strife (play inthe firstseries)bjohngalsworthy 1

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Strife (Play in the First Series)

byJohn Galsworthy

Part 2 out of 2

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ROUS. [With a choke.] Then, Begod, I can!

[He turns and rushes off.]

[M"# Stands, $ith a faint s%i&e on her face, &ooking after hi%. She turns to MRS. ROB#RTS.]

M"#. I ha'e done for Ro(erts!

MRS. ROB#RTS. [Scornfu&&).] one for %) %an, $ith that****![She sinks (ack.]

M"#. [Running to her, and fee&ing her hands.] +oure as co&d as astone! +ou $ant a dro- of (rand). an, run to the /0ion/1 sa), Isent )ou for Mrs. Ro(erts.

MRS. ROB#RTS. [With a fee(&e %o'e%ent.] I&& 2ust sit 3uiet, Madge."i'e an**his**tea.

M"#. ["i'ing 4 a s&ice of (read.] There, )e &itt&e rasca&.Ho&d )our -i-ing. ["oing to the fire, she knee&s.] Its going out.

MRS. ROB#RTS. [With a faint s%i&e.] T is a&& the sa%e!

[4 (egins to (&o$ his $hist&e.]

M"#. Tsht! Tsht!**)ou

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[4 Sto-s.]

MRS. ROB#RTS. [S%i&ing.] 0et i% -&a), Madge.

M"#. [On her knees at the fire, &istening.] Waiting an $aiting.I'e no -atience $ith it1 $aiting an $aiting**thats $hat a $o%anhas to do! 5an )ou hear the% at it**I can!

[4 (egins again to -&a) his $hist&e1 M"# gets u-1 ha&f tender&) she ruff&es his hair1 then, sitting, &eans her e&(o$son the ta(&e, and her chin on her hands. Behind her, on MRS.ROB#RTSS face the s%i&e has changed to horrified sur-rise. She%akes a sudden %o'e%ent, sitting for$ard, -ressing her handsagainst her (reast. Then s&o$&) she sinks (ack1 s&o$&) her face &oses the &ook of -ain, the s%i&e returns. She fi6es her

e)es again on 4, and %o'es her &i-s and finger to the tune.]

The curtain fa&&s.

S5#4# II

It is -ast four. In a gre), fai&ing &ight, an o-en %udd) s-ace

is cro$ded $ith $ork%en. Be)ond, di'ided fro% it () a (ar(ed*$ire fence, is the raised to$ing*-ath of a cana&, on $hich is%oored a (arge. In the distance are %arshes and sno$*co'eredhi&&s. The /Works/ high $a&& runs fro% the cana& across theo-en s-ace, and i') the ang&e of this $a&& is a rude -&atfor% of (arre&s and (oards. On it, HR4#SS is standing. ROB#RTS, a&itt&e a-art fro% the cro$d, &eans his (ack against the $a&&.On the raised to$ing*-ath t$o (arge%en &ounge and s%okeindifferent&).

HR4#SS. [Ho&ding out his hand.] We&&, I'e s-oken to )ou straight.If I s-eak ti&& to*%orro$ I cant sa) %ore.

"O. [ dark, sa&&o$, S-anish*&ooking %an $ith a short, thin(eard.] Mister, $ant to ask )ou! 5an the) get (&ack&egs7

BU0"I4. [Menacing.] 0et e% tr).

[There are sa'age %ur%urs fro% the cro$d.]



BROW4. [ round*faced %an.] Where cou&d the) get e% then7

#84S. [ s%a&&, rest&ess, harassed %an, $ith a fighting face.]Theres a&$a)s (&ack&egs1 its the nature of e%. Theres a&$a)s %en

that&& sa'e their o$n skins.

[nother sa'age %ur%ur. There is a %o'e%ent, and o&d THOMS, 2oining the cro$d, takes his stand in front.]

HR4#SS. [Ho&ding u- his hand.] The) cant get the%. But that$ont he&- )ou. 4o$ %en, (e reasona(&e. +our de%ands $ou&d ha'e(rought on us the (urden of a do9en strikes at a ti%e $hen $e $erenot -re-ared for the%. The Unions &i'e () 2ustice, not to one, (uta&&. n) fair %an $i&& te&& )ou**)ou $ere i&&*ad'ised! I dont sa))ou go too far for that $hich )oure entit&ed to, (ut )oure going

too far for the %o%ent1 )ou'e dug a -it for )ourse&'es. re )ou tosta) there, or are )ou to c&i%( out7 5o%e!

0#WIS. [ c&ean*cut We&sh%an $ith a dark %oustache.] +ou'e hit it,Mister! Which is it to (e7

[nother %o'e%ent in the cro$d, and ROUS, co%ing 3uick&), takeshis stand ne6t THOMS.]

HR4#SS. 5ut )our de%ands to the right -attern, and $e && see )outhrough1 refuse, and dont e6-ect %e to $aste %) ti%e co%ing do$n

here again. I % not the sort that s-eaks at rando%, as )ou ought tokno$ () this ti%e. If )oure the sound %en I take )ou for**no %atter $ho ad'ises )ou against it**[he fi6es his e)es on ROB#RTS] )ou &&%ake u- )our %inds to co%e in, and trust to us to get )our ter%s.Which is it to (e7 Hands together, and 'ictor)**or**the star'ation)ou'e got no$7

[ -ro&onged %ur%ur fro% the cro$d.]

"O. [Su&&en&).] Ta&k a(out $hat )ou kno$.

HR4#SS. [0ifting his 'oice a(o'e the %ur%ur.] :no$7 [With co&d-assion.] && that )ou'e (een through, %) friend, I 'e (eenthrough**I $as through it $hen I $as no (igger than [-ointing to a)outh] that sha'er there1 the Unions then $ere nt $hat the) areno$. Whats %ade the% strong7 Its hands together that s %ade the%strong. I 'e (een through it a&&, I te&& )ou, the (rands on %)sou& )et. I kno$ $hat )ou 'e suffered**theres nothing )ou can te&&%e that I dont kno$1 (ut the $ho&e is greater than the -art, and )ou



are on&) the -art. Stand () us, and $e $i&& stand () )ou.

[;uartering the% $ith his e)es, he $aits. The %ur%uring s$e&&s1the %en for% &itt&e grou-s. "R##4, BU0"I4, and 0#WIS ta&ktogether.]

0#WIS. S-eaks 'er) sensi(&e, the Union cha-.

"R##4. [;uiet&).] h! if I d a (een &istened to, )oud a'e eardsense these t$o %onths -ast.

[The (arge%en are seen &aughing. ]

0#WIS. [<ointing.] 0ook at those t$o (&anks o'er the fence there!

BU0"I4. [With g&oo%) 'io&ence.] The)d (est sto- their cack&e, or I

&& (reak their 2a$s.

"O. [Sudden&).] +ou sa) the furnace %ens -aid enough7

HR4#SS. I did not sa) the) $ere -aid enough1 I said the) $ere -aidas %uch as the furnace %en in si%i&ar $orks e&se$here.

#84S. Thats a &ie! [Hu((u(.] What a(out Har-ers7

HR4#SS. [With co&d iron).] +ou %a) &ook at ho%e for &ies, %) %an.Har-ers shifts are &onger, the -a) $orks out the sa%e.

H#4R+ ROUS. [ dark edition of his (rother "eorge.] Wi&& )e su--ortus in dou(&e -a) o'erti%e Saturda)s7

HR4#SS. +es, $e $i&&.

"O. What ha'e )e done $ith our su(scri-tions7

HR4#SS. [5o&d&).] I ha'e to&d )ou $hat $e $i&& do $ith the%.

#84S. h! $i&&, its a&$a)s $i&&! +ed ha'e our %ates desert us.[Hu((u(.]

BU0"I4. [Shouting.] Ho&d )our ro$!

[#84S &ooks round angri&).]

HR4#SS. [0ifting his 'oice.] Those $ho kno$ their right hands fro%their &efts kno$ that the Unions are neither thie'es nor traitors.



I 'e said %) sa). =igure it out, %) &ads1 $hen )ou $ant %e )ou kno$$here I sha&& (e.

[He 2u%-s do$n, the cro$d gi'es $a), he -asses through the%, andgoes a$a). BR"#M4 &ooks after hi% 2erking his -i-e $ith a

derisi'e gesture. The %en c&ose u- in grou-s, and %an) &ooksare cast at ROB#RTS, $ho stands a&one against the $a&&.]

#84S. He $ants )e to turn (&ack&egs, thats $hat he $ants. He$ants )e to go (ack on us. Sooner than turn (&ack&eg**I d star'e, I$ou&d.

BU0"I4. Whos ta&kin o (&ack&egs**%ind $hat )oure sa)ing, $i&&)ou7

B05:SMITH. [ )outh $ith )e&&o$ hair and huge ar%s.] What a(out

the $o%en7

#84S. The) can stand $hat $e can stand, I su--ose, cant the)7

B05:SMITH. +e'e no $ife7

#84S. n dont $ant one!

THOMS. [Raising his 'oice.] )e! "i'e us the -o$er to co%e toter%s $ith 0ondon, &ads.

8I#S. [ dark, s&o$*f&), g&oo%) %an.] "o u- the -&atfor%, if )ougot an)thing to sa), go u- an sa) it.

[There are cries of /Tho%as!/ He is -ushed to$ards the-&atfor%1 he ascends it $ith difficu&t), and (ares his head,$aiting for si&ence. hush.]

R#*HIR# +OUTH. [sudden&).] 5oot o&d Tho%as!

[ hoarse &augh1 the (arge%en e6change re%arks1 a hush again,and THOMS (egins s-eaking.]

THOMS. We are a&& in the te-th together, and it iss 4ature that has-ut us there.

H#4R+ ROUS. Its 0ondon -ut us there!

#84S. Its the Union.



THOMS. It iss not 0onton1 nor it iss not the Union**it iss 4ature.It iss no disgrace $hateffer to a -ott) to gi'e in to 4ature. =or this 4ature iss a fer) -ig thing1 it is -igger than $hat a %an is.There iss %ore )ears to %) hett than to the hett of an) one here.It is fer) -at, &ook )ou, this "oing against 4ature. It is -at to

%ake other -otties suffer, $hen there is nothing to -e cot -) it.

[ &augh. THOMS angri&) goes on.]

What are )e &aughing at7 It is -at, I sa)! We are fighting for a-rinci-&e1 there is no -ott) that sha&& sa) I a% not a -e&ie'er in-rinci-&e. <utt $hen 4ature sa)s /4o further,/ then it is no cootsna--ing )our fingers in her face.

[ &augh fro% ROB#RTS, and %ur%urs of a--ro'a&.]

This 4ature %ust -e hu%ort. It is a %ans -isiness to -e -ure,honest, 2ust, and %ercifu&. Thats $hat 5ha-e& te&&s )ou. [ToROB#RTS, angri&).] nd, &ook )ou, a'id Ro(erts, 5ha-e& te&&s )ou )ecan do that $ithout "oing against 4ature.

"O. What a(out the Union7

THOMS. I tont trust the Union1 the) haf treated us &ike tirt./o $hat $e te&& )ou,/ said the). I haf -een ca-tain of the furnace*%en t$ent) )ears, and I sa) to the Union**[e6cited&)]**/5an )ou te&&%e then, as $e&& as I can te&& )ou, $hat iss the right $ages for the

$ork that these %en do7/ =or fife and t$ent) )ears I haf -aid %)%one)s to the Union and**[$ith great e6cite%ent]**for nothings! Whatiss that (ut roguer), for a&& that this Mr. Harness sa)s!

#84S. Hear, hear.

H#4R+ ROUS. "et on $ith )ou! 5ut on $ith it then!

THOMS. 0ook )ou, if a %an toes not trust %e, a% I going to trusthi%7

"O. Thats right.

THOMS. 0et the% a&one for rogues, and act for ourse&'es.

[Mur%urs.]

B05:SMITH. Thats $hat $e (een doin, ha'ent $e7



THOMS. [With increased e6cite%ent.] I $ass (rought u- to do for %ese&f. I $ass (rought u- to go $ithout a thing, if I hat not %one)sto -u) it. There iss too %uch, &ook )ou, of doing things $ith other -eo-&es %one)s. We haf fought fair, and if $e haf -een (eaten, itiss no fau&t of ours. "if us the -o$er to %ake ter%s $ith 0ondon for

ourse&f1 if $e tont succeed, I sa) it iss -etter to take our -eating&ike %en, than to tie &ike togs, or hang on to others coat*tai&s to%ake the% do our -isiness for us!

#84S. [Muttering.] Who $ants to7

THOMS. [5raning.] Whats that7 If I stand u- to a -ott), and heknocks %e to$n, I a% not to go ho&&ering to other -otties to he&- %e1I a% to stand u- again1 and if he knocks %e to$n -ro-er&), I a% tosta) there, is nt that right7

[0aughter.]

"O. 4o Union!

H#4R+ ROUS. Union!

[Mur%urs.]

[Others take u- the shout.]

#84S. B&ack&egs!

[BU0"I4 and the B05:SMITH shake their fists at #84S.]

THOMS. [With a gesture.] I a% an o&t %an, &ook )ou.

[ sudden si&ence, then %ur%urs again.]

0#WIS. O&t foo&, $ith his /4o Union!/

BU0"I4. The% furnace cha-s! =or t$o-ence I d s%ash the faces othe &ot of the%.

"R##4. If Id a (een &istened to at the first!

THOMS. [Wi-ing his (ro$.] I% co%in no$ to $hat I $as going tosa)****

8I#S. [Muttering.] n ti%e too!



THOMS. [So&e%n&).] 5ha-e& sa)s> Tont carr) on this strife! <utan end to it!

"O. Thats a &ie! 5ha-e& sa)s go on!

THOMS. [Scornfu&&).] Inteet! I haf ears to %) head.

R#*HIR# +OUTH. h! &ong ones!

[ &augh.]

"O. +our ears ha'e %is(e&ed )ou then.

THOMS. [#6cited&).] +e cannot (e right if I a%, )e cannot haf it(oth $a)s.

R#*HIR# +OUTH. 5ha-e& can though!

[/The Sha'er/ &aughs1 there are %ur%urs fro% the cro$d.]

THOMS. [=i6ing his e)es on /The Sha'er./] h! )e re "oing theroat to ta%nation. n so I sa) to a&& of )ou. If )e co against5ha-e& I $i&& not -e $ith )ou, nor $i&& an) other "ot*fearing %an.

[He ste-s do$n fro% the -&atfor%. "O %akes his $a) to$ardsit. There are cries of /ont &et i% go u-!/]

"O. ont &et hi% go u-7 Thats free s-eech, that is. [He goesu-.] I aint got %uch to sa) to )ou. 0ook at the %atter -&ain1 )e'e co%e the road this far, and no$ )ou $ant to chuck the 2ourne).We'e a&& (een in one (oat1 and no$ )ou $ant to -u&& in t$o. Weengineers ha'e stood () )ou1 )e re read) no$, are )e, to gi'e us thego*()7 If $ed akno$n that (efore, $ed not a*started out $ith )ouso ear&) one (right %orning! Thats a&& I 'e got to sa). O&d %anTho%as ant got his Bi(&e &esson right. If )ou gi'e u- to 0ondon,or to Harness, no$, its gi'in us the chuck**to sa'e )our skins**)ou$ont get o'er that, %) (o)s1 its a dirt) thing to do.

[He gets do$n1 during his &itt&e s-eech, $hich is ironica&&)s-oken, there is a rest&ess disco%fort in the cro$d. ROUS,ste--ing for$ard, 2u%-s on the -&atfor%. He has an air of fierce distraction. Su&&en %ur%urs of disa--ro'a& fro% thecro$d.]

ROUS. [S-eaking $ith great e6cite%ent.] I% no (&ank) orator,



%ates, (ut $ot I sa) is dro'e fro% %e. What I sa) is )u%an nature.5an a %an set an see is %other star'e7 5an e no$7

ROB#RTS. [Starting for$ard.] Rous!

ROUS. [Staring at hi% fierce&).] Si% rness said fair! I'echanged %) %ind!

ROB#RTS. h! Turned )our coat )ou %ean!

[The cro$d %anifests a great sur-rise.]

0#WIS. [-ostro-hising Rous.] Ha&&o! Whats turned hi% round7

ROUS. [S-eaking $ith intense e6cite%ent.] # said fair. /Stand ()us,/ e said, /and $e&& stand () )ou./ Thats $here $e'e (een

%akin our %istake this &ong ti%e -ast1 and $hos to (&a%e fort7 [He-oints at ROB#RTS] That %an there! /4o,/ e said, /fight thero((ers,/ e said, /s3uee9e the (reath out o the%!/ But its not the(reath out o the% thats (eing s3uee9ed1 its the (reath out of usand ours, and thats the (ook of truth. I% no orator, %ates, itsthe f&esh and (&ood in %e thats s-eakin, its the heart o %e.[With a %enacing, )et ha&f*asha%ed %o'e%ent to$ards ROB#RTS.] He&&s-eak to )ou again, %ark %) $ords, (ut dont )e &isten. [The cro$dgroans.] Its he&& fire thats on that %ans tongue. [ROB#RTS isseen &aughing.] Si% rness is right. What are $e $ithout theUnion**handfu& o -arched &ea'es**a -uff o s%oke. I% no orator,

(ut I sa)> 5huck it u-! 5huck it u-! Sooner than go on star'ing the$o%en and the chi&dren.

[The %ur%urs of ac3uiescence a&%ost dro$n the %ur%urs of dissent.]

#84S. Whats turned )ou to (&ack&egging7

ROUS. [With a furious &ook.] Si% rness kno$s $hat hes ta&kinga(out. "i'e us -o$er to co%e to ter%s $ith 0ondon1 I% no orator,(ut I sa)**ha'e done $i this (&ack %iser)!

[He gi'es his %uter a t$ist, 2erks his head (ack, and 2u%-s off the -&atfor%. The cro$d a--&auds and surges for$ard. %idcries of /Thats enough!/ /U- Union!/ /U- Harness!/ ROB#RTS3uiet&) ascends the -&atfor%. There is a %o%ent of si&ence.]

B05:SMITH. We dont $ant to hear )ou. Shut it!



H#4R+ Rous. "et do$n!

[%id such cries the) surge to$ards the -&atfor%.]

#84S. [=ierce&).] 0et i% s-eak! Ro(erts! Ro(erts!

BU0"I4. [Muttering.] Hed (etter &ook out that I dont crack hissku&&.

[ROB#RTS faces the cro$d, -ro(ing the% $ith his e)es ti&& the)gradua&&) (eco%e si&ent. He (egins s-eaking. One of the(arge%en rises and stands.]

ROB#RTS. +ou dont $ant to hear %e, then7 +ou&& &isten to Rous andto that o&d %an, (ut not to %e. +ou&& &isten to Si% Harness of theUnion thats treated )ou so fair1 %a)(e )ou&& &isten to those %en

fro% 0ondon7 h! +ou groan! What for7 +ou &o'e their feet on )our necks, dont )ou7 [Then as BU0"I4 e&(o$s his $a) to$ards the-&atfor%, $ith ca&% (athos.] +oud &ike to (reak %) 2a$, ohnBu&gin. 0et %e s-eak, then do )our s%ashing, if it gi'es )ou-&easure. [BU0"I4 Stands %otion&ess and su&&en.] % I a &iar, aco$ard, a traitor7 If on&) I $ere, )ed &isten to %e, I% sure.[The %ur%urings cease, and there is no$ dead si&ence.] Is there a%an of )ou here that has &ess to gain () striking7 Is there a %an of )ou that had %ore to &ose7 Is there a %an of )ou that has gi'en u-eight hundred -ounds since this trou(&e here (egan7 5o%e no$, isthere7 Ho$ %uch has Tho%as gi'en u-**ten -ounds or fi'e, or $hat7

+ou &istened to hi%, and $hat had he to sa)7 /4one can -retend,/ hesaid, /that I% not a (e&ie'er in -rinci-&e**[$ith (iting iron)]**(ut$hen 4ature sa)s> 4o further, t es going agenst 4ature./ I te&&)ou if a %an cannot sa) to 4ature> /Budge %e fro% this if )e can!/**[$ith a sort of e6a&tation]his -rinci-&es are (ut his (e&&). /Oh,(ut,/ Tho%as sa)s, /a %an can (e -ure and honest, 2ust and %ercifu&,and take off his hat to 4ature! /I te&& )ou 4atures neither -urenor honest, 2ust nor %ercifu&. +ou cha-s that &i'e o'er the hi&&,an go ho%e dead (eat in the dark on a sno$) night**dont )e fight)our $a) e'er) inch of it7 o )e go &)in do$n an trustin to thetender %ercies of this %ercifu& 4ature7 Tr) it and )ou&& soon kno$$ith $hat )e'e got to dea&. T es on&) () that**[he strikes a (&o$$ith his c&enched fist]**in 4atures face that a %an can (e a %an./"i'e in,/ sa)s Tho%as, /go do$n on )our knees1 thro$ u- )our foo&ishfight, an -erha-s,/ he said, /-erha-s )our ene%) $i&& chuck )ou do$na crust./

"O. 4e'er!



#84S. 5urse the%!

THOMS. I nefer said that.

ROB#RTS. [Biting&).] If )e did not sa) it, %an, )e %eant it.

n $hat did )e sa) a(out 5ha-e&7 /5ha-e&s against it,/ )e said./She s against it!/ We&&, if 5ha-e& and 4ature go hand in hand,its the first I'e e'er heard of it. That )oung %an there**[-ointing to ROUS]**said I ad e&& fire on %) tongue. If I had I$ou&d use it a&& to scorch and $ither this ta&king of surrender.Surrendering s the $ork of co$ards and traitors.

H#4R+ ROUS. [s "#OR"# ROUS %o'es for$ard.] "o for hi%, "eorge**dont stand his &i-!

ROB#RTS. [=&inging out his finger.] Sto- there, "eorge Rous, its

no ti%e this to sett&e -ersona& %atters. [ROUS sto-s.] But there$as one other s-oke to )ou**Mr. Si%on Harness. We ha'e not %uch tothank Mr. Harness and the Union for. The) said to us /esert )our %ates, or $e&& desert )ou./ n the) did desert us.

#84S. The) did.

ROB#RTS. Mr. Si%on Harness is a c&e'er %an, (ut he has co%e too&ate. [With intense con'iction.] =or a&& that Mr. Si%on Harnesssa)s, for a&& that Tho%as, Rous, for a&& that an) %an -resent herecan sa)**We'e $on the fight!

[The cro$d sags nearer, &ooking eager&) u-.]

[With $ithering scorn.] +ou'e fe&t the -inch ot in )our (e&&ies.+ou'e forgotten $hat that fight as (een1 %an) ti%es I ha'e to&d)ou1 I $i&& te&& )ou no$ this once again. The fight o the countr)s(od) and (&ood against a (&ood*sucker. The fight of those that s-endthe%se&'es $ith e'er) (&o$ the) strike and e'er) (reath the) dra$,against a thing that fattens on the%, and gro$s and gro$s () the &a$of %ercifu& 4ature. That thing is 5a-ita&! thing that (u)s thes$eat o %ens (ro$s, and the tortures o their (rains, at its o$n-rice. ont I kno$ that7 Wasnt the $ork o %) (rains (ought for se'en hundred -ounds, and has nt one hundred thousand -ounds (eengained the% () that se'en hundred $ithout the stirring of a finger.It is a thing that $i&& take as %uch and gi'e )ou as &itt&e as itcan. Thats 5a-ita&! thing that $i&& sa)**/I% 'er) sorr) for )ou, -oor fe&&o$s**)ou ha'e a crue& ti%e of it, I kno$,/ (ut $i&& notgi'e one si6-ence of its di'idends to he&- )ou ha'e a (etter ti%e.Thats 5a-ita&! Te&& %e, for a&& their ta&k, is there one of the%



that $i&& consent to another -enn) on the Inco%e Ta6 to he&- the-oor7 Thats 5a-ita&! $hite*faced, ston)*hearted %onster! +eha'e got it on its knees1 are )e to gi'e u- at the &ast %inute tosa'e )our %isera(&e (odies -ain7 When I $ent this %orning to thoseo&d %en fro% 0ondon, I &ooked into their 'er) earts. One of the%

$as sitting there**Mr. Scant&e(ur), a %ass of f&esh nourished on us>sittin there for a&& the $or&d &ike the shareho&ders in this5o%-an), that sit not %o'ing tongue nor finger, takin di'idends agreat du%( o6 that can on&) (e roused $hen its food is threatened.I &ooked into his e)es and I sa$ he $as afraid**afraid for hi%se&f and his di'idends1 afraid for his fees, afraid of the 'er)shareho&ders he stands for1 and a&& (ut one of the%s afraid**&ikechi&dren that get into a $ood at night, and start at e'er) rust&e of the &ea'es. I ask )ou, %en**[he -auses, ho&ding out his hand ti&&there is utter si&ence]**gi'e %e a free hand to te&& the%> /"o )ou(ack to 0ondon. The %en ha'e nothing for )ou!/ [ %ur%uring.] "i'e

%e that, an I s$ear to )ou, $ithin a $eek )ou sha&& ha'e fro% 0ondona&& )ou $ant.

#84S, "O, and OTH#RS. free hand! "i'e hi% a free hand! Bra'o*(ra'o!

ROB#RTS. T is not for this &itt&e %o%ent of ti%e $ere fighting[the %ur%uring dies], not for ourse&'es, our o$n &itt&e (odies, andtheir $ants, t is for a&& those that co%e after throughout a&& ti%e.[With intense sadness.] Oh! %en**for the &o'e o the%, dont ro&&u- another stone u-on their heads, dont he&- to (&acken the sk), an

&et the (itter sea in o'er the%. The)re $e&co%e to the $orst thatcan ha--en to %e, to the $orst that can ha--en to us a&&, are ntthe)**are nt the)7 If $e can shake [-assionate&)] that $hite*faced%onster $ith the (&ood) &i-s, that has sucked the &ife out of ourse&'es, our $i'es, and chi&dren, since the $or&d (egan. [ro--ingthe note of -assion (ut $ith the ut%ost $eight and intensit).] If $eha'e not the hearts of %en to stand against it (reast to (reast, ande)e to e)e, and force it (ack$ard ti&& it cr) for %erc), it $i&& goon sucking &ife1 and $e sha&& sta) fore'er $hat $e are [in a&%ost a$his-er], &ess than the 'er) dogs.

[n utter sti&&ness, and ROB#RTS stands rocking his (od)s&ight&), $ith his e)es (urning the faces of the cro$d.]

#84S and "O. [Sudden&).] Ro(erts! [The shout is taken u-.]

[There is a s&ight %o'e%ent in the cro$d, and M"# -assing(e&o$ the to$ing*-ath, sto-s () the -&atfor%, &ooking u- atROB#RTS. sudden dou(ting si&ence.]



ROB#RTS. /4ature,/ sa)s that o&d %an, /gi'e in to 4ature./ I te&&)ou, strike )our (&o$ in 4atures face**an &et it do its $orst!

[He catches sight of M"#, his (ro$s contract, he &ooks a$a).]

M"#. [In a &o$ 'oice*c&ose to the -&atfor%.] +our $ifes d)ing!

[ROB#RTS g&ares at her as if torn fro% so%e -innac&e of e6a&tation.]

ROB#RTS. [Tr)ing to sta%%er on.] I sa) to )ou**ans$er the%**ans$er the%****

[He is dro$ned () the %ur%ur in the cro$d.]

THOMS. [Ste--ing for$ard.] Tont )ou hear her, then7

ROB#RTS. What is it7 [ dead si&ence.]

THOMS. +our $ife, %an!

[ROB#RTS hesitates, then $ith a gesture, he &ea-s do$n, and goesa$a) (e&o$ the to$ing*-ath, the %en %aking $a) for hi%. Thestanding (arge%an o-ens and -re-ares to &ight a &antern.a)&ight is fast fai&ing.]

M"#. He need nt ha'e hurried! nnie Ro(erts is dead. [Then inthe si&ence, -assionate&).] +ou -ack of (&inded hounds! Ho$ %an)%ore $o%en are )ou going to &et to die7

[The cro$d shrinks (ack fro% her, and (reaks u- in grou-s, $itha confused, uneas) %o'e%ent. M"# goes 3uick&) a$a) (e&o$ theto$ing*-ath. There is a hush as the) &ook after her.]

0#WIS. Theres a s-itfire, for )e!

BU0"I4. ["ro$&ing.] I&& s%ash er 2a$.

"R##4. If Id a*(een &istened to, that -oor $o%an****

THOMS. Its a 2udg%ent on hi% for going against 5ha-e&. I to&t hi%ho$ t $ou&d (e!

#84S. && the %ore reason for sticking () i%. [ cheer.] re )ougoin to desert hi% no$ e s do$n7 re )ou going to chuck hi% o'er,



no$ e s &ost is $ife7

[The cro$d is %ur%uring and cheering a&& at once.]

ROUS. [Ste--ing in front of -&atfor%.] 0ost his $ife! )e! 5ant

)e see7 0ook at ho%e, &ook at )our o$n $i'es! Whats to sa'e the%7+e&& ha'e the sa%e in a&& )our houses (efore &ong!

0#WIS. )e, a)e!

H#4R+ ROUS. Right! "eorge, right!

[There are %ur%urs of assent.]

ROUS. Its not us thats (&ind, its Ro(erts. Ho$ &ong $i&& )e -utu- $ith i%!

H#4R+, ROUS, BU0"I4, 8I#S. "i'e i% the chuck!

[The cr) is taken u-.]

#84S. [=ierce&).] :ick a %an thats do$n7 o$n7

H#4R+ ROUS. Sto- his 2a$ there!

[#84S thro$s u- his ar% at a threat fro% BU0"I4. The (arge%an,$ho has &ighted the &antern, ho&ds it high a(o'e his head.]

ROUS. [S-ringing on to the -&atfor%.] What (rought hi% do$n then,(ut is o$n (&ack o(stinac)7 re )e goin to fo&&o$ a %an that cantsee (etter than that $here hes goin7

#84S. Hes &ost is $ife.

ROUS. n $hos fau&ts that (ut his o$n. 'e done $ith i%, Isa), (efore hes ki&&ed )our o$n $i'es and %others.

8I#S. o$n i%!

H#4R+ ROUS. Hes finished!

BROW4. We'e had enough of i%!

B05:SMITH. Too %uch!

[The cro$d takes u- these cries, e6ce-ting on&) #84S, "O, and



"R##4, $ho is seen to argue %i&d&) $ith the B05:SMITH.]

ROUS. [(o'e the hu((u(.] We&& %ake ter%s $ith the Union, &ads.

[5heers.]

#84S. [=ierce&).] +e (&ack&egs!

BU0"I4. [Sa'age&)*s3uaring u- to hi%.] Who are )e ca&&in(&ack&egs, Rat7

[#84S thro$s u- his fists, -arries the (&o$, and returns it.The) fight. The (arge%en are seen ho&ding u- the &antern anden2o)ing the sight. O&d THOMS ste-s for$ard and ho&ds out hishands.]

THOMS. Sha%e on )our strife!

[The B05:SMITH, BROW4, 0#WIS, and the R#*HIR# +OUTH -u&&#84S and BU0"I4 a-art. The stage is a&%ost dark.]

The curtain fa&&s.

5T III

It is fi'e oc&ock. In the U4#RWOOS dra$ing*roo%, $hich isartistica&&) furnished, #4I is sitting on the sofa $orking at a(a()s frock. #"R, () a &itt&e s-ind&e*&egged ta(&e in thecentre of the roo%, is fingering a china*(o6. His e)es arefi6ed on the dou(&e*doors that &ead into the dining*roo%.

#"R. [<utting do$n the china*(o6, and g&ancing at his $atch.]ust on fi'e, the)re a&& in there $aiting, e6ce-t =rank. Whereshe7

#4I. Hes had to go do$n to "asgo)nes a(out a contract. Wi&& )ou$ant hi%7

#"R. He cant he&- us. This is a directors 2o(. [Motioningto$ards a sing&e door ha&f hidden () a curtain.] =ather in his roo%7



#4I. +es.

#"R. I $ish hed sta) there, #nid.

[#4I &ooks u- at hi%. This is a (east&) (usiness, o&d gir&7]

[He takes u- the &itt&e (o6 again and turns it o'er and o'er.]

#4I. I $ent to the Ro(ertss this afternoon, Ted.

#"R. That $as nt 'er) $ise.

#4I. Hes si%-&) ki&&ing his $ife.

#"R. We are )ou %ean.

#4I. [Sudden&).] Ro(erts ought to gi'e $a)!

#"R. Theres a &ot to (e said on the %ens side.

#4I. I dont fee& ha&f so s)%-athetic $ith the% as I did (efore I$ent. The) 2ust set u- c&ass fee&ing against )ou. <oor nnie $as&ooking dread fu&&) (ad**fire going out, and nothing fit for her toeat.

[#"R $a&ks to and fro.]

But she $ou&d stand u- for Ro(erts. When )ou see a&& this$retchedness going on and fee& )ou can do nothing, )ou ha'e to shut)our e)es to the $ho&e thing.

#"R. If )ou can.

#4I. When I $ent I $as a&& on their side, (ut as soon as I gotthere I (egan to fee& 3uite different at once. <eo-&e ta&k a(outs)%-ath) $ith the $orking c&asses, the) dont kno$ $hat it %eans totr) and -ut it into -ractice. It see%s ho-e&ess.

#"R. h! $e&&.

#4I. Its dreadfu& going on $ith the %en in this state. I do ho-ethe ad $i&& %ake concessions.

#"R. He $ont. ["&oo%i&).] Its a sort of re&igion $ith hi%.5urse it! I kno$ $hats co%ing! He&& (e 'oted do$n.



#4I. The) $ou&d nt dare!

#"R. The) $i&&**the)re in a funk.

#4I. [Indignant&).] Hed ne'er stand it!

#"R. [With a shrug.] M) dear gir&, if )oure (eaten in a 'ote,)ou'e got to stand it.

#4I. Oh! [She gets u- in a&ar%.] But $ou&d he resign7

#"R. Of course! It goes to the roots of his (e&iefs.

#4I. But hes so $ra--ed u- in this co%-an), Ted! Thered (enothing &eft for hi%! Itd (e dreadfu&!

[#"R shrugs his shou&ders.]

Oh, Ted, hes so o&d no$! +ou %ust nt &et the%!

#"R. [Hiding his fee&ings in an out(urst.] M) s)%-athies in thisstrike are a&& on the side of the %en.

#4I. Hes (een 5hair%an for %ore than thirt) )ears! He %ade the$ho&e thing! nd think of the (ad ti%es the)'e had1 its a&$a)s(een he $ho -u&&ed the% through. Oh, Ted, )ou %ust!

#"R. What is it )ou $ant7 +ou said 2ust no$ )ou ho-ed hed %akeconcessions. 4o$ )ou $ant %e to (ack hi% in not %aking the%. Thisis nt a ga%e, #nid!

#4I. [Hot&).] It is nt a ga%e to %e that the ads in danger of &osing a&& he cares a(out in &ife. If he $ont gi'e $a), and hes(eaten, it&& si%-&) (reak hi% do$n!

#"R. id nt )ou sa) it $as dreadfu& going on $ith the %en in thisstate7

#4I. But cant )ou see, Ted, =ather&& ne'er get o'er it! +ou %uststo- the% so%eho$. The others are afraid of hi%. If )ou (ack hi%u-****

#"R. [<utting his hand to his head.] gainst %) con'ictions**against )ours! The %o%ent it (egins to -inch one -ersona&&)****

#4I. It is nt -ersona&, its the ad!



#"R. +our fa%i&) or )ourse&f, and o'er goes the sho$!

#4I. [Resentfu&&).] If )ou dont take it serious&), I do.

#"R. I a% as fond of hi% as )ou are1 thats nothing to do $ith it.

#4I. We cant te&& a(out the %en1 its a&& guess*$ork. But $e kno$the ad %ight ha'e a stroke an) da). )ou %ean to sa) that heisnt %ore to )ou than****

#"R. Of course he is.

#4I. I dont understand )ou then.

#"R. H%!

#4I. If it $ere for onese&f it $ou&d (e different, (ut for our o$n=ather! +ou dont see% to rea&ise.

#"R. I rea&ise -erfect&).

#4I. Its )our first dut) to sa'e hi%.

#"R. I $onder.

#4I. [I%-&oring.] Oh, Ted7 Its the on&) interest hes got &eft1

it&& (e &ike a death*(&o$ to hi%!

#"R. [Restraining his e%otion.] I kno$.

#4I. <ro%ise!

#"R. I&& do $hat I can.

[He turns to the dou(&e*doors.]

[The curtained door is o-ened, and 4THO4+ a--ears. #"R o-ensthe dou(&e*doors, and -asses through.]

[S54T0#BUR+S 'oice is faint&) heard> /<ast fi'e1 $e sha&&ne'er get through**ha'e to eat another dinner at that hote&!/The doors are shut. 4THO4+ $a&ks for$ard.]

4THO4+. +ou'e (een seeing Ro(erts, I hear.



#4I. +es.

4THO4+. o )ou kno$ $hat tr)ing to (ridge such a gu&f as this is&ike7

[#4I -uts her $ork on the &itt&e ta(&e, and faces hi%.]

=i&&ing a sie'e $ith sand!

#4I. ont!

4THO4+. +ou think $ith )our g&o'ed hands )ou can cure the trou(&eof the centur).

[He -asses on. ]

#4I. =ather!

[4THO4+ Sto-s at the dou(&e doors.]

I% on&) thinking of )ou!

4THO4+. [More soft&).] I can take care of %)se&f, %) dear.

#4I. Ha'e )ou thought $hat&& ha--en if )oure (eaten**[she -oints]**in there7

4THO4+. I dont %ean to (e.

#4I. Oh! =ather, dont gi'e the% a chance. +oure not $e&&1 need)ou go to the %eeting at a&&7

4THO4+. [With a gri% s%i&e.] 5ut and run7

#4I. But the)&& out*'ote )ou!

4THO4+. [<utting his hand on the doors.] We sha&& see!

#4I. I (eg )ou, ad! Wont )ou7

[4THO4+ &ooks at her soft&).]

[4THO4+ shakes his head. He o-ens the doors. (u99 of 'oicesco%es in.]

S54T0#BUR+. 5an one get dinner on that ?.@A train u-7



T#45H. 4o, Sir, I (e&ie'e not, sir.

WI0#R. We&&, I sha&& s-eak out1 I'e had enough of this.

#"R. [Shar-&).] What7

[It ceases instant&). 4THO4+ -asses through, c&osing the doors(ehind hi%. #4I s-rings to the% $ith a gesture of dis%a). She-uts her hand on the kno(, and (egins turning it1 then goes tothe fire-&ace, and ta-s her foot on the fender. Sudden&) sherings the (e&&. =ROST co%es in () the door that &eads into theha&&.]

=ROST. +es, M%7

#4I. When the %en co%e, =rost, -&ease sho$ the% in here1 theha&& s co&d.

=ROST. I cou&d -ut the% in the -antr), M%.

#4I. 4o. I dont $ant to**to offend the%1 the)re so touch).

=ROST. +es, M%. [<ause.] #6cuse %e, Mr. nthon)s ad nothing toeat a&& da).

#4I. I kno$ =rost.

=ROST. 4othin (ut t$o $hiskies and sodas, M%.

#4I. Oh! )ou oughtnt to ha'e &et hi% ha'e those.

=ROST. ["ra'e&).] Mr. nthon) is a &itt&e difficu&t, M%. Its notas if he $ere a )ounger %an, an kne$ $hat $as good for i%1 he $i&&ha'e his o$n $a).

#4I. I su--ose $e a&& $ant that.

=ROST. +es, M%. [;uiet&).] #6cuse %e s-eakin a(out the strike.I% sure if the other gent&e%en $ere to gi'e u- to Mr. nthon), and3uiet&) &et the %en a'e $hat the) $ant, after$ards, thatd (e the(est $a). I find that 'er) usefu& $ith hi% at ti%es, M%.

[#4I shakes he) head.]

If hes crossed, it %akes hi% 'io&ent. [$ith an air of disco'er)],



and I'e noticed in %) o$n case, $hen I% 'io&ent I% a&$a)s sorr)for it after$ards.

#4I. [With a s%i&e.] re )ou e'er 'io&ent, =rost7

=ROST. +es, M%1 oh! so%eti%es 'er) 'io&ent.

#4I. I'e ne'er seen )ou.

=ROST. [I%-ersona&&).] 4o, M%1 that is so.

[#4I fidgets to$ards the (ack of the door.]

[With fee&ing.] Bein $ith Mr. nthon), as )ou kno$, M%, e'er sinceI $as fifteen, it $orries %e to see hi% crossed &ike this at his age.I'e taken the &i(ert) to s-eak to Mr. Wank&in [dro--ing his 'oice]**

see%s to (e the %ost sensi(&e of the gent&e%en**(ut e said to %e>/Thats a&& 'er) $e&&, =rost, (ut this strikes a 'er) seriousthing,/ e said. /Serious for a&& -arties, no dou(t,/ I said, /(ut)u%our i%, sir,/ I said, /)u%our i%. Its &ike this, if a %anco%es to a stone $a&&, e does nt dri'e is ead against it, e getso'er it./ /+es,/ e said, /)oud (etter te&& )our %aster that./[=ROST &ooks at his nai&s.] Thats $here it is, M%. I said to Mr.

nthon) this %orning> /Is it $orth it, sir7/ /a%n it,/ he said to%e, /=rost! Mind )our o$n (usiness, or take a %onths notice!/ Beg-ardon, M%, for using such a $ord.

#4I. [Mo'ing to the dou(&e*doors, and &istening.] o )ou kno$ that%an Ro(erts, =rost7

=ROST. +es, M%1 thats to sa), not to s-eak to. But to &ook at i%)ou can te&& $hat hes &ike.

#4I. [Sto--ing.] +es7

=ROST. Hes not one of these ere ordinar) ar%&ess Socia&ists.#s 'io&ent1 got a fire inside i%. What I ca&& /-ersona&./ %an%a) a'e $hat o-inions e &ikes, so &ong as e s not -ersona&1 $hene s that e s not safe.

#4I. I think thats $hat %) father fee&s a(out Ro(erts.

=ROST. 4o dou(t, M%, Mr. nthon) has a fee&ing against hi%.

[#4I g&ances at hi% shar-&), (ut finding hi% in -erfectearnest, stands (iting her &i-s, and &ooking at the dou(&e*



doors.]

It s, a regu&ar right do$n strugg&e (et$een the t$o. I'e no-atience $ith this Ro(erts, fro% $hat I ear hes 2ust an ordinar)$orkin %an &ike the rest of e%. If he did in'ent a thing hes no

$orse off than undreds of others. M) (rother in'ented a ne$ kind odu%(*$aiter**no(od) ga'e hi% an)thing for it, an there it is, (einused a&& o'er the -&ace.

[#4I %o'es c&oser to the dou(&e*doors.]

Theres a kind o %an that ne'er forgi'es the $or&d, (ecause e$asnt (orn a gent&e%an. What I sa) is**no %an thats a gent&e%an&ooks do$n on another (ecause e a--ens to (e a c&ass or t$o a(o'ei%, no %ore than if e a--ens to (e a c&ass or t$o (e&o$.

#4I. [With s&ight i%-atience.] +es, I kno$, =rost, of course.Wi&& )ou -&ease go in and ask if the)&& ha'e so%e tea1 sa) I sent)ou.

=ROST. +es, M%.

[He o-ens the doors gent&) and goes in. There is a %o%entar)sound of earnest, gather angr) ta&k.]

WI0#R. I dont agree $ith )ou.

W4:0I4. We'e had this o'er a do9en ti%es.

#"R. [I%-atient&).] We&&, $hats the -ro-osition7

S54T0#BUR+. +es, $hat does )our father sa)7 Tea7 4ot for %e, notfor %e!

W4:0I4. What I understand the 5hair%an to sa) is this****

[=ROST re*enters c&osing the door (ehind hi%.]

#4I. [Mo'ing fro% the door.] Wont the) ha'e an) tea, =rost7

[She goes to the &itt&e ta(&e, and re%ains %otion&ess, &ookingat the (a()s frock.]

[ -ar&our%aid enters fro% the ha&&.]

<R0OURMI. Miss Tho%as, M%



#4I. [Raising her head.] Tho%as7 What Miss Tho%as**d )ou%ean a****7

<R0OURMI. +es, M%.

#4I. [B&ank&).] Oh! Where is she7

<R0OURMI. In the -orch.

#4I. I dont $ant****[She hesitates.]

=ROST. Sha&& I dis-ose of her, M%7

#4I. I && co%e out. 4o, sho$ her in here, #&&en.

[The <R0OUR MI and =ROST go out. #4I -ursing her &i-s, sitsat the &itt&e ta(&e, taking u- the (a()s frock. The<R0OURMI ushers in M"# THOMS and goes out1 M"# stands ()the door.]

#4I. 5o%e in. What is it. What ha'e )ou co%e for, -&ease7

M"#. Brought a %essage fro% Mrs. Ro(erts.

#4I. %essage7 +es.

M"#. She asks )ou to &ook after her %other.

#4I. I dont understand.

M"#. [Su&&en&).] Thats the %essage.

#4I. But**$hat**$h)7

M"#. nnie Ro(erts is dead.

[There is a si&ence.]

#4I. [Horrified.] But its on&) a &itt&e %ore than an hour since Isa$ her.

M"#. Of co&d and hunger.

#4I. [Rising.] Oh! thats not true! the -oor things heart****What %akes )ou &ook at %e &ike that7 I tried to he&- her.



M"#. [With su--ressed sa'ager).] I thought )oud &ike to kno$.

#4I. [<assionate&).] Its so un2ust! 5ant )ou see that I $ant tohe&- )ou a&&7

M"#. I ne'er har%ed an) one that had nt har%ed %e first.

#4I. [5o&d&).] What har% ha'e I done )ou7 Wh) do )ou s-eak to %e&ike that7

M"#. [With the (itterest intensit).] +ou co%e out of )our co%fortto s-) on us! $eek of hunger, thats $hat )ou $ant!

#4I. [Standing her ground.] ont ta&k nonsense!

M"#. I sa$ her die1 her hands $ere (&ue $ith the co&d.

#4I. [With a %o'e%ent of grief.] Oh! $h) $ou&dnt she &et %e he&-her7 Its such sense&ess -ride!

M"#. <rides (etter than nothing to kee- )our (od) $ar%.

#4I. [<assionate&).] I $ont ta&k to )ou! Ho$ can )ou te&& $hat Ifee&7 Its not %) fau&t that I $as (orn (etter off than )ou.

M"#. We dont $ant )our %one).

#4I. +ou dont understand, and )ou dont $ant to1 -&ease to goa$a)!

M"#. [Ba&efu&&).] +ou'e ki&&ed her, for a&& )our soft $ords, )ouand )our father

#4I. [With rage and e%otion.] Thats $icked! M) father issuffering hi%se&f through this $retched strike.

M"#. [With so%(re triu%-h.] Then te&& hi% Mrs. Ro(erts is dead!That && %ake hi% (etter.

#4I. "o a$a)!

M"#. When a -erson hurts us $e get it (ack on the%.

[She %akes a sudden and s$ift %o'e%ent to$ards #4I, fi6ing her e)es on the chi&ds frock &)ing across the &itt&e ta(&e. #4I



snatches the frock u-, as though it $ere the chi&d itse&f. The)stand a )ard a-art, crossing g&ances.]

M"#. [<ointing to the frock $ith a &itt&e s%i&e.] h! +ou fe&tthat! 0uck) its her %other**not her chi&dren**)ou'e to &ook after,

is nt it. She $ont trou(&e )ou &ong!

#4I. "o a$a)!

M"#. I'e gi'en )ou the %essage.

[She turns and goes out into the ha&&. #4I, %otion&ess ti&&she has gone, sinks do$n at the ta(&e, (ending her head o'er thefrock, $hich she is sti&& c&utching to her. The dou(&e*doorsare o-ened, and 4THO4+ co%es s&o$&) in1 he -asses his daughter,and &o$ers hi%se&f into an ar%*chair. He is 'er) f&ushed.]

#4I. [Hiding her e%otion*an6ious&).] What is it, ad7

[4THO4+ %akes a gesture, (ut does not s-eak.]

Who $as it7

[4THO4+ does not ans$er. #4I going to the dou(&e*doors %eets#"R 5o%ing in. The) s-eak together in &o$ tones.]

What is it, Ted7

#"R. That fe&&o$ Wi&der! Taken to -ersona&ities! He $asdo$nright insu&ting.

#4I. What did he sa)7

#"R. Said, =ather $as too o&d and fee(&e to kno$ $hat he $asdoing! The ads $orth si6 of hi%!

#4I. Of course he is.

[The) &ook at 4THO4+.]

[The doors o-en $ider, W4:0I4 a--ears With S54T0#BUR+.]

S54T0#BUR+. [Sotto 'oce.] I dont &ike the &ook of this!

W4:0I4. ["oing for$ard.] 5o%e, 5hair%an! Wi&der sends )ou hisa-o&ogies. %an cant do %ore.



[WI0#R, fo&&o$ed () T#45H, co%es in, and goes to 4THO4+.]

WI0#R. ["&u%&).] I $ithdra$ %) $ords, sir. I% sorr).

[4THO4+ nods to hi%.]

#4I. +ou ha'e nt co%e to a decision, Mr. Wank&in7

[W4:0I4 shakes his head.]

W4:0I4. Were a&& here, 5hair%an1 $hat do )ou sa)7 Sha&& $e get on$ith the (usiness, or sha&& $e go (ack to the other roo%7

S54T0#BUR+. +es, )es1 &ets get on. We %ust sett&e so%ething.

[He turns fro% a s%a&& chair, and sett&es hi%se&f sudden&) inthe &argest chair $ith a sigh of co%fort.]

[WI0#R and W4:0I4 a&so sit1 and T#45H, dra$ing u- a straight*(acked chair c&ose to his 5hair%an, sits on the edge of it $iththe %inute*(ook and a st)&ogra-hic -en.]

#4I. [Whis-ering.] I $ant to s-eak to )ou a %inute, Ted.

[The) go out through the dou(&e*doors.]

W4:0I4. Rea&&), 5hair%an, its no use soothing ourse&'es $ith asense of fa&se securit). If this strikes not (rought to an end(efore the "enera& Meeting, the shareho&ders $i&& certain&) hau& uso'er the coa&s.

S54T0#BUR+. [Stirring.] What**$hats that7

W4:0I4. I kno$ it for a fact.

4THO4+. 0et the%!

WI0#R. nd get turned out7

W4:0I4. [To 4THO4+.] I dont %ind %art)rdo% for a -o&ic) in $hichI (e&ie'e, (ut I o(2ect to (eing (urnt for so%e one e&ses-rinci-&es.

S54T0#BUR+. 8er) reasona(&e**)ou %ust see that, 5hair%an.



4THO4+. We o$e it to other e%-&o)ers to stand fir%.

W4:0I4. Theres a &i%it to that.

4THO4+. +ou $ere a&& fu&& of fight at the start.

S54T0#BUR+. [With a sort of groan.] We thought the %en $ou&d gi'ein, (ut the)*ha'e nt!

4THO4+. The) $i&&!

WI0#R. [Rising and -acing u- and do$n.] I cant ha'e %) re-utationas a %an of (usiness destro)ed for the satisfaction of star'ing the%en out. [&%ost in tears.] I cant ha'e it! Ho$ can $e %eet theshareho&ders $ith things in the state the) are7

S54T0#BUR+. Hear, hear**hear, hear!

WI0#R. [0ashing hi%se&f.] If an) one e6-ects %e to sa) to the%I'e &ost )ou fift) thousand -ounds and sooner than -ut %) -ride in%) -ocket I&& &ose )ou another. ["&ancing at 4THO4+.] Its**itsunnatura&! I dont $ant to go against )ou, sir.

W4:0I4. [<ersuasi'e&).] 5o%e 5hair%an, $e re not free agents.Were -art of a %achine. Our on&) (usiness is to see the 5o%-an)earns as %uch -rofit as it safe&) can. If )ou (&a%e %e for $ant of -rinci-&e> I sa) that $ere Trustees. Reason te&&s us $e sha&& ne'er

get (ack in the sa'ing of $ages $hat $e sha&& &ose if $e continuethis strugg&e**rea&&), 5hair%an, $e %ust (ring it to an end, on the(est ter%s $e can %ake.

4THO4+. 4o.

[There is a -ause of genera& dis%a).]

WI0#R. Its a dead&ock then. [0etting his hands dro- $ith a sortof des-air.] 4o$ I sha&& ne'er get off to S-ain!

W4:0I4. [Retaining a trace of iron).] +ou hear the conse3uences of )our 'ictor), 5hair%an7

WI0#R. [With a (urst of fee&ing.] M) $ifes i&&!

S54T0#BUR+. ear, dear! +ou dont sa) so.

WI0#R. If I dont get her out of this co&d, I $ont ans$er for the



conse3uences.

[Through the dou(&e*doors #"R co%es in &ooking 'er) gra'e.]

#"R. [To his =ather.] Ha'e )ou heard this, sir7 Mrs. Ro(erts is

dead!

[#'er) one stages at hi%, as if tr)ing to gauge the i%-ortanceof this ne$s.]

#nid sa$ her this afternoon, she had no coa&s, or food, or an)thing.Its enough!

[There is a si&ence, e'er) one a'oiding the others e)es, e6ce-t 4THO4+, $ho stares hard at his son.]

S54T0#BUR+. +ou dont suggest that $e cou&d ha'e he&-ed the -oor thing7

WI0#R. [=&ustered.] The $o%an $as in (ad hea&th. 4o(od) can sa)theres an) res-onsi(i&it) on us. t &east**not on %e.

#"R. [Hot&).] I sa) that $e are res-onsi(&e.

4THO4+. War is $ar!

#"R. 4ot on $o%en!

W4:0I4. It not infre3uent&) ha--ens that $o%en are the greatestsufferers.

#"R. If $e kne$ that, a&& the %ore res-onsi(i&it) rests on us.

4THO4+. This is no %atter for a%ateurs.

#"R. 5a&& %e $hat )ou &ike, sir. Its sickened %e. We had noright to carr) things to such a &ength.

WI0#R. I dont &ike this (usiness a (it**that Radica& rag $i&&t$ist it to their o$n ends1 see if the) dont! The)&& get u- so%ecock and (u&& stor) a(out the -oor $o%ans d)ing fro% star'ation. I$ash %) hands of it.

#"R. +ou cant. 4one of us can.

S54T0#BUR+. [Striking his fist on the ar% of his chair.] But I



-rotest against this!

#"R. <rotest as )ou &ike, Mr. Scant&e(ur), it $ont a&ter facts.

4THO4+. Thats enough.

#"R. [=acing hi% angri&).] 4o, sir. I te&& )ou e6act&) $hat Ithink. If $e -retend the %en are not suffering, its hu%(ug1 and if the)re suffering, $e kno$ enough of hu%an nature to kno$ the $o%enare suffering %ore, and as to the chi&dren**$e&&**its da%na(&e!

[S54T0#BUR+ rises fro% his chair.]

I dont sa) that $e %eant to (e crue&, I dont sa) an)thing of thesort1 (ut I do sa) its cri%ina& to shut our e)es to the facts. Wee%-&o) these %en, and $e cant get out of it. I dont care so %uch

a(out the %en, (ut Id sooner resign %) -osition on the Board than goon star'ing $o%en in this $a).

[&& e6ce-t 4THO4+ are no$ u-on their feet, 4THO4+ sitsgras-ing the ar%s of his chair and staring at his son.]

S54T0#BUR+. I dont**I dont &ike the $a) )oure -utting it, )oungsir.

W4:0I4. +oure rather o'ershooting the %ark.

WI0#R. I shou&d think so indeed!

#"R. [0osing contro&.] Its no use (&inking things! If )ou $antto ha'e the death of $o%en on )our hands**I dont!

S54T0#BUR+. 4o$, no$, )oung %an!

WI0#R. On our hands7 4ot on %ine, I $ont ha'e it!

#"R. We are fi'e %e%(ers of this Board1 if $e $ere four againstit, $h) did $e &et it drift ti&& it ca%e to this7 +ou kno$ -erfect&)$e&& $h)**(ecause $e ho-ed $e shou&d star'e the %en out. We&&, a&&$e'e done is to star'e one $o%an out!

S54T0#BUR+. [&%ost h)sterica&&).] I -rotest, I -rotest! I% ahu%ane %an**$ere a&& hu%ane %en!

#"R. [Scornfu&&).] Theres nothing $rong $ith our hu%anit). Itsour i%aginations, Mr. Scant&e(ur).



WI0#R. 4onsense! M) i%aginations as good as )ours.

#"R. If so, it is nt good enough.

WI0#R. I foresa$ this!

#"R. Then $h) didnt )ou -ut )our foot do$n!

WI0#R. Much good that $ou&d ha'e done.

[He &ooks at 4THO4+.]

#"R. If )ou, and I, and each one of us here $ho sa) that our i%aginations are so good**

S54T0#BUR+. [=&urried.] I ne'er said so.

#"R. [<a)ing no attention.]**had -ut our feet do$n, the thing$ou&d ha'e (een ended &ong ago, and this -oor $o%ans &ife $ou&dntha'e (een crushed out of her &ike this. =or a&& $e can te&& there%a) (e a do9en other star'ing $o%en.

S54T0#BUR+. =or "ods sake, sir, dont use that $ord at a**at aBoard %eeting1 its**its %onstrous.

#"R. I $i&& use it, Mr. Scant&e(ur).

S54T0#BUR+. Then I sha&& not &isten to )ou. I sha&& not &isten!Its -ainfu& to %e.

[He co'ers his ears.]

W4:0I4. 4one of us are o--osed to a sett&e%ent, e6ce-t )our =ather.

#"R. I% certain that if the shareho&ders kne$****

W4:0I4. I dont think )ou&& find their i%aginations are an) (etter than ours. Because a $o%an ha--ens to ha'e a $eak heart****

#"R. strugg&e &ike this finds out the $eak s-ots in e'er)(od). n) chi&d kno$s that. If it hadnt (een for this cut*throat -o&ic),she need nt ha'e died &ike this1 and there $ou&d nt (e a&& this%iser) that an) one $ho is nt a foo& can see is going on.

[Throughout the foregoing 4THO4+ has e)ed his son1 he no$ %o'es



as though to rise, (ut sto-s as #"R s-eaks again.]

I dont defend the %en, or %)se&f, or an)(od).

W4:0I4. +ou %a) ha'e to! coroners 2ur) of disinterested

s)%-athisers %a) sa) so%e 'er) nast) things. We %ustnt &ose sightof our -osition.

S54T0#BUR+. [Without unco'ering his ears.] 5oroners 2ur)! 4o,no, its not a case for that!

#"R. I 'e had enough of co$ardice.

W4:0I4. 5o$ardice is an un-&easant $ord, Mr. #dgar nthon). It$i&& &ook 'er) &ike co$ardice if $e sudden&) concede the %ensde%ands $hen a thing &ike this ha--ens1 $e %ust (e carefu&!

WI0#R. Of course $e %ust. We'e no kno$&edge of this %atter,e6ce-t a ru%our. The -ro-er course is to -ut the $ho&e thing intothe hands of Harness to sett&e for us1 thats natura&, thats $hat $eshou&d ha'e co%e to an) $a).

S54T0#BUR+. [With dignit).] #6act&)! [Turning to #"R.] nd asto )ou, )oung sir, I cant sufficient&) e6-ress %)**%) distaste for the $a) )ou'e treated the $ho&e %atter. +ou ought to $ithdra$!Ta&king of star'ation, ta&king of co$ardice! 5onsidering $hat our 'ie$s are! #6ce-t )our o$n is**is one of good$i&&**its %ost

irregu&ar, its %ost i%-ro-er, and a&& I can sa) is its**its gi'en%e -ain****

[He -&aces his hand o'er his heart.]

#"R. [Stu((orn&).] I $ithdra$ nothing.

[He is a(out to sa) %ote $hen S54T0#BUR+ once %ore co'e)s u-his ears. T#45H sudden&) %akes a de%onstration $ith the %inute*(ook. sense of ha'ing (een engaged in the unusua& co%es o'er a&& of the%, and one () one the) resu%e their seats. #"Ra&one re%ains on his feet.]

WI0#R. [With an air of tr)ing to $i-e so%ething out.] I -a) noattention to $hat )oung Mr. nthon) has said. 5oroners 2ur)! Theideas -re-osterous. I**I %o'e this a%end%ent to the 5hair%ansMotion> That the dis-ute (e -&aced at once in the hands of Mr. Si%onHarness for sett&e%ent, on the &ines indicated () hi% this %orning.

n) one second that7



[T#45H $rites in his (ook.]

W4:0I4. I do.

WI0#R. 8er) $e&&, then1 I ask the 5hair%an to -ut it to the Board.

4THO4+. [With a great sigh*s&o$&).] We ha'e (een %ade the su(2ectof an attack. [0ooking round at WI0#R and S54T0#BUR+ $ith ironica&conte%-t.] I take it on %) shou&ders. I a% se'ent)*si6 )ears o&d.I ha'e (een 5hair%an of this 5o%-an) since its ince-tion t$o*and*thirt) )ears ago. I ha'e seen it -ass through good and e'i& re-ort.M) connection $ith it (egan in the )ear that this )oung %an $as (orn.

[#"R (o$s his head. 4THO4+, gri--ing his chair, goes on.]

I ha'e had do to $ith /%en/ for fift) )ears1 I'e a&$a)s stood u- tothe%1 I ha'e ne'er (een (eaten )et. I ha'e fought the %en of this5o%-an) four ti%es, and four ti%es I ha'e (eaten the%. It has (eensaid that I a% not the %an I $as. [He &ooks at Wi&der.] Ho$e'er that %a) (e, I a% %an enough to stand to %) guns.

[His 'oice gro$s stronger. The dou(&e*doors are o-ened. #4Is&i-s in, fo&&o$ed () U4#RWOO, $ho restrains her.]

The %en ha'e (een treated 2ust&), the) ha'e had fair $ages, $e ha'ea&$a)s (een read) to &isten to co%-&aints. It has (een said that

ti%es ha'e changed1 if the) ha'e, I ha'e not changed $ith the%.4either $i&& I. It has (een said that %asters and %en are e3ua&!5ant! There can on&) (e one %aster in a house! Where t$o %en %eetthe (etter %an $i&& ru&e. It has (een said that 5a-ita& and 0a(our ha'e the sa%e interests. 5ant! Their interests are as $ide asunder as the -o&es. It has (een said that the Board is on&) -art of a%achine. 5ant! We are the %achine1 its (rains and sine$s1 it is for us to &ead and to deter%ine $hat is to (e done, and to do it $ithoutfear or fa'our. =ear of the %en! =ear of the shareho&ders! =ear of our o$n shado$s! Before I a% &ike that, I ho-e to die.

[He -auses, and %eeting his sons e)es, goes on.]

There is on&) one $a) of treating /%en/**$ith the iron hand. Thisha&f and ha&f (usiness, the ha&f and ha&f %anners of this generation,has (rought a&& this u-on us. Senti%ent and softness, and $hat this)oung %an, no dou(t, $ou&d ca&& his socia& -o&ic). +ou cant eatcake and ha'e it! This %idd&e*c&ass senti%ent, or socia&is%, or $hate'er it %a) (e, is rotten. Masters are %asters, %en are %en!



+ie&d one de%and, and the) $i&& %ake it si6. The) are [he s%i&esgri%&)] &ike O&i'er T$ist, asking for %ore. If I $ere in their -&ace I shou&d (e the sa%e. But I a% not in their -&ace. Mark %)$ords> one fine %orning, $hen )ou ha'e gi'en $a) here, and gi'en $a)there**)ou $i&& find )ou ha'e -arted $ith the ground (eneath )our

feet, and are dee- in the (og of (ankru-tc)1 and $ith )ou,f&oundering in that (og, $i&& (e the 'er) %en )ou ha'e gi'en $a) to.I ha'e (een accused of (eing a do%ineering t)rant, thinking on&) of %) -ride**I a% thinking of the future of this countr), threatened$ith the (&ack $aters of confusion, threatened $ith %o( go'ern%ent,threatened $ith $hat I cannot see. If () an) conduct of %ine I he&-to (ring this on us, I sha&& (e asha%ed to &ook %) fe&&o$s in theface.

[4THO4+ stares (efore hi%, at $hat he cannot see, and there is-erfect sti&&ness. =ROST co%es in fro% the ha&&, and a&& (ut

4THO4+ &ook round at hi% uneasi&).]

=ROST. [To his %aster.] The %en are here, sir. [4THO4+ %akes agesture of dis%issa&.] Sha&& I (ring the% in, sir7

4THO4+. Wait!

[=ROST goes out, 4THO4+ turns to face his son.]

I co%e to the attack that has (een %ade u-on %e.

[#"R, $ith a gesture of de-recation, re%ains %otion&ess $ithhis head a &itt&e (o$ed.]

$o%an has died. I a% to&d that her (&ood is on %) hands1 I a% to&dthat on %) hands is the star'ation and the suffering of other $o%enand of chi&dren.

#"R. I said /on our hands,/ sir.

4THO4+. It is the sa%e. [His 'oice gro$s stronger and stronger,his fee&ing is %ore and %ore %ade %anifest.] I a% not a$are that if %) ad'ersar) suffer in a fair fight not sought () %e, it is %) fau&t.If I fa&& under his feet**as fa&& I %a)**I sha&& not co%-&ain. That$i&& (e %) &ook*out**and this is**his. I cannot se-arate, as I$ou&d, these %en fro% their $o%en and chi&dren. fair fight is afair fight! 0et the% &earn to think (efore the) -ick a 3uarre&!

#"R. [In a &o$ 'oice.] But is it a fair fight, =ather7 0ook atthe%, and &ook at us! The)'e on&) this one $ea-on!



4THO4+. ["ri%&).] nd )oure $eak*kneed enough to teach the% ho$to use it! It see%s the fashion no$ada)s for %en to take their ene%)s side. I ha'e not &earnt that art. Is it %) fau&t that the)3uarre&&ed $ith their Union too7

#"R. There is such a thing as Merc).

4THO4+. nd 2ustice co%es (efore it.

#"R. What see%s 2ust to one %an, sir, is in2ustice to another.

4THO4+. [With su--ressed -assion.] +ou accuse %e of in2ustice**of $hat a%ounts to inhu%anit)**of crue&t)7

[#"R %akes a gesture of horror**a genera& frightened

%o'e%ent.]

W4:0I4. 5o%e, co%e, 5hair%an.

4THO4+. [In a gri% 'oice.] These are the $ords of %) o$n son.The) are the $ords of a generation that I dont understand1 the $ordsof a soft (reed.

[ genera& %ur%ur. With a 'io&ent effort 4THO4+ reco'ers hiscontro&.]

#"R. [;uiet&).] I said it of %)se&f, too, =ather.

[ &ong &ook is e6changed (et$een the%, and 4THO4+ -uts out hishand $ith a gesture as if to s$ee- the -ersona&ities a$a)1 then-&aces it against his (ro$, s$a)ing as though fro% giddiness.There is a %o'e%ent to$ards hi%. He %o'es the% (ack.]

4THO4+. Before I -ut this a%end%ent to the Board, I ha'e one %ore$ord to sa). [He &ooks fro% face to face.] If it is carried, it%eans that $e sha&& fai& in $hat $e set ourse&'es to do. It %eansthat $e sha&& fai& in the dut) that $e o$e to a&& 5a-ita&. It %eansthat $e sha&& fai& in the dut) that $e o$e ourse&'es. It %eans that$e sha&& (e o-en to constant attack to $hich $e as constant&) sha&&ha'e to )ie&d. Be under no %isa--rehension**run this ti%e, and )ou$i&& ne'er %ake a stand again! +ou $i&& ha'e to f&) &ike curs (eforethe $hi-s of )our o$n %en. If that is the &ot )ou $ish for, )ou $i&&'ote for this a%end%ent.

[He &ooks again, fro% face to face, fina&&) resting his ga9e on



#"R1 a&& sit $ith their e)es on the ground. 4THO4+ %akes agesture, and T#45H hands hi% the (ook. He reads.]

/Mo'ed () Mr. Wi&der, and seconded () Mr. Wank&in> That the %ensde%ands (e -&aced at once in the hands of Mr. Si%on Harness for

sett&e%ent on the &ines indicated () hi% this %orning./ [Withsudden 'igour.] Those in fa'our> Signif) the sa%e in the usua& $a)!

[=or a %inute no one %o'es1 then hasti&), 2ust as 4THO4+ isa(out to s-eak, WI0#Rs hand and W4:0I4S are he&d u-, thenS54T0#BUR+S, and &ast #"RS $ho does not &ift his head.]

[4THO4+ &ifts his o$n hand.]

[In a c&ear 'oice.] The a%end%ent is carried. I resign %) -ositionon this Board.

[#4I gas-s, and there is dead si&ence. 4THO4+ sits%otion&ess, his head s&o$&) droo-ing1 sudden&) he hea'es asthough the $ho&e of his &ife had risen u- $ithin hi%.]

5ontrar)7

=ift) )ears! +ou ha'e disgraced %e, gent&e%en. Bring in the %en!

[He sits %otion&ess, staring (efore hi%. The Board dra$shurried&) together, and for%s a grou-. T#45H in a frightened

%anner s-eaks into the ha&&. U4#RWOO a&%ost forces #4I fro%the roo%.]

WI0#R. [Hurried&).] Whats to (e said to the%7 Wh) isnt Harnesshere7 Ought $e to see the %en (efore he co%es7 I dont****

T#45H. Wi&& )ou co%e in, -&ease7

[#nter THOMS, "R##4, BU0"I4, and ROUS, $ho fi&e u- in a ro$-ast the &itt&e ta(&e. T#45H sits do$n and $rites. && e)esare fo6ed on 4THO4+, $ho %akes no sign.]

W4:0I4. [Ste--ing u- to the &itt&e ta(&e, $ith ner'ous cordia&it).]We&&, Tho%as, ho$s it to (e7 Whats the resu&t of )our %eeting7

ROUS. Si% Harness has our ans$er. He&& te&& )ou $hat it is. Were$aiting for hi%. He&& s-eak for us.

W4:0I4. Is that so, Tho%as7



THOMS. [Su&&en&).] +es. Ro(erts $i&& not -e co%ing, his $ife isdead.

S54T0#BUR+. +es, )es! <oor $o%an! +es! +es!

=ROST. [#ntering fro% the ha&&.] Mr. Harness, Sir!

[s HR4#SS enters he retires.]

[HR4#SS has a -iece of -a-er in his hand, he (o$s to theirectors, nods to$ards the %en, and takes his stand (ehind the&itt&e ta(&e in the 'er) centre of the roo%.]

HR4#SS. "ood e'ening, gent&e%en.

[T#45H, $ith the -a-er he has (een $riting, 2oins hi%, the)s-eak together in &o$ tones.]

WI0#R. We'e (een $aiting for )ou, Harness. Ho-e $e sha&& co%e toso%e****

=ROST. [#ntering fro% the ha&&.] Ro(erts!

[He goes.]

[ROB#RTS co%es hasti&) in, and stands staring at 4THO4+. His

face is dra$n and o&d.]

ROB#RTS. Mr. nthon), I a% afraid I a% a &itt&e &ate, I $ou&d ha'e(een here in ti%e (ut for so%ething that**has ha--ened. [To the%en.] Has an)thing (een said7

THOMS. 4o! But, %an, $hat %ade )e co%e7

ROB#RTS. +e to&d us this %orning, gent&e%en, to go a$a) andreconsider our -osition. We ha'e reconsidered it1 $e are here to(ring )ou the %ens ans$er. [To 4THO4+.] "o )e (ack to 0ondon. Weha'e nothing for )ou. B) no 2ot or titt&e do $e a(ate our de%ands,nor $i&& $e unti& the $ho&e of those de%ands are )ie&ded.

[4THO4+ &ooks at hi% (ut does not s-eak. There is a %o'e%enta%ongst the %en as though the) $ere (e$i&dered.]

HR4#SS. Ro(erts!



ROB#RTS. ["&ancing fierce&) at hi%, and (ack to 4THO4+.] Is thatc&ear enough for )e7 Is it short enough and to the -oint7 +e %ade a%istake to think that $e $ou&d co%e to hee&. +e %a) (reak the (od),(ut )e cannot (reak the s-irit. "et (ack to 0ondon, the %en ha'enothing for )e7

[<ausing uneasi&) he takes a ste- to$ards the un%o'ing 4THO4+.]

#"R. Were a&& sorr) for )ou, Ro(erts, (ut****

ROB#RTS. :ee- )our sorro$, )oung %an. 0et )our father s-eak!

HR4#SS. [With the sheet of -a-er in his hand, s-eaking fro% (ehindthe &itt&e ta(&e.] Ro(erts!

ROB#RT. [TO 4THO4+, $ith -assionate intensit).] Wh) dont )e

ans$er7

HR4#SS. Ro(erts!

ROB#RTS. [Turning shar-&).] What is it7

HR4#SS. ["ra'e&).] +oure ta&king $ithout the (ook1 things ha'etra'e&&ed -ast )ou.

[He %akes a sign to T#45H, $ho (eckons the irectors. The)3uick&) sign his co-) of the ter%s.]

0ook at this, %an! [Ho&ding u- his sheet of -a-er.] /e%andsconceded, $ith the e6ce-tion of those re&ating to the engineers andfurnace*%en. ou(&e $ages for Saturda)s o'erti%e. 4ight*shifts asthe) are./ These ter%s ha'e (een agreed. The %en go (ack to $orkagain to*%orro$. The strike is at an end.

ROB#RTS. [Reading the -a-er, and turning on the %en. The) shrink(ack fro% hi%, a&& (ut ROUS, $ho stands his ground. With dead&)sti&&ness.] +e ha'e gone (ack on %e7 I stood () )e to the death1 )e$aited for that to thro$ %e o'er!

[The %en ans$er, a&& s-eaking together.]

ROUS. Its a &ie!

THOMS. +e $ere -ast endurance, %an.

"R##4. If )ed &isten to %e!



BU0"I4. Under his (reath.C Ho&d )our 2a$!

ROB#RTS. +e $aited for that!

HR4#SS. [Taking the irectors co-) of the ter%s, and handing hiso$n to T#45H.] Thats enough, %en. +ou had (etter go.

[The %en shuff&e s&o$&), a$k$ard&) a$a).]

WI0#R. [In a &o$, ner'ous 'oice.] Theres nothing to sta) for no$,I su--ose. [He fo&&o$s to the door.] I sha&& ha'e a tr) for thattrain! 5o%ing, Scant&e(ur)7

S54T0#BUR+. [=o&&o$ing $ith W4:0I4.] +es, )es1 $ait for %e. [Hesto-s as ROB#RTS s-eaks.]

ROB#RTS. [To 4THO4+.] But )e ha'e not signed the% ter%s! The)cant %ake ter%s $ithout their 5hair%an! +e $ou&d ne'er sign the%ter%s! [4THO4+ &ooks at hi% $ithout s-eaking.] ont te&& %e )eha'e! for the &o'e o "od! [With -assionate a--ea&.] I reckoned on)e!

HR4#SS. [Ho&ding out the irectors co-) of the tee%s.] The Boardhas signed!

[ROB#RTS &ooks du&&) at the signatures**dashes the -a-er fro%

hi%, and co'ers u- his e)es.]

S54T0#BUR+. [Behind his hand to T#45H.] 0ook after the 5hair%an!Hes not $e&&1 hes not $e&&**he had no &unch. If theres an) fundstarted for the $o%en and chi&dren, -ut %e do$n for**for t$ent)-ounds.

[He goes out into the ha&&, in cu%(rous haste1 and W4:0I4, $hohas (een staring at ROB#RTS and 4THO4+ With t$itchings of hisface, fo&&o$s. #"R re%ains seated on the sofa, &ooking at theground1 T#45H, returning to the (ureau, $rites in his %inute**(ook. HR4#SS stands () the &itt&e ta(&e, gra'e&) $atchingROB#RTS.]

ROB#RTS. Then )oure no &onger 5hair%an of this 5o%-an)! [Breakinginto ha&f*%ad &aughter.] h! ha*ah, ha, ha! The)'e thro$n )e o'er thro$n o'er their 5hair%an> h*ha*ha! [With a sudden dreadfu& ca&%.]So**the)'e done us (oth do$n, Mr. nthon)7



[#4I, hurr)ing through the dou(&e*doors, co%es 3uick&) to her father.]

4THO4+. Both (roken %en, %) friend Ro(erts!

HR4#SS. [5o%ing do$n and &a)ing his hands on ROB#RTSS s&ee'e.]=or sha%e, Ro(erts! "o ho%e 3uiet&), %an1 go ho%e!

ROB#RTS. [Tearing his ar% a$a).] Ho%e7 [Shrinking together**in a$his-er.] Ho%e!

#4I. [;uiet&) to her father.] 5o%e a$a), dear! 5o%e to )our roo%

[4THO4+ rises $ith an effort. He turns to ROB#RTS $ho &ooks athi%. The) stand se'era& seconds, ga9ing at each other fi6ed&)1

4THO4+ &ifts his hand, as though to sa&ute, (ut &ets it fa&&.

The e6-ression of ROB#RTSS face changes fro% hosti&it) to$onder. The) (end their heads in token of res-ect. 4THO4+turns, and s&o$&) $a&ks to$ards the curtained door. Sudden&)he s$a)s as though a(out to fa&&, reco'ers hi%se&f, and isassisted out () #"R and #4I1 U4#RWOO fo&&o$s, (ut sto-s atthe door. ROB#RTS re%ains %otion&ess for se'era& seconds,staring intent&) after 4THO4+, then goes out into the ha&&.]

T#45H. [--roaching HR4#SS.] Its a great $eight off %) %ind, Mr.Harness! But $hat a -ainfu& scene, sir! [He $i-es his (ro$.]

[HR4#SS, -a&e and reso&ute, regards $ith a gri% ha&f*s%i&e the3ua'ering.]

T#45H. Its a&& (een so 'io&ent! What did he %ean ()> /one us (othdo$n7/ If he has &ost his $ife, -oor fe&&o$, he oughtnt to ha'es-oken to the 5hair%an &ike that!

HR4#SS. $o%an dead1 and the t$o (est %en (oth (roken!

T#45H. [Staring at hi%*sudden&) e6cited.] )ou kno$, sir**theseter%s, the)re the 'er) sa%e $e dre$ u- together, )ou and I, and -utto (oth sides (efore the fight (egan7 && this**a&& this**and**and$hat for7

HR4#SS. [In a s&o$ gri% 'oice.] Thats $here the fun co%es in!

[U4#RWOO $ithout turning fro% the door %akes a gesture of assent.]



The curtain fa&&s.

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