“No; tell me of no conditions,” said Mr. Bernard; “I deny your right to impose any, and I will not hear them. As long as my partners and I are in business, we will keep the management of our own concerns. So say nothing of conditions.” “Answer us Yes or No, then,” repeated the first speaker. “Will you pull down the machinery, or will you not?” “I will not. So you have my answer. My reasons are at your service whenever you choose to ask for them in a proper time and manner.” The crowd murmured at the mention of reasons; but a man who flitted about among them, urged them to bring forward their second demand. This man was Jones; and his object was to shorten the scene, and get the people to disperse. “Your reply is taken down, Sir——” “Where it will never be forgotten,” growled a deep voice. “And we proceed to request that all the people in the works may attend the funeral of James Fry to-morrow, and not return to work till the next day, with the exception of the smallest number necessary to keep the furnaces.” “For what purpose?” “For the purpose of expressing their abhorrence of the means by which the boy came by his death.” “What could make you suppose my partner and I should grant your request?” “Not any idea that you would like it, certainly. But what should hinder our taking leave, if you will not give it?” “Hear my answer, and then spend to-morrow as you may choose. I refuse permission to any man to quit the work he has agreed to perform, with the exception of the four named by the boy’s mother to attend the funeral. All besides who quit their work to-morrow, quit it for ever.” “Suppose we make you quit your works?” cried an insolent voice. “You have it in your power to do so by withdrawing your labour; but the day when yonder furnaces are out of blast will be the day of your ruin. If you force us to choose between two evils, we had rather close our concern, and go whence we came, than carry on the most prosperous business under the control of those who depend on our capital for subsistence.” Another murmur arose at the last sentence.—“We will soon see what becomes of your capital!” “What is your capital to us, if you are so afraid of having anybody to touch it but yourselves?” “We will carry away our labour, and then much good may your capital do you!” “Just as much, and no more,” said Mr. Bernard, “than your labour can do without our capital. Remember, it is not our wish that the two powers should be separated to the ruin of us all. If you throw up your work to-morrow, our concern is ruined. If you will have a little patience, and supply your share of our contract, we may all see better days. Judge for yourselves.” He shut down the window and closed the shutters. The crowd below, after uttering various strange noises, and vehemently cheering sentiments proposed by their leaders, dispersed, and by midnight the shrubbery looked as still in the moonlight as if no intruder’s step had been there.