You see those lights down there? (_He walks back, left. Harry Egerton joins him, going across rear_) HARRY EGERTON. That's east? HARVEY ANDERSON. Correct. HARRY EGERTON. And how far am I from it? HARVEY ANDERSON. About six miles. HARRY EGERTON. From Foreston, I mean? HARVEY ANDERSON. Six miles or more. HARRY EGERTON. So far! (_He walks back a little way, then stops and looks off up the valley. Harvey Anderson comes forward and begins to break some brush to replenish the fire_) CAP SAUNDERS. Who is it, Harvey? HARVEY ANDERSON. I don't know. CAP SAUNDERS. And it had the sign cut in the bark, eh? SILAS MAURY. Yes. WILLIE MAURY. Two X's and a spade. CAP SAUNDERS. That's it, that's it! 'Two X's and a spade, then dig nine feet.' There's two bits, son. How did it happen, dad? SILAS MAURY. It came up into the mill with the other logs, Lookin' just like 'em, but Willie spied the sign-- WILLIE MAURY. Just as it was goin' into the saws. SILAS MAURY. And shouted to Chris Knudson. Chris shut down; There was a crowd; and then Aug. Jergens come And had it hauled away. CAP SAUNDERS. If you and me Had been out here, son, when all these were trees And you'd a-spied that sign, I tell you what, I'd hung some nuggets round this little neck. HARVEY ANDERSON. You'd better wait until the moon comes out. It's a rough road back there. HARRY EGERTON. There is a road? HARVEY ANDERSON. A logging road. HARRY EGERTON. (_Coming forward, notices the casts upon the ground_) You're searching for the mine? HARVEY ANDERSON. Cap and I here. These men are from the mill. HARRY EGERTON. (_With interest_) From the mill down in Foreston, you mean? HARVEY ANDERSON. Leaving in search of work. HARRY EGERTON. Are things so bad Down at the mill, my friends, that you must leave? Are others leaving? Have the men gone back? (_The men glare at him_) CAP SAUNDERS. They'll have to soon, they say; their grub's give out. HARVEY ANDERSON. The Company has given them till to-morrow night To come to work or be shut out for good. HARRY EGERTON. Have they brought in more men? HARVEY ANDERSON. They're arranging to. HARRY EGERTON. I do not see, friends, what you hope to gain By leaving Foreston and wandering off In search of work. In the first place I know, As you perhaps do not, that Egerton Has given orders to the neighboring plants To take on no more men until this strike Is settled, till it's won. And, as you know, For forty miles around the mills are his, The camps are his. And where his power ends, Others begin that work in harmony With Egerton and Company. They are one, And have an understanding in some things Far more than you suspect. (_Patten and Maury rise and walk aside and whisper together_)