The Americans Part 77

(_The workmen go back into the mill. Harry Egerton watches Dicey until he is lost among the men that pa.s.s out rear_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Who has been watching him_)

Partner.

HARRY EGERTON.

(_Who has started to follow the men_)

What is it, Harvey?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

What's this mean?

HARRY EGERTON.

We cannot be too patient with these men.

It's a free mill we're trying to build, Harvey.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

'Tain't that I mean.

(_Takes the will from his pocket_)

Why did you give me this?

HARRY EGERTON.

As a precaution, Harvey.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_To Jim King, who lingers about beyond the railing_)

We'll be there.

HARRY EGERTON.

If anything should happen to me, you know, My father would inherit everything.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Yes.

HARRY EGERTON.

And G.o.d meant the mine for other things.

And as administrators you and Sam And Buck I knew would carry on the work.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

But why just now? Come on and tell me, partner.

There's something up. You ain't been like yourself.

There's something on your heart. What is it, partner?

It ain't the faction?

HARRY EGERTON.

No.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

About the mine-- That lie they told is eating in your heart.

HARRY EGERTON.

Have I done anything that you know, Harvey, That could have wronged the men or any of them?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You wronged them? What you mean?

HARRY EGERTON.

In any way?

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Why they'd die for you, partner. What you mean?

HARRY EGERTON.

Come here to-night when we can be alone.

There are some things I want to tell you, Harvey, That you and Sam and Buck must carry out.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

(_Looks at him a long while, then lays his hands upon his shoulders_)

We're on the eve of seeing things come true And there ain't nothing that can stop it, partner.

HARRY EGERTON.

I don't know what I'd do without you, Harvey.