Ruth. And if they have---- Martin. They have. Ruth. Will what you're doing help? Are threats of violence better? Martin. No. But we don't threaten. Ruth (_surprised_) Not threaten! Martin (_coolly_). We burn the factory to-night. And if your--husband tries to interfere, so much the worse for him. (_Producing pistol from pocket._) There's food and drink for many a day gone to the buying of this. Ruth. Martin! A pistol! You! Martin. He talks of putting up another factory. (_Grimly._) It's going to stop at talk. Ruth. A pistol! (_Coaxing._) I've never had a pistol in my hand. Let me feel it, Martin. Martin (_replacing it_). They're dangerous toys. Ruth. But I'll hold it by the handle. Martin. It's safer where it is. It's no good, Ruth You haven't wheedled Guy Barlow into being soft with us, and you won't wheedle me into being soft with him. You're no great hand at wheedling for all your pretty face. Ruth (_feigning indignation_). Oh, do you think it's Guy I care about? Martin (_drily_). I think somehow it is. Ruth. You have no right---- Martin. What else am I to think? For all these months I get no word from you. Your mother talks of nothing but your happiness with him. I know you're living there in luxury with him, and I see you dressed the way you are. What can I think but that he's won you round? Ruth. I'm not a cat to be won over with caresses. Martin. You always fancied finery. Ruth. Finery! It's good for finery to bring it on the moors to-night. Martin. It keeps you warm. Ruth. So does my fire. And yet I've left my fire I'm here. Martin. Why are you here? Ruth. To see you. Martin. Only that? Ruth. What else? Martin. Why do you choose this night of all the nights that have gone by since--since we made our plan and you took him for husband? Ruth. To-night's the first since yesterday. Martin. Why yesterday? Ruth. You sent a message by my mother. She gave it to me yesterday. Martin. I'd forgotten that. So much has happened since. Ruth. Then you should trust me all the more. I'm here in spite of all. I'm risking everything to come to tell you what you do is wrong, utterly, hopelessly wrong. Martin. What do you risk? Ruth. I risk my plan. Let Guy find out I meet you, and where's my chance of influencing him? Where's my reward for sending you away? I risk my life, my hope, my all. Martin (_sceptically_). It sounds a lot. Ruth. It is a lot. Martin. Well, I too take risks to-night. Ruth. Yes, greater than you know. Martin. Ah! Ruth. But you shall not take them. That's why I'm here. To stop you. You'll ruin all if this goes on to-night. Martin. We'll ruin his factory. Ruth. You'll bring black ruin on yourselves. Oh, listen to me, Martin. I know. I know. Guy's got the soldiers coming. Martin (_eagerly_). They're coming _here?_ Ruth. Yes. Didn't you say you all met here below to-night? Martin. Yes. Ruth. Soldiers, Martin. Can you fight soldiers? Martin. After to-night there'll be no factory to fight about.