MRS. AUSTIN. Go on.
JIM. And then, you see, the panic came... and the mills shut down... sudden as that. The lawyer told me the company would see I always had a job, but that was only to get me to sign.
MRS. AUSTIN. [Feverishly.] Did you try him?
JIM. I went to the office and tried; but they wouldn't even let me see him.
MRS. AUSTIN. I see. And then?
JIM. Then I went out to look for work. I had the two babies, you know ... and God only knows how I loved those babies. I said I'd fight and win out for their sakes. But Amy... she was the little one... she never had been very strong. When you're a poor man, you can't get the best food, even if you know what it is. It ain't fit milk they sell for the children in this city; and the baby died... I never knew what was the matter exactly. And there was only one left... and me tramping the streets all day looking for a job. How was I to take care of him, lady? How could I have helped it? [His voice is breaking with emotion.] And oh, ma'am, he was the loveliest little fellow... with hair like gold. And so well and strong.
MRS. AUSTIN. [Whispering.] What happened to him?
JIM. A street car killed him.
MRS. AUSTIN. Oh!
JIM. Run over his chest, ma'am. I came home at night, and they told me, and I near went out of my mind. Can you think what it was to see him... with his eyes starting out of his head like, and his beautiful little body all mashed flat...