This ebook was transcribed by Les Bowler [Picture: Book cover] “E R B” BY W. PETT RIDGE [Picture: Decorative graphic] NEW YORK D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 1902 * * * * * COPYRIGHT, 1902 BY D. APPLETON AND COMPANY _All rights reserved_ _Published October_, 1902. * * * * * CHAPTER I “BUT I am reminded,” shouted the scarlet-faced man on the chair, still keeping his voice to the high note on which he had started, “I am reminded that my time is exhausted. Another talented speaker is ’ere to address you. I refer to our friend Barnes—better known per’aps to all of you as Erb.” The crescent-shaped crowd, growling applause, gave signs of movement, and a round-faced young man, standing at the side of the chair, looked up modestly at the sky. “He, as you all know, ’ails from the district of Berminsey, where he exercises a certain amount of influence, and, in spite of his youth, is recognised as a positive power in the labour world. He is accustomed to hit straight from the shoulder, and he fears neether friend nor foe. I am going to tell you some’ing you very like don’t know, and there’s no necessity for it to go any further; that is that he stands a vurry good chance of being made the secretary of a new society. Friends! without further remarks from me, I call upon Comrade Barnes, better known as Erb, to address you. Thanks.” The man stepped down from the chair. “Where’s my hat been and gone?” he asked. “Someone’s shifted it.”