JOHN. Yes, so am I. And why? Because the steam power's taken away their living and half a living's better than none to a starving man. (To Ephraim.) You ought to be ashamed of yourself to take advantage of them.
EPHRAIM. Well, Heppenstall, it's——
GUY (interrupting). I'm responsible, Mr. Heppenstall. If you've anything to say about the management of Barlow's, say it to me. My father's virtually retired.
EPHRAIM (with spirit). Have I? I'm not dead yet, my lad. I've given you a lot of rope, but be careful or you'll hang yourself.
JOHN (approvingly, turning his shoulder on Guy). That's better, Barlow. I mislike seeing you knuckle under to a boy.
(Guy rises and goes to fireplace, standing with his back to table. John speaks across table to Ephraim )
Now, look here, I had to follow your lead when you reduced. Will you follow mine if I put them up again to what they were three months ago?
GUY (wheeling round). And let the weavers fancy we're afraid of them?
JOHN (not turning). I'm not afraid of them. I'm sorry for them.
GUY. They know better. Once give in, and they're the masters. Show them they've only to ask and threaten to get what they ask and they'll ask for more. They'll not stop at the old level.