rs were more prudent, for they knew
that if they did leave there were dozens of others who would be eager
to take their places.

'After all, you know,' said Slyme, who had--stowed away somewhere at
the back of his head--an idea of presently starting business on his own
account: he was only waiting until he had saved enough money, 'after
all, there's something in what 'Unter says. It's very 'ard to get a
fair price for work nowadays. Things IS cut very fine.'

'Yes! We know all about that!' shouted Harlow. 'And who the bloody
'ell is it cuts 'em? Why, sich b--rs as 'Unter and Rushton! If this
firm 'adn't cut this job so fine, some other firm would 'ave 'ad it for
more money. Rushton's cuttin' it fine didn't MAKE this job, did it?
It would 'ave been done just the same if they 'adn't tendered for it at
all! The only difference is that we should 'ave been workin' for some
other master.'

'I don't believe the bloody job's cut fine at all!' said Philpot.

'Rushton is a pal of Sweater's and they're both members of the Town
Council.'

'That may be,' replied Slyme; 'but all the same I believe Sweater got
several other prices besides Rushton's--friend or no friend; and you
can't blame 'im: it's only business. But pr'aps Rushton got the
preference--Sweater may 'ave told 'im the others' prices.'

'Yes, and a bloody fine lot of prices they was, too, if the truth was
known!' said Bundy. 'There was six other firms after this job to my
knowledge--Pushem and Sloggem, Bluffum and Doemdown, Dodger and
Scampit, Snatcham and Graball, Smeeriton and Leavit, Makehaste and
Sloggitt, and Gord only knows 'ow many more.'

At this moment Newman came into the room. He looked so white and upset
that the others involuntarily paused in their conversation.

'Well, what do YOU think of it?' asked Harlow.

'Think of what?' said Newman.

'Why, didn't 'Unter tell you?' cried several voices, whose owners
looked suspiciously at him. They thought--if Hunter had not spoken to
Newman, it must be because he was already working under price. There
had been a rumour going about the last few days to that effect.

'Didn't Misery tell you? They're not goin' to pay more than six and a
half after this week.'

'That's not what 'e said to me. 'E just told me to knock off. Said I
didn't do enough for 'em.'

'Jesus Christ!' exclaimed Crass, pretending to be overcome with
surprise.

Newman's account of what had transpired was listened to in glo