The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists
'I'll second that resolution,' said Easton.
'And I'll lay a bob both ways,' remarked Bundy.
The resolution was then put, and though the great majority were against it, the Chairman declared it was carried unanimously.
By this time the violence of the storm had in a great measure abated, but as rain was still falling it was decided not to attempt to resume work that day.
'P'raps it's just as well it 'as rained,' remarked one man, 'or else some of us might 'ave got the sack to-night. As it is, there'll be hardly enough for all of us to do to-morrow and Saturday mornin', even if it is fine.'
This was true, and with sudden panic at their hearts they all realised that unless the firm had some other work there would be a great slaughter on Saturday.
'Now, look 'ere,' said Philpot, with a wink, assuming a patronising air. 'I wants you hall to make a speshall heffort and get 'ere very hearly in the mornin', say about four o'clock, and them wot doos the most work to-morrer, will get a prize on Saturday.'
'What'll it be, the sack?' inquired Harlow.
'Yes,' replied Philpot, 'and not honly will you get a prize, but if you hall keep on workin like we've bin doing lately till you're too hold and too wore hout to do any more, you'll be allowed to go to a nice workhouse for the rest of your lives, and each one of you will be given a title—"Pauper!"'
And they laughed! In spite of the fact that the majority of them had mothers or fathers who had already succeeded to the title—they laughed!
As they were going home Crass paused at the gate, and pointing up to the large gable at the end of the house, said to Philpot:
'You'll want the longest ladder, the sixty-five, for that, to-morrow.'
Philpot looked up at the gable. It was very high.
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