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 estimate, more or less exact, of the capacity of every machine.

In the course of this investigation, he was surprised to discover that there was no detailed record of the actual production of each machine, nor, indeed, anything in the way of an accurate cost system in any department of the whole business.
"How do you keep track of your men and their work, Wickes ?" he inquired.
"Oh!" said the old man, "the foremen know all about that, Mr.Jack." "But how can they know?
What check have they ?" "Well, they are always about, Mr.Jack, and keep their eyes on things generally." "I see," said Jack.