The Americans Part 39

Run, Tommy!

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Drawing from his pocket a long blue revolver_)

Halt!

The first man puts his foot inside that gate I'll kill him.

VOICE.

(_Right as before, now near by_)

One word before you go in there!

(_Harry Egerton enters breathless_)

HARRY EGERTON.

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?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

They're going back.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_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.

HARRY EGERTON.

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.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Now the snow falls they're afraid the wolf will howl.

HARRY EGERTON.

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?

G.o.d will provide, my friends. Do not give up.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Comes to him_)

Tell 'em about it, partner.

HARRY EGERTON.

Not yet.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Why?

HARRY EGERTON.

Their enemies would say it was the gold.

And we must show them that they're wrong.

A WORKMAN.

Look out!

JERGENS.

(_With a stick he has picked up comes from the mill-yard_)

What do you mean by interfering here?

(_He discovers Harvey Anderson talking with Harry Egerton and turns, evidently for an explanation, to Haskell_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You've filed your claim though?

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes.

(_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_)

A WORKMAN.

Look out, comrade!