The Americans Part 81

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Not that you are to blame for it, we don't say that.

But probably without your knowing it A fire or something's going out of you That's kindling this industrial upheaval; For it's your name they've made the war-cry, Harry.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

He even smiled when you spoke of the mills Closing.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

I don't think he meant it so.

His heart's out there, though, that's as plain as day.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Harry, if these shouts mean a final step, A closing up of things which if once closed Will render of no use any labor of ours, I beg of you to call this meeting off, At least until we see what we can do.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Postpone it, Harry, say till Monday morning.

You know yourself how dangerous it is To wake men's hopes to a wild dream of power.

They're never afterwards content with less Than that wild something that could never be.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Yes, brother, let the Lord's day with its peace Breathe on this quarrel. Why do you say too late?

HARRY EGERTON.

(_Who has come forward_)

Because it's up there, Bishop, it's up there Above mere bread.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

What does he mean by that?

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I trust, my brother, that it is up there.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

We don't just see what it is you are trying to do.

HARRY EGERTON.

The statement I gave out last Sat.u.r.day----

RALPH ARDSLEY.

That was a week ago.

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

And since then Reports have come out that there's a move on foot To organize--I know not what to call it----

HARRY EGERTON.

A Commonwealth of Workers.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Then it's true!

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Your purpose then is to retain the mill?

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Purchase it?

HARRY EGERTON.

I don't know. We'll do what's fair.

We've had to think first of supplying bread.

That's left but little time for other things.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

But if the Company shouldn't choose to sell?

HARRY EGERTON.

That is with them.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

You mean you'll still hold on?

HARRY EGERTON.

That will be my advice, yes.