“Theer,” cried Sim; “what did I tell you? Didn’t I say as he’d come to uz? Yes, Joe Banks, our new brother, we’re going to set the eyes of all England starting out of its head, to see us strike for our raights. We’re a-going to—Hey?”
“Stop!” whispered Barker. “See to the doors there. We’ve a man present as isn’t sworn. He must take the oath.”
“Didn’t I say,” cried Joe Banks, fiercely, “that I’d be answerable for him?”
“But I’m not going to join their plans, Joe Banks,” said Tom, in a low voice.
“Raight,” said Banks, shortly. “Go on, Sim Slee.”
“Then look here, mates. Here’s what we’re a-going to do. Bring that theer keg.”
Two men dragged a keg from a cupboard, and placed it on the table.
“Them as is smoking is to go to the other end of the room,” said Sim, and there was a sudden movement amongst the men, the deputation not being the last. “Now then,” said Sim, “who’s got a knife?”
Joe Banks took a big clasp-knife from his pocket, and threw it upon the table, Sim picking it up, and beginning to open it as he went on talking.
“Here’s my plan. We’re a-going to open the eyes o’ lots of places as thowt they was very big in their way; and—Hello, where didst thou get this knife fro’, Joe Banks?—it’s mine.”