"Yes, sir. Pope has a hold upon 'em, somehow. I'd give a deal to see somebody able to stand up and give the other side of the matter. They do want showing a common-sense view of things."
"Why don't you do it yourself?"
John looked up in astonishment.
"You have read and thought on these subjects and you have a large share of common-sense. Why not impart it to others?"
Holdfast laughed slightly.
"I've not got the gift of the gab," he said.
"Never mind about gifts. If you have a matter clearly in your mind, I imagine that you are capable of putting it into plain words."
"I'm afraid that's not much in my line, sir. I haven't got Pope's smooth tongue, you see."
"Working-men don't want only smoothness. They get enough and too much of that from certain quarters. What they really want is truth. Give them facts. Think things out for yourself, and make up your own mind as to what is right; then throw your influence into the right scale. You have shown already that you are no coward; that you can stand alone; and that you are not afraid to act independently. Don't be afraid to speak as well as to act; and don't conclude that, because you have not Pope's tongue, you have therefore no tongue at all. It may be your positive duty to speak out sometimes, for the sake of others."
"I'll think it over, sir, any way. I wouldn't wish to neglect my duty, if it is a duty," said John. "But I'm afraid the men would only say I was taking the masters' side."