Scene IV: Interior of a coal-mine, lit only by lamps on the heads of three men and two boys, about twelve and fourteen years, the men busy at work getting the coal down with picks, the boys shovelling coal into a car. They work a few minutes. Distant muffled sound of a steam-whistle. They immediately drop tools and go to corner and pick up each a can, paper bag, or small basket, and sit down to eat.
One Man
Lunch-time. It feels good to rest half an hour in this bloomin' hole. (Takes a drink from a bottle he brings from his pocket and hands to another.) Have a swig, Jack?
Jack
Don't care if I do. (Takes a swallow.) I'll bring some next time, Joe.
Joe (passing bottle to the other)
Here, Bert, it helps. Take some and give a swallow to the boys.
Bert
I'll take some and thank you, but I guess the boys are better off without it.
Jack