tting themselves in
order for earning nothing by getting drunk to-night, and dad's not slack
at that. Have you got tea ready, mother?"

"Ay, lad."

"I've made up my mind, mother," the boy said, as he ate his slice of
bacon and bread, "that I shall go over to Birmingham to-morrow, and try
to get work there. John Ratcliffe, the engineman, is going to write a
letter for me to some mates of his there. The last two years, when I've
been on the night-shift, I have gone in and helped him a bit pretty
often in the day, so as to get to know something about an engine, and
to be able to do a job of smith's work; anyhow, he thinks I can get a
berth as a striker or something of that sort. I'd rather go at once, for
there will be plenty of hands looking out for a job before long, when
the pinch begins, and I don't want to be idle here at home."

"They've promised to give some sort o' allowance to non-unionists,
Jack."

"Yes, mother, but I'd rather earn it honestly. I'm too young to join the
union yet, but I have made up my mind long ago never to do it. I mean to
be my own master, and I ain't going to be told by a pack of fellows at
Stafford or Birmingham whether I am to work or not, and how much I am to
do, and how many tubs I am to fill. No, mother, I wasn't born a slave
that I know of, and certainly don't mean to become one voluntarily."

"Lor, how thou dost talk, Jack! Who'd take 'ee to be a pitman?"

"I don't want to be taken for anything that I am not, mother. What with
reading and with going two hours twice a week of an evening for six
years, to talk and work with Mr. Merton, I hope I can express myself
properly when I choose. As you know, when I'm away from you I talk as
others do, for I hate any one to make remarks. If the time ever comes
when I am to take a step up, it will be time enough for them to talk; at
present, all that the other lads think of me is, that I am fond of
reading, and that I can lick any fellow of my own age in the mine," and
he laughed lightly. "And now, mother, I shall go in and tell Mr. Merton
what I have made up my mind to do."

Mr. Merton listened to Jack's report of his plans in silence, and then
after a long pause said:

"I have been for some time intending to talk seriously to you, Jack,
about your future, and the present is a good time for broaching the
subject. You see, my boy, you have worked very hard, and have thrown
your whole strength into it for six years. You have given no time t