What exactly are the demands of the unions ?" Maitland spread before him the letter which his father had received that morning.

The Reverend Murdo read it carefully over, then, with a sigh of relief, he said: "Well, it might be worse.

There should not be much difficulty in coming to an agreement between people anxious for peace." After an hour spent in canvassing the subject from various points of view, the Reverend Murdo exclaimed: "Let us go and see McNish." "The very thing," said Maitland.

"I have been trying to get in touch with him for the last month or so, but he avoids me." "Ay," replied the Reverend Murdo, "he has a reason, no doubt." To Maitland's joy they found McNish at home.

They were received with none-too-cordial a welcome by the son, with kindly, even eager greeting by the mother.
"Come awa in, Minister; come awa, Mr.Maitland.You have come to talk about the 'trouble,' a doot.