"UNION IS STRENGTH!"
An axiom so self-evident that nobody could question its truth.
An "Oddfellows" banner, drooping gracefully from its single pole, came next. It had a picture of the good Samaritan on a blue ground, and was not peculiarly appropriate to a strike; but flags of all kinds help to swell the general effect, and this with others was borrowed.
After the good Samaritan, a loaf stuck upon a pole was borne along. No especial meaning might be attached to the uplifted loaf; but no doubt bread is always an impressive object. What would man be without the "staff of life"? There is also an obvious connection between loaves and wages.
At the tail of the procession, after sundry other appropriate and inappropriate flags, made or borrowed, came the final output of native genius—another big square of white, having its inscription painted with a tar-brush—
"WE MEAN TO GET OUR RIGHTS!"
This sentiment began with a magnificent "W," and tapered gradually off to an absurdly diminutive "s"; no doubt the natural expression of artistic feeling.
A loose crowd of open-mouthed followers clattered along behind, deeply impressed by the whole affair.
"It's a grand lot of flags, mother, ain't it?" said Bobbie.
Martha was gazing, as if she did not hear, and little fair-haired Millie said, "Daddy's there!"