[Throughout the foregoing ANTHONY has eyed his son; he now moves
as though to rise, but stops as EDGAR speaks again.]
I don't defend the men, or myself, or anybody.
WANKLIN. You may have to! A coroner's jury of disinterested
sympathisers may say some very nasty things. We mustn't lose sight
of our position.
SCANTLEBURY. [Without uncovering his ears.] Coroner's jury! No,
no, it's not a case for that!
EDGAR. I 've had enough of cowardice.
WANKLIN. Cowardice is an unpleasant word, Mr. Edgar Anthony. It
will look very like cowardice if we suddenly concede the men's
demands when a thing like this happens; we must be careful!
WILDER. Of course we must. We've no knowledge of this matter,
except a rumour. The proper course is to put the whole thing into
the hands of Harness to settle for us; that's natural, that's what we
should have come to any way.
SCANTLEBURY. [With dignity.] Exactly! [Turning to EDGAR.] And as
to you, young sir, I can't sufficiently express my--my distaste for
the way you've treated the whole matter. You ought to withdraw!
Talking of starvation, talking of cowardice! Considering what our
views are! Except your own is--is one of goodwill--it's most
irregular, it's most improper, and all I can say is it's--it's given
me pain----
[He places his hand over his heart.
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