The Lancashire operative is not accustomed to restrain the expression of his opinions from motives of delicacy, and any consideration for your feelings which he may have when isolated diminishes with the number of his companions. Three factory lads may content themselves with exchanging sarcastic remarks on your personal appearance when you are out of hearing, thirty will make them in your presence, three hundred will jeer you loudly; and from three thousand, if once you are unlucky enough to attract their attention, there will come such volleys of derision as nobody but a philosopher could bear with equanimity.
Not only was the road lined on both sides with work-people, but they blocked it up in front, and made way for the militia-men so slowly, that there was ample time for Philip Stanburne to hear every observation that was directed against him. Amidst the roars of laughter which the appearance of the men gave rise to, a thousand special commentaries might be distinguished.
"Them chaps sowdiers! Why, there's nobbut one sowdier i' th' lot as I can see on."
"Where is he? I can see noan at o'."
"Cannot ta see th' felly wi' th' red jacket?"
"Eh, what a mucky lot!"
"They'll be right uns for fightin', for there's four on 'em 'as gotten black een to start wi'."
"Where's their guns?"
"They willn't trust 'em wi' guns. They'd be shootin' one another."