She still taught at the school. Her idea to use a chain and hook on the coal boxes was taken seriously. Brennan himself experimented, with the help of the engineering shop and a team of young clippies. Soon all the lads were practising snaking the chain around the moving wire rope, then hooking it off and unwinding with a neat flick of the wrist. ‘Rose Scobie,’ said the mine manager, after a demonstration had been arranged, ‘I hear the original idea came from you. We owe you a favour, indeed we do; this will increase production, indeed it will.’ ‘Mr Symonds,’ said Rose, bold as brass, ‘I’ll take a favour, then, indeed I will. How many shares in your company would you say the idea was worth?’ That took the manager aback. But when he saw the row of boxes, heaped high and moving steadily around corners, he shook her hand and said he’d see what might be done; he’d speak to Brennan. ‘Oho, no you won’t,’ said Rose. ‘Over shares you will deal with me.’ At which Janet Scobie had to grin.
