RTS.[Bitingly.] Go on, Henry Thomas, go on. You 're better able
to speak to the--Directors than me. [THOMAS is silent.]

TENCH. The Chairman means, Roberts, that it was the men who asked
for the conference, the Board wish to hear what they have to say.

ROBERTS. Gad! If I was to begin to tell ye all they have to say, I
wouldn't be finished to-day. And there'd be some that'd wish they'd
never left their London palaces.

HARNESS. What's your proposition, man? Be reasonable.

ROBERTS. You want reason Mr. Harness? Take a look round this
afternoon before the meeting. [He looks at the men; no sound escapes
them.] You'll see some very pretty scenery.

HARNESS. All right my friend; you won't put me off.

ROBERTS. [To the men.] We shan't put Mr. Harness off. Have some
champagne with your lunch, Mr. Harness; you'll want it, sir.

HARNESS. Come, get to business, man!

THOMAS. What we're asking, look you, is just simple justice.

ROBERTS. [Venomously.] Justice from London? What are you talking
about, Henry Thomas? Have you gone silly? [THOMAS is silent.] We
know very well what we are--discontented dogs--never satisfied. What
did the Chairman tell me up in London? That I did n't know what I
was talking about. I was a foolish, uneducated man, that knew
nothing of the wants of the men I spoke for,

EDGAR. Do please keep to the point.

ANTHONY. [Holding up his hand.] There can only be one master,
Roberts.

ROBERTS. Then, be Gad, it'll be us.

[There is a silence; ANTHONY and ROBERTS stare at one another.]

UNDERWOOD. If you've nothing to say to the Directors, Roberts,
perhaps you 'll let Green or Thomas speak for the men.

[GREEN and THOMAS look anxiously at ROBERTS, at each other, and
the other men.]

GREEN. [An Englishman.] If I'd been listened to, gentlemen----

THOMAS. What I'fe got to say iss what we'fe all got to say----

ROBERTS. Speak for yourself, Henry Thomas.

SCANTLEBURY. [With a gesture of deep spiritual discomfort.] Let the
poor men call their souls their own!

ROBERTS. Aye, they shall keep their souls, for it's not much body
that you've left them, Mr. [with biting emphasis, as though the word
were an offence] Scantlebury! [To the men.] Well, will you speak,
or shall I speak for you?

ROUS. [Suddenly.] Speak out, Roberts, or leave it to others.

ROBERTS. [Ironically.] Thank you, George Rous. [Addressing himself
to ANTHONY.] The Chai