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“What do you want?” he demanded

“I’m Major Fisher, the new chairood man”

The ate open

“Where’s the chairman’s office?” demanded Fisher

“Bob never had what you’d call an office, but e to the other side of the yard

The major marched across the yard, a little surprised by the lack of activity because he knew the factory employed over two hundred full-time workers, with another hundred part-time He climbed the iron steps up to the first floor and pushed open the door to be greeted by a large open-plan office with a dozen desks, only two of which were occupied

A young man leapt to his feet “Youhier I was told to show you around the factory and answer any questions you ht have”

“I was rather hoping to have a ht up to speed as quickly as possible”

“Ah, you haven’t heard?”

“Heard what?”

“Mr Jopling handed in his notice yesterday Told me that as he only had a couple of years before he retired, this ood time for someone else to fill his boots”

“And are you that someone else?” asked Fisher

“Not on your nelly,” said Perry “I’ve only been here a few months And in any case, I don’t fancy any more responsibility”

“Then it will have to be Pollock, the works er,” said Fisher “Where’s he?”

“Mr Jopling sacked him yesterday, for insubordination It was alned Mind you, Steve Pollock can’t complain He’s been sent hoations No one doubts that he’ll be reinstated The only trouble is, the committee usually takes a couple of months before they come to a decision”