] "Demands
conceded, with the exception of those relating to the engineers and
furnace-men. Double wages for Saturday's overtime. Night-shifts as
they are." These terms have been agreed. The men go back to work
again to-morrow. The strike is at an end.
ROBERTS. [Reading the paper, and turning on the men. They shrink
back from him, all but ROUS, who stands his ground. With deadly
stillness.] Ye have gone back on me? I stood by ye to the death; ye
waited for that to throw me over!
[The men answer, all speaking together.]
ROUS. It's a lie!
THOMAS. Ye were past endurance, man.
GREEN. If ye'd listen to me!
BULGIN. (Under his breath.) Hold your jaw!
ROBERTS. Ye waited for that!
HARNESS. [Taking the Director's copy of the terms, and handing his
own to TENCH.] That's enough, men. You had better go.
[The men shuffle slowly, awkwardly away.]
WILDER. [In a low, nervous voice.] There's nothing to stay for now,
I suppose. [He follows to the door.] I shall have a try for that
train! Coming, Scantlebury?
SCANTLEBURY. [Following with WANKLIN.] Yes, yes; wait for me. [He
stops as ROBERTS speaks.]
ROBERTS. [To ANTHONY.] But ye have not signed them terms! They
can't make terms without their Chairman! Ye would never sign them
terms! [ANTHONY looks at him without speaking.
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