he fact remains that we don't. But you must admit that this
competition of the employers is one of the causes of unemployment and
poverty, because it's not only in our line--exactly the same thing
happens in every other trade and industry. Competing employers are the
upper and nether millstones which grind the workers between them.'

'I suppose you think there oughtn't to be no employers at all?' sneered
Crass. 'Or p'raps you think the masters ought to do all the bloody
work theirselves, and give us the money?'

'I don't see 'ow its goin' to be altered,' remarked Harlow. 'There
MUST be masters, and SOMEONE 'as to take charge of the work and do the
thinkin'.'

'Whether it can be altered or not,' said Owen, 'Landlordism and
Competing Employers are two of the causes of poverty. But of course
they're only a small part of the system which produces luxury,
refinement and culture for a few, and condemns the majority to a
lifelong struggle with adversity, and many thousands to degradation,
hunger and rags. This is the system you all uphold and defend,
although you don't mind admitting that it has made the world into a
hell.'

Crass slowly drew the Obscurer cutting from his waistcoat pocket, but
after a moment's thought he replaced it, deciding to defer its
production till a more suitable occasion.

'But you 'aven't told us yet 'ow you makes out that money causes
poverty,' cried Harlow, winking at the others. 'That's what I'M
anxious to 'ear about!'

'So am I,' remarked the man behind the moat. 'I was just wondering
whether I 'adn't better tell ole Misery that I don't want no wages this
week.'

'I think I'll tell 'im on Saterday to keep MY money and get 'imself a
few drinks with it,' said Philpot. 'It might cheer 'im up a bit and
make 'im a little more sociable and friendly like.'

'Money IS the principal cause of poverty,' said Owen.

''Ow do yer make it out?' cried Sawkins.

But their curiosity had to remain unsatisfied for the time being
because Crass announced that it was 'just on it'.

Chapter 16

True Freedom

About three o'clock that afternoon, Rushton suddenly appeared and began
walking silently about the house, and listening outside the doors of
rooms where the hands were working. He did not succeed in catching
anyone idling or smoking or talking. The nearest approach to what the
men called 'a capture' that he made was, as he stood outside the door
of one of the upper rooms in which Ph