Now the snow falls they're afraid the wolf will howl. HARRY EGERTON. Will you be stronger then a year from now, Your Union broken up, your wages less, And this defeat behind you dampening all? Or do you intend henceforth never to lift The voice of protest, silent whatever comes? God will provide, my friends. Do not give up. HARVEY ANDERSON. (_Comes to him_) Tell 'em about it, partner. HARRY EGERTON. Not yet. HARVEY ANDERSON. Why? HARRY EGERTON. Their enemies would say it was the gold. And we must show them that they're wrong. A WORKMAN. Look out! JERGENS. (_With a stick he has picked up comes from the mill-yard_) What do you mean by interfering here? (_He discovers Harvey Anderson talking with Harry Egerton and turns, evidently for an explanation, to Haskell_) HARVEY ANDERSON. You've filed your claim though? HARRY EGERTON. Yes. (_Jubilant, Harvey Anderson turns and, catching up one of the mill-boys, lifts him over his head and slides him down his back, holding him by the feet. Jergens advances toward him_) A WORKMAN. Look out, comrade! HARVEY ANDERSON. I wouldn't try it, pard, if I were you. JERGENS. (_To the men_) You'll rue this day! (_To Harvey Anderson_) We'll fix you! (_To the militia_) Close these gates! (_Glowers at Harry Egerton_) Clear these streets, Captain! HARRY EGERTON. Stand where you are, my friends. JERGENS. Captain, I order you to clear these streets. HARRY EGERTON. Be careful, Captain Haskell, what you do. This is a public place. A MILITIAMAN. What's the word, Cap.? HASKELL. (_To the militiaman, irritably_) Who's in command here, I should like to know? JERGENS. Your father will attend to you, young man. (_Beside himself with rage, disappears down the street, left_) HARRY EGERTON. Now then go quietly to your homes, my friends, And I to-night will see what I can do. SAM WILLIAMS. (_Comes toward him_) Mr. Egerton. (_Holds out his hand_) HARRY EGERTON. Yes, Sam. (_Takes his hand_) SAM WILLIAMS. (_To the crowd_) Comrades, I never thought we'd live to see this day. (_The men crowd about them_) HARRY EGERTON. Some of you men are hungry. THE MEN. We're all right! We're all right, Mr. Egerton! HARRY EGERTON. But never mind. We will begin a new age in this land. HARVEY ANDERSON. Up with your hats, pards! God's on the mountains! (_Tosses his hat into the air. The workmen, in an almost religious ecstasy, go out left, crowding around Harry Egerton and Harvey Anderson. Dicey, King and Masters remain behind, whispering together, then follow the crowd. The militiamen, most of them silent with amazement at the scene they have witnessed, gradually disappear into the mill-yard_) FIRST MILITIAMAN.