The Americans Part 76

(_Leaving_)

So long! So long!

HARRY EGERTON.

Wherever men get free they'll think of us.

WORKMEN.

So long! So long!

BUCK BENTLEY.

And there was something else.

The General came while you were speaking.

HARRY EGERTON.

Ah!

BUCK BENTLEY.

Something about some bugles you said get.

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes, I forgot. I meant to show you these That a Committee brought this afternoon.

(_Takes a paper from his pocket_)

Read them in the meeting, Harvey.

CRIES.

Read them now!

HARRY EGERTON.

Some resolutions of the citizens, Who are glad we've gone on peaceably to work.

And if at any time we need their help----

SAM WILLIAMS.

(_Taking a bugle and holding it up to the crowd_)

The citizens say blow these if we need help!

Because we've gone on peaceably to work.

(_Cheers_)

It's work, you see, that wins, comrades.

CHRIS KNUDSON.

That's right.

HARRY EGERTON.

I trust, though, that they'll never need to blow.

BUCK BENTLEY.

'Twill set the land on fire if they do.

A WORKMAN.

The workingmen throughout the State will hear.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

They'll blow in relay, pards, from sea to sea.

(_Harry Egerton stands and watches the militiamen depart. As Bentley goes down the stairs he turns and looks at Harry Egerton, who lifts his hand to his head in a sort of military salute_)

CHRIS KNUDSON.

That's what they say about us, Wes, you know That when the thing we've fought is taken away We'll fight among ourselves.

WES DICEY.

(_To Harry Egerton_)

I ain't a man, And never have been one, to set my views Against the boys' views. If they're satisfied And think the new way's better than the old, And if they'll vote for it, Wes and his friends Will have no grouch.

SEVERAL.

That's all right.

A VOICE.

Then come on.

HARRY EGERTON.

To get along together, as Sam says, That's what we seek, my friend. The rest will come.

WES DICEY.

It's for the boys I took the stand I did.