But all
the same I don't call that a proper way to treat anyone--givin' a man
the push in that way just because 'e 'appened to 'ave a spite against
'im.'

'It's wot I call a bl--dy shame!' cried Philpot. 'Owen's a chap wots
always ready to do a good turn to anybody, and 'e knows 'is work,
although 'e is a bit of a nuisance sometimes, I must admit, when 'e
gets on about Socialism.'

'I suppose Misery didn't say nothin' about 'im this mornin'?' inquired
Easton.

'No,' replied Crass, and added: 'I only 'ope Owen don't think as I
never said anything against 'im. 'E looked at me very funny that night
after Nimrod went away. Owen needn't think nothing like that about ME,
because I'm a chap like this--if I couldn't do nobody no good, I
wouldn't never do 'em no 'arm!'

At this some of the others furtively exchanged significant glances, and
Harlow began to smile, but no one said anything.

Philpot, noticing that the newcomer had not helped himself to any tea,
called Bert's attention to the fact and the boy filled Owen's cup and
passed it over to the new hand.

Their conjectures regarding the cause of Hunter's good humour were all
wrong. As the reader knows, Owen had not been discharged at all, and
there was nobody dead. The real reason was that, having decided to
take on another man, Hunter had experienced no difficulty in getting
one at the same reduced rate as that which Newman was working for,
there being such numbers of men out of employment. Hitherto the usual
rate of pay in Mugsborough had been sevenpence an hour for skilled
painters. The reader will remember that Newman consented to accept a
job at sixpence halfpenny. So far none of the other workmen knew that
Newman was working under price: he had told no one, not feeling sure
whether he was the only one or not. The man whom Hunter had taken on
that morning also decided in his mind that he would keep his own
counsel concerning what pay he was to receive, until he found out what
the others were getting.

Just before half past eight Owen arrived and was immediately assailed
with questions as to what had transpired at the office. Crass listened
with ill-concealed chagrin to Owen's account, but most of the others
were genuinely pleased.

'But what a way to speak to anybody!' observed Harlow, referring to
Hunter's manner on the previous Monday night.

'You know, I reckon if ole Misery 'ad four legs, 'e'd make a very good
pig,' said Philpot, solemnly, 'a