arters as Owen proceeded:

'How does it happen that we are so short of the things that are made by
work?'

'The reason why we're short of the things that's made by work,'
interrupted Crass, mimicking Owen's manner, 'is that we ain't got the
bloody money to buy 'em.'

'Yes,' said the man on the pail; 'and as I said before, if all the
money in the country was shared out equal today according to Owen's
ideas--in six months' time it would be all back again in the same 'ands
as it is now, and what are you goin' to do then?'

'Share again, of course.'

This answer came derisively from several places at the same instant,
and then they all began speaking at once, vying with each other in
ridiculing the foolishness of 'them there Socialists', whom they called
'The Sharers Out'.

Barrington was almost the only one who took no part in the
conversation. He was seated in his customary place and, as usual,
silently smoking, apparently oblivious to his surroundings.

'I never said anything about "sharing out all the money",' said Owen
during a lull in the storm, 'and I don't know of any Socialist who
advocates anything of the kind. Can any of you tell me the name of
someone who proposes to do so?'

No one answered, as Owen repeated his inquiry, this time addressing
himself directly to Crass, who had been one of the loudest in
denouncing and ridiculing the 'Sharers Out'. Thus cornered, Crass--who
knew absolutely nothing about the subject--for a few moments looked
rather foolish. Then he began to talk in a very loud voice:

'Why, it's a well-known fact. Everybody knows that's what they wants.
But they take bloody good care they don't act up to it theirselves,
though. Look at them there Labour members of Parliament--a lot of
b--rs what's too bloody lazy to work for their livin'! What the bloody
'ell was they before they got there? Only workin' men, the same as you
and me! But they've got the gift o' the gab and--'

'Yes, we know all about that,' said Owen, 'but what I'm asking you is
to tell us who advocates taking all the money in the country and
sharing it out equally?'

'And I say that everybody knows that's what they're after!' shouted
Crass. 'And you know it as well as I do. A fine thing!' he added
indignantly. 'Accordin' to that idear, a bloody scavenger or a farm
labourer ought to get as much wages as you or me!'

'We can talk about that some other time. What I want to know at
present is--what authorit