that is in Ohio, you know. It is a joy to behold. But
never mind about that. The lumber in the old mill can be used up in
the club-house. The timbers are wonderful; nothing like them to-day
anywhere. The outside finishing will be done with slabs from our own
yard. They will make a very pretty job."

"And where do you get the men for this work?" inquired his father.

"Why, our men. It is for themselves and they are our men."

"Voluntary work, I suppose?" inquired Maitland.

"Voluntary work?" said Jack. "We couldn't have men work for us for
nothing."

"And you mean to pay them for the construction of their own athletic
grounds and club-house?"

"But why not?" inquired Jack in amazement.

His father threw back his head and began to laugh.

"This is really the most extraordinary thing I have ever heard of in all
my life," he said, after he had done with his laugh. "Your men strike;
you prepare for them a beautiful club-house and athletic grounds as a
reward for their loyalty. You pay them wages so that they may be able
to sustain the strike indefinitely." Again he threw back his head and
continued laughing as Jack had never in his life heard him laugh.

"Why not, Dad?" said Jack, gazing at his father in half-shamed
perplexity. "The idea of athletic grounds and club-house is according
to the best modern thought. These are our own men. You are not like
McGinnis. You are not enraged at them. You don't hate them. They are
going to work for us again in some days or weeks. They are idle and
therefore available for work. You can get better work from them than
from other men. And you wouldn't take their work from them for nothing."

Again his father began to laugh. "Your argument, Jack," he said when he
was able to control his speech, "is absolutely unanswerable. There is
no answer possible on any count; but did ever man hear of such a scheme?
Did you?"

"I confess not. But, Dad, you are a good sport. We are out to win this
fight, but we don't want to injure anybody. We are going to beat them,
but we don't want to abuse them unnecessarily. Besides, I think it is
good business. And then, you see, I really like these chaps."

"Simmons, for instance?" said his father with an ironical smile.

"Well, Simmons, just as much as you can like an ass."

"And McNish?" inquired Maitland.

"McNish," echoed Jack, a cloud falling upon his face. "I confess I don't
understand McNish. At least," he added, "I am sorry for McNish. But