ized the union, and we're going back to work. We'll turn out
machines to make shrapnel enough to kill every Hun in France,--get square
with 'em for what they done to you.

(They all watch GEORGE, absorbed in the effect this announcement has
on him. An expression of happiness grows in his eyes. After a
moment he goes up to ASHER.)

GEORGE. Dad, why did you do this?

ASHER. I'll tell you, George. When you came home this afternoon I
realized something I hadn't realized before. I saw that the tide was
against me, that I was like that old English king who set his throne on
the sands and thought he could stay the waters. If--if anything had
happened to you, I couldn't have fought on, but now that you're here with
me again, now that you've risked your life and almost lost it for this
--this new order in which you believe, why, it's enough for me--I can
surrender with honour. I'm tired, I need a rest. I'd have gone down
fighting, but I guess you've saved me. I've been true to my
convictions,--you, who belong to the new generation, must be true to
yours. And as I told you once, all I care about this business is to hand
it over to you.

GEORGE. You'll help me!

ASHER. This seems to be Jonathan's speciality,--science. But I never
give my word half heartedly, my boy, and I'll back you to my last dollar.
Be prepared for disappointments,--but if you accomplish something, I'll
be glad. And if you fail, George,--any failure for a man's convictions
is a grand failure.

GEORGE. Well, it means life to me, dad. I owe it to you.

ASHER (turning toward DR. JONATHAN). No, you owe it to him,--to science.

(He puts one hand on GEORGE'S shoulder, and the other, with an
abrupt movement, on DR. JONATHAN'S.)

And if science will do as much for democracy, then--

GEORGE. Then, you're from Missouri. Good old dad!

ASHER (huskily, trying, to carry it off, and almost overcome by emotion
at the reconciliation). I'm from Missouri, my boy.

DR. JONATHAN. Then you're a true scientist, Asher, for science, too,
waits to be shown.

(ASHER goes out, lower right. Dr. JONATHAN, evidently in support
and sympathy, goes with him. GEORGE and the committee look after
them, and then GEORGE sits down, and smiles at the men.)

GEORGE. And we've got to be scientists, too. Are you fellows willing to
take your share in the experiment?

HILLMAN. What experiment's that, Captain?

GEORGE. Now that you've got your union, what's the g