Affairs were as little
flourishing in that region as at Mowbray itself, and the
distress fell upon a population less accustomed to suffering
and whose spirit was not daunted by the recent discomfiture
and punishment of their leaders.
"It can't last," said Master Nixon as he took his pipe from
his mouth at the Rising Sun.
He was responded to by a general groan. "It comes to this,"
he continued, "Natur has her laws, and this is one; a fair
day's wage for a fair day's work."
"I wish you may get it," said Juggins, "with a harder stint
every week and a shilling a day knocked off."
"And what's to come to-morrow?" said Waghorn. "The butty has
given notice to quit in Parker's field this day se'nnight.
Simmons won't drop wages, but works half time."
"The boys will be at play afore long," said a collier.
"Hush!" said Master Nixon with a reproving glance, "play is a
very serious word. The boys are not to go to play as they
used to do without by your leave or with your leave. We must
appoint a committee to consider the question and we must
communicate with the other trades."
"You're the man, Master Nixon, to choose for churchwarden,"
replied the reproved miner with a glance of admiration.
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