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284 be sold—it is not too strong a word—sold like chattels—sold like cattle. Here in this proclamation"—he held it up dramatically—"we have Colonel Halket's word for it; the deal is all but consummated, the terms are being arranged—and when they are settled, he will kindly come here and tell you all about it and let you know what you will get out of it! There is little enough in the situation as we know it to encourage us. But I will ask you to mark one thing. Colonel Halket will kindly come and explain to us. Fellow workers, it is the first time that Colonel Halket has ever felt obliged to come here and formally explain to us his policy. Before this, he has always been willing to let it speak for itself. Why does he feel obliged to speak for it now? I will tell you; it is because he knows it is on the face of it against the best interests of the laboring-man, and he hopes by smooth words to persuade you to accept it without a protest. It is because his eyes have been opened to your discontent and he has been made afraid. He will try to put you off with plausible words, and it will be your last chance to pin him down to facts. I call upon you all to attend that meeting, and to demand from Colonel Halket his pledge for the preservation of the union and for stability of wages and employment in these works."

Floyd read the stenographic report of the speech, which Gregg had sent him, and after some deliberation placed it on his grandfather's desk. An hour later, when he came down to dinner. Colonel Halket confronted him with the paper in his hand.

"Did you put this on my desk?" Colonel Halket demanded in an angry voice.

"Yes, sir."

"Why did you not come to me in person with it and discuss it? You are too ingenious at inventing expedients to harass me—laying traps for me all about my house. Nothing is more offensive, more despicable than such underhand procedure—"