is time, and you
will never make a stand again! You will have to fly like curs before
the whips of your own men. If that is the lot you wish for, you will
vote for this amendment.

[He looks again, from face to face, finally resting his gaze on
EDGAR; all sit with their eyes on the ground. ANTHONY makes a
gesture, and TENCH hands him the book. He reads.]

"Moved by Mr. Wilder, and seconded by Mr. Wanklin: 'That the men's
demands be placed at once in the hands of Mr. Simon Harness for
settlement on the lines indicated by him this morning.'" [With
sudden vigour.] Those in favour: Signify the same in the usual way!

[For a minute no one moves; then hastily, just as ANTHONY is
about to speak, WILDER's hand and WANKLIN'S are held up, then
SCANTLEBURY'S, and last EDGAR'S who does not lift his head.]

[ANTHONY lifts his own hand.]

[In a clear voice.] The amendment is carried. I resign my position
on this Board.

[ENID gasps, and there is dead silence. ANTHONY sits
motionless, his head slowly drooping; suddenly he heaves as
though the whole of his life had risen up within him.]

Contrary?

Fifty years! You have disgraced me, gentlemen. Bring in the men!

[He sits motionless, staring before him. The Board draws
hurriedly together, and forms a group. TENCH in a frightened
manner speaks into the hall. UNDERWOOD almost forces ENID from
the room.]

WILDER. [Hurriedly.] What's to be said to them? Why isn't Harness
here? Ought we to see the men before he comes? I don't----

TENCH. Will you come in, please?

[Enter THOMAS, GREEN, BULGIN, and ROUS, who file up in a row
past the little table. TENCH sits down and writes. All eyes
are foxed on ANTHONY, who makes no sign.]

WANKLIN. [Stepping up to the little table, with nervous cordiality.]
Well, Thomas, how's it to be? What's the result of your meeting?

ROUS. Sim Harness has our answer. He'll tell you what it is. We're
waiting for him. He'll speak for us.

WANKLIN. Is that so, Thomas?

THOMAS. [Sullenly.] Yes. Roberts will not pe coming, his wife is
dead.

SCANTLEBURY. Yes, yes! Poor woman! Yes! Yes!

FROST. [Entering from the hall.] Mr. Harness, Sir!

[As HARNESS enters he retires.]

[HARNESS has a piece of paper in his hand, he bows to the
Directors, nods towards the men, and takes his stand behind the
little table in