The Americans Part 69

JIM KING.

(_Returning with Dicey and Masters_)

They're out for their selves, d.a.m.n 'em; we'll be too.

SEVENTH MILITIAMAN.

(_Coming away with two or three others_)

Young Egerton's pure gold if ever was.

WES DICEY.

Don't make no move, though, Jim, till we see first.

(_He separates himself from the other two, and they mingle with the men_)

EIGHTH MILITIAMAN.

That's just the way they did the old man's farm.

We had a place and didn't want to sell.

That made no difference. Eminent Domain.

'Out of the way there, home!'

VOICE.

(_From back in the mill_)

What did he say?

VOICE.

(_Near the door_)

Then if the Company can take men's lands To build their railroads through----

SECOND VOICE.

That's a good point!

FIRST VOICE.

And if you say the Law's the same for all, Then why can't we take theirs when we need bread?

FIFTH MILITIAMAN.

(_Getting a group together_)

Be smoking when he comes out.

FIRST MILITIAMAN.

Stamper! Kids!

THIRD VOICE.

(_Rear_)

What Egerton wants, that's for the Public Good!

CHRIS KNUDSON.

There, there you're not remembering it again!

(_General Chadbourne comes from the office, followed by Captain Haskell, and after these Harry Egerton, Sam Williams, Harvey Anderson, Buck Bentley, and others. The militiamen make a big smoke_)

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

You'll not lay hands on property in this State.

HARRY EGERTON.

The right of men to work is just as sacred As is the right of property, General Chadbourne, And more important to the general welfare.

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

These gates have stood wide open here for weeks.

SAM WILLIAMS.

And on whose terms?

WORKMEN.

That's the point; on whose terms?

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

Of course you'd like to make the terms yourselves.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Why shouldn't they?

HARRY EGERTON.

What would you have men do?