The Americans Part 40

HARVEY ANDERSON.

I wouldn't try it, pard, if I were you.

JERGENS.

(_To the men_)

You'll rue this day!

(_To Harvey Anderson_)

We'll fix you!

(_To the militia_)

Close these gates!

(_Glowers at Harry Egerton_)

Clear these streets, Captain!

HARRY EGERTON.

Stand where you are, my friends.

JERGENS.

Captain, I order you to clear these streets.

HARRY EGERTON.

Be careful, Captain Haskell, what you do.

This is a public place.

A MILITIAMAN.

What's the word, Cap.?

HASKELL.

(_To the militiaman, irritably_)

Who's in command here, I should like to know?

JERGENS.

Your father will attend to you, young man.

(_Beside himself with rage, disappears down the street, left_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Now then go quietly to your homes, my friends, And I to-night will see what I can do.

SAM WILLIAMS.

(_Comes toward him_)

Mr. Egerton.

(_Holds out his hand_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes, Sam.

(_Takes his hand_)

SAM WILLIAMS.

(_To the crowd_)

Comrades, I never thought we'd live to see this day.

(_The men crowd about them_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Some of you men are hungry.

THE MEN.

We're all right!

We're all right, Mr. Egerton!

HARRY EGERTON.

But never mind.

We will begin a new age in this land.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Up with your hats, pards! G.o.d's on the mountains!

(_Tosses his hat into the air. The workmen, in an almost religious ecstasy, go out left, crowding around Harry Egerton and Harvey Anderson. Dicey, King and Masters remain behind, whispering together, then follow the crowd. The militiamen, most of them silent with amazement at the scene they have witnessed, gradually disappear into the mill-yard_)

FIRST MILITIAMAN.

I'm for young Egerton if it comes to that.