RUTH. There always will be factories.
MARTIN. Yes? So he said last night. But we know better.
RUTH. There will, there will. They'll build others, and while they're building you'll be starving, and when they're built, do you think there'll be work for you or my father or any man who lifts a hand to-night? You'll all be hanged or rotting in some gaol, and wages for the rest lower than ever to pay them out for the doings of this night. Don't do it, Martin. Leave Guy to me. I'll manage him, but I must bide my time.
MARTIN. And meantime we must live a living death. A bullet's better, Ruth.
RUTH. Oh, maybe better for the few they hit. Death's not important. Think of the others who'll live on. Don't be selfish, Martin.
MARTIN. Selfish! I'm doing all for others. I don't care for myself.
RUTH. You do. You care to be the leader. You care for your pride, the pride that won't let you draw back because you dare not seem to have an afterthought, the pride that's going to strew that valley with the ruined lives of men and corpses of the dead.
MARTIN. I can't draw back now. It's too late, Ruth.
RUTH. It's never too late. (Suddenly terrified.) You are their leader, Martin? They won't do anything without your word?
MARTIN. I am their leader, Ruth. To-night's plan is mine.