The Americans Part 73

VOICE.

(_Back in the mill_)

Bring on the Const.i.tution and let's vote!

FIFTH MILITIAMAN.

(_With the paper_)

You'll have your hands full if reports are true.

HARRY EGERTON.

We none of us can tell what men will do.

The times are changing and the days bring light.

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

You mean you'll stir up mutiny again?

HARRY EGERTON.

I'll see they get the truth, then let them choose.

That is a right we all have, General Chadbourne.

GENERAL CHADBOURNE.

You'll have no chance to see them.

(_Goes down the stairs, the two guards leading the way_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Very well.

Just say to Governor Braddock it's with him.

We'll keep right on at work. The gates shall be Open and the men shall come and go.

CAPTAIN HASKELL.

(_To two militiamen who are busy stringing the flag on the rope_)

d.a.m.n pretty men you are to raise a flag.

You ought to have a red one.

FIRST MILITIAMAN.

Go on, Haskell.

SECOND MILITIAMAN.

We'll see what kind of men dare take it down.

CAPTAIN HASKELL.

Wait till Court Martial sits.

(_Disappears down the stairs. There is a movement of the workmen back into the mill_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Shouting_)

Now let's to work!

(_The militiamen gather left, and to some of them the rifles, knapsacks, etc., are distributed. Buck Bentley, who has taken the bugles in his hands, walks to and fro_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You'd better be off, Bentley, don't you think?

They'll turn h.e.l.l upside down to get that mine.

BUCK BENTLEY.

He wanted to say something to me.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Calls rear left to Harry Egerton, who is engaged with Dicey, a number of workmen being gathered about them_)

Partner!

(_They stand silent, watching the group_)

BUCK BENTLEY.

Harry's too easy with him.

A WORKMAN.

(_Leaving the group and pa.s.sing rear, calls to Anderson_)

The same old sore.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You've noticed any change these past few days?

BUCK BENTLEY.