“You shirked us in the street,” said a third: “now we have caught you, we shall not let you go.” The landlord being really of opinion that Field had better lie where he was for an hour or two, Allen sat down to hear what was going on. Clack turned to him to know what their masters deserved for lowering their wages. “That depends upon circumstances,” replied Allen. “Be they much to blame or little, something must be done to prevent a further reduction, or many of us will be ruined.” “Shake hands, my fine fellow!” cried Clack. “That was just what we had agreed. It is time such tyranny was put down, and we can put it down, and we will.” “Gently, gently,” said Allen. “How do you think of putting it down?” “Why should not we root out the one who is the most of a tyrant, and then the others may take warning before it is too late? We have nothing to do but to agree.” “No easy matter sometimes, friend.” “Stuff! we have agreed before upon a less occasion, and when there was danger in it. Had not we our combinations, when combination was against the law? and shall not we have them again now that the law lets us alone? Shall we be bold in the day of danger and shrink when that day is over?” “Well, well, neighbour: I said nothing about being afraid. What would you have us agree to do?” “To root out Messrs. Mortimer and Rowe. Every man in our union must be sworn not to enter their gates; and if this does not frighten the masters and make them more reasonable, I don’t know what will.” “And if, instead of being frightened, the masters unite to refuse us work till we give up our stand against Mortimer and Rowe, what are we to do then?” “To measure our strength against theirs, to be sure. You know they can’t do without us.” “Nor we without them; and where both parties are so necessary to each other, it is a pity they should fall out.” “A pity! To be sure it is a pity; but if the masters drive us to it, the blame rests with them.” “I hope,” said a timid-looking man, Hare by name, who had a habit of twirling his hat when silent, and of scratching his head when he spoke, “I hope, neighbour, you will think what you are about before you mention a strike. I’ve seen enough of strikes. I had rather see my children on the parish than strike.” Clack looked disdainfully at him, and said it was well that some dove-like folks had not to manage a fight against the eagle. For his part, he thought any man ought to be proud of the honour of making a stand against any oppression; and that he had rather, for his own share, have the thanks of the Union Committee than wear Wellington’s star. Would not his friend Allen say the same?