The Thorough Man
to gather into little groups, and soon nearly all found themselves in the kitchen, discussing the reduction in wages. Sawkins and the other 'lightweights' remained at their work. Some of them got only fourpence half-penny, Sawkins was paid fivepence, so none of these were affected by the change. The other two fresh hands—the journeymen—joined the crowd in the kitchen, being anxious to conceal the fact that they had agreed to accept the reduced rate before being 'taken on.' Owen also was there, having heard the news from Philpot.
There was a lot of furious talk. At first several of them spoke of 'chucking up' at once; but others were more prudent, for they knew that if they left there were dozens of others who would be eager to take their places.
'After all, you know,' said Slyme, who had an idea of presently starting business on his own account, and was only waiting until he had saved enough money. 'After all, there's something in what 'Unter says. It's very 'ard to get a fair price for work now-a-days. Things is cut very fine.'
'Yes! We knows all about that!' shouted Harlow. 'And who the bloody 'ell is it cuts 'em? Why, sich swines as 'Unter and Rushton! If this firm 'adn't cut this job so fine, some other firm would 'ave 'ad it for more money. Rushton's cuttin' it fine didn't make this job, did it? It would 'ave been done just the same if they 'adn't tendered for it at all! The only difference is that we should 'ave been workin' for some other master.'
'I don't believe the bloody job's cut fine at all!' said Philpot. 'Rushton is a pal of Sweater's, and they're both members of the Town Council.'
'That may be,' replied Slyme, 'but all the same I believe Sweater got several other prices besides Rushton's, friend or no friend, and you can't blame 'im—it's only business. But pr'aps Rushton got the preference—Sweater may 'ave told 'im the others' prices.'
'Yes, and a bloody fine lot of prices they was, too, if the truth was known!' said Bundy. 'There was six other firms after this job to my knowledge, and Gord only knows 'ow many more.'
At this moment Newman came into the room. He looked so white and upset that the others involuntarily paused in their conversation.
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