“You see, Mr. Maitland,” began Mr. Wigglesworth in a hurried and apologetic manner.
“'Ere! you keep aht o' this,” said Simmons sharply, “this 'ere's my job. I shall tell Brother Maitland all that is necessary.”
“I was only going to (h)explain—” began Mr. Wigglesworth.
“Naw then! IS this your job or mine? Was you (h)appointed or was I? When I find myself (h)unable to discharge my dooty to the Union I might per'aps call on you, Brother Wigglesworth; but until I find myself in that situation I 'ope you will refrain from shovin' in your 'orn.” Brother Simmons' sarcasm appeared to wither Brother Wigglesworth into silence.
“Naw then, Brother Maitland, we shall get (h)on.”
Maitland glanced round on the group of half a dozen men. Some of them he knew; others were strangers to him.
“I don't know what the business is, gentlemen,” he said, curbing his wrath, “but I want to know if it can't wait till to-morrow? You know our boys are going on the ice in a couple of hours or so—”
“Goin' on the (h)ice! Goin' on the (h)ice! W'at's that to do with Union business?” snarled Simmons. “This 'ere's no silly kids' gaime! It's a man's work we ave in 'and, if you don't want to do the business to w'ich you are (h)appointed w'y just say so and we shall know 'ow to (h)act. There 'as been too much o' this gaime business to suit me. If we are men let us (h)act like men.”
“Better get on wi' it,” said McNish curtly.
“I shall get on w'en I am good and ready, Brother McNish,” answered Simmons.