"The people, I suppose."
"Nothing of the kind. The operators control the legislatures and put through whatever bills they please. I went to the legislative assembly once and we forced through an eight hour law for underground workers. The state Supreme Court, puppets of capital, declared the statute unconstitutional. The whole machinery of government is owned by our masters. What can we do?"
"I don't know."
"Neither do I—except what I am doing. It is against the law, all right, but I try to see that the workmen get some of the profits they earn."
"Would the operators—what would they do if they proved you guilty of highgrading?"
"It is hard to prove. Ore can't easily be identified."
"But if they did?" she persisted.
"I'd go over the road quick as their courts could send me." A sardonic flicker of amusement moved him to add: "Would you obey the Scriptural injunction and visit me in prison, Miss Dwight?"
"I wouldn't be here. We're going back to England next week."
"But if you were. Would your friendship stand the test?"