Labor unions -- United States -- Drama; Social classes -- United States -- Drama; Strikes and lockouts -- Drama
I trust, though, that they'll never need to blow.
BUCK BENTLEY.
'Twill set the land on fire if they do.
A WORKMAN.
The workingmen throughout the State will hear.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
They'll blow in relay, pards, from sea to sea.
(_Harry Egerton stands and watches the militiamen depart. As
Bentley goes down the stairs he turns and looks at Harry Egerton,
who lifts his hand to his head in a sort of military salute_)
CHRIS KNUDSON.
That's what they say about us, Wes, you know
That when the thing we've fought is taken away
We'll fight among ourselves.
WES DICEY.
(_To Harry Egerton_)
I ain't a man,
And never have been one, to set my views
Against the boys' views. If they're satisfied
And think the new way's better than the old,
And if they'll vote for it, Wes and his friends
Will have no grouch.
SEVERAL.
That's all right.
A VOICE.
Then come on.
HARRY EGERTON.
To get along together, as Sam says,
That's what we seek, my friend. The rest will come.
WES DICEY.
It's for the boys I took the stand I did.
(_The workmen go back into the mill. Harry Egerton watches Dicey
until he is lost among the men that pass out rear_)
HARVEY ANDERSON.
(_Who has been watching him_)
Partner.
HARRY EGERTON.
(_Who has started to follow the men_)
What is it, Harvey?
HARVEY ANDERSON.
What's this mean?
HARRY EGERTON.
We cannot be too patient with these men.
It's a free mill we're trying to build, Harvey.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
'Tain't that I mean.
(_Takes the will from his pocket_)
Why did you give me this?
HARRY EGERTON.
As a precaution, Harvey.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
(_To Jim King, who lingers about beyond the railing_)
We'll be there.
HARRY EGERTON.
If anything should happen to me, you know,
My father would inherit everything.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
Yes.
HARRY EGERTON.
And God meant the mine for other things.
And as administrators you and Sam
And Buck I knew would carry on the work.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
But why just now? Come on and tell me, partner.
There's something up. You ain't been like yourself.
There's something on your heart. What is it, partner?
It ain't the faction?
HARRY EGERTON.
No.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
About the mine--
That lie they told is eating in your heart.
HARRY EGERTON.
Have I done anything that you know, Harvey,
That could have wronged the men or any of them?
HARVEY ANDERSON.
You wronged them? What you mean?
HARRY EGERTON.
In any way?
HARVEY ANDERSON.
Why they'd die for you, partner. What you mean?
HARRY EGERTON.
Come here to-night when we can be alone.
There are some things I want to tell you, Harvey,
That you and Sam and Buck must carry out.
HARVEY ANDERSON.
(_Looks at him a long while, then lays his hands upon his
shoulders_)
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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