The Americans Part 31

FIRST SENTRY.

He's got a corn.

SECOND SENTRY.

I hope they'll tramp it off.

(_The First Sentry quickly signals that some one is coming toward the gate_)

SECOND SENTRY.

G.o.d, I don't care.

(_The Chauffeur comes hurriedly from the mill-yard and goes and gets into the car. A moment later General Chadbourne and Captain Haskell appear_)

CHADBOURNE.

And I'll be there till nine or ten o'clock, Or even later, for we've some important Matters to attend to. And besides It's going to be a very fine affair.

HASKELL.

All right, sir.

CHADBOURNE.

You won't need me, though, I'm sure.

Things seem to be all quiet at the station.

SECOND SENTRY.

(_As he goes out_)

a.s.s!

HASKELL.

We'll break camp to-morrow, I suppose

CHADBOURNE.

_That's_ what I had in mind a while ago!

I'm glad you spoke of it. When they pa.s.s these gates, You be here, Haskell, and you get me word.

I want to be the first to break the news To Egerton and the Governor; want to say: 'I have the honor to report to you, Your Excellency, And it gives me pleasure to announce to you Upon the occasion of the opening Of your new mansion, Colonel Egerton, This bit of news, sir, from the military, And I offer it with our congratulations, The strike is over----'

VOICE OF JERGENS.

(_Back in the mill-yard_)

General Chadbourne!

CHADBOURNE.

Yes!-- 'The men have yielded and have gone to work; And all's been done without one drop of bloodshed, Thanks to the Governor and to your co-operation And to the splendid service of the boys.

To-morrow we break camp and go our ways.

Health to you and long life and peace hereafter In your new home.' Or something of the sort.

I haven't whipped it into final shape.

HASKELL.

And got off, I suppose, with gla.s.ses lifted.

'Twill be a nice green feather in our cap.

CHADBOURNE.

And duty done, it's well to have big friends.

There's that old question of the armory; I'm going to try to jam it through this session.

And besides that--

(_Calls toward the gate_)

What's up?

JERGENS.

(_Enters with the Chief of Police_)

How large a force Did you send to the station?

CHADBOURNE.

Why do you ask?

JERGENS.

There's talk of violence among the men.

CHIEF OF POLICE.

Some even go so far as to advocate Marching upon----

JERGENS.

That, Chief, may all be bl.u.s.ter.

For this man Dicey--these men have a way Of making things look bad to extort money And earn them credit if they turn out well.

CHIEF OF POLICE.

As a precaution though.