It would be a catastrophe if John Grier's mills should stop working and Belloc's mills should go on as before.

It was not like Grier's men to do this sort of thing.
The men seemed impressed, and, presently, after one of them thanking him, the deputation withdrew, Luc Baste talking excitedly as they went.
The manager of the main mill, with grave face, said: "No, Mr.Grier, I don't think they'll be satisfied.

You said all that could be said, but I think they'll strike after all." "Well, I hope it won't occur before John Grier gets back," said Carnac.
That night a strike was declared.
Fortunately, only about two-thirds of the men came out, and it could not be called a complete success.

The Belloc people were delighted, but they lived in daily fear of a strike in their own yards, for agitators were busy amongst their workmen.

But the workers waited to see what would happen to Grier's men.
Carnac declined to reconsider.