And carry on he did, doggedly, wearily, bored to death, but sticking it.

The reports from the works were often ominous.
Things were not going well.

There was an undercurrent of unrest among the men.
"I don't wonder at it," said Jack to old Wickes one day, when the bookkeeper set before him the week's pay sheet and production sheet, side by side.

"After all, why should the poor devils work for us ?" "For us, sir ?" said the shocked Wickes.

"For themselves, surely.