said McNish firmly. "I would advise that you
come."

"What do you mean, McNish? Well, get in here and I'll go to see them."
McNish got into the car. "Now, what's all the mystery?"

"Better wait," said McNish, grimly.

"Well, it is a dog's trick," said Maitland wrathfully, "to get on to a
chap before a big match like this."

In the Union Committee rooms a group of men were awaiting them, among
them Mr. Wigglesworth and the little cockney who had made himself so
obnoxious at the public meeting.

"What's all this tomfoolery, Wigglesworth?" demanded Captain Jack,
striding in among them.

"(H)excuse me," said the little cockney. "You are a member of the
Woodworkers' Union I (h)understand."

"Who the devil are you, may I ask?" said Maitland in a rage.

"(H)allow me," said Mr. Wigglesworth. "Mister Simmons, Mr. Maitland--Mr.
Simmons is our new secretary, (h)elected last meetin'."

"Well, what do you want of me?" demanded Maitland. "Don't you know I am
tied up this afternoon?"

"Tied (h)up?" asked Simmons coolly, "'ow?"

"With the match, confound you."

"Oh, the match! And w'at match may that be? (H)Anythin' to do with your
Union?"

Maitland glared at him, too dumfounded to speak.

"You see, Mr. Maitland," began Mr. Wigglesworth in a hurried and
apologetic manner.

"'Ere! you keep aht o' this," said Simmons sharply, "this 'ere's my job.
I shall tell Brother Maitland all that is necessary."

"I was only going to (h)explain--" began Mr. Wigglesworth.

"Naw then! IS this your job or mine? Was you (h)appointed or was I?
When I find myself (h)unable to discharge my dooty to the Union I might
per'aps call on you, Brother Wigglesworth; but until I find myself
in that situation I 'ope you will refrain from shovin' in your 'orn."