Comrades, they can't start up; They've not the men.
Suppose they _don't_ start up? Suppose they shut down till the ice blocks there? Then where'll we be?
Shut up your mouths or, if you're married men, Let your wives speak. 'You'll hear the children cry!' Where in the hell do you hail from any way? Or have they starved you till you've lost your grit?
Boys, suppose they say, 'First come, first served, and we don't need the rest'?
(_Calling attention to the first flakes of snow_)
(_Drawing from his pocket a long blue revolver_)
Halt! The first man puts his foot inside that gate I'll kill him.
Pardon me; I have run some seven miles To be here ere the sun went down, for I Knew what it meant to you.
(_Stands for a moment collecting himself_)
Men, my friends, What is it you are about to do?
(_As Harry Egerton seems about to speak_)
Now listen, boys, for now you'll hear a word That you'll remember till the crack o' doom.
I wouldn't do it, friends, if I were you. What will to-morrow be and the next day And years to come if you surrender now? You have your strength and right is on your side. I in my father's offices have struck The balances between you men and him. I know what part you've had of all these trees And what part he has had, and in my heart I know there is a balance on your side. Things can't go on forever in this way.
Now the snow falls they're afraid the wolf will howl.
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.
Their enemies would say it was the gold. And we must show them that they're wrong.
(_With a stick he has picked up comes from the mill-yard_)
(_He discovers Harvey Anderson talking with Harry Egerton and turns, evidently for an explanation, to Haskell_)
(_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_)
Captain, I order you to clear these streets.
Be careful, Captain Haskell, what you do. This is a public place.
Who's in command here, I should like to know?