When Grinder sat down some of those who had applauded him began to jeer at the Socialists.
“What have you got to say to that?” they shouted. “That’s up against yer!”
“They ain’t got nothing to say now.”
“Why don’t some of you get up and make a speech?”
This last appeared to be a very good idea to those Liberals and Tories who had not liked Grinder’s observations, so they all began to shout “Owen!” “Owen!” “Come on ’ere. Get up and make a speech!” “Be a man!” and so on. Several of those who had been loudest in applauding Grinder also joined in the demand that Owen should make a speech, because they were certain that Grinder and the other gentlemen would be able to dispose of all his arguments; but Owen and the other Socialists made no response except to laugh, so presently Crass tied a white handkerchief on a cane walking-stick that belonged to Mr Didlum, and stuck it in the vase of flowers that stood on the end of the table where the Socialist group were sitting.
When the noise had in some measure ceased, Grinder again rose. “When I made the few remarks that I did, I didn’t know as there was any Socialists ’ere: I could tell from the look of you that most of you had more sense. At the same time I’m rather glad I said what I did, because it just shows you what sort of chaps these Socialists are. They’re pretty artful—they know when to talk and when to keep their mouths shut. What they like is to get hold of a few ignorant workin’ men in a workshop or a public house, and then they can talk by the mile—reg’ler shop lawyers, you know wot I mean—I’m right and everybody else is wrong. (Laughter.) You know the sort of thing I mean. When they finds theirselves in the company of edicated people wot knows a little more than they does theirselves, and who isn’t likely to be misled by a lot of claptrap, why then, mum’s the word. So next time you hears any of these shop lawyers’ arguments, you’ll know how much it’s worth.”
Most of the men were delighted with this speech, which was received with much laughing and knocking on the tables. They remarked to each other that Grinder was a smart man: he’d got the Socialists weighed up just about right—to an ounce.
Then, it was seen that Barrington was on his feet facing Grinder and a sudden, awe-filled silence fell.
“It may or may not be true,” began Barrington, “that Socialists always know when to speak and when to keep silent, but the present occasion hardly seemed a suitable one to discuss such subjects.
“We are here today as friends and want to forget our differences and enjoy ourselves for a few hours. But after what Mr Grinder has said I am quite ready to reply to him to the best of my ability.