So that when they learnt from the newspaper placards that afternoon that he also was "on strike," the thing appeared to many of them as a deliberate, concerted act.
"They mean to try our strength," said the men in the trains going home from business.
"Lucky we have Caterham." "It's in answer to his proclamation." The men in the clubs were better informed.

They clustered round the tape or talked in groups in their smoking-rooms.
"He has no weapons.

He would have gone to Sevenoaks if he had been put up to it." "Caterham will handle him...." The shopmen told their customers.

The waiters in restaurants snatched a moment for an evening paper between the courses.

The cabmen read it immediately after the betting news....
The placards of the chief government evening paper were conspicuous with "Grasping the Nettle." Others relied for effect on: "Giant Redwood continues to meet the Princess." The _Echo_ struck a line of its own with: "Rumoured Revolt of Giants in the North of England.