United States or Singapore ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The worst of it was that most of these rowdy ones were his fellow passengers in Crass's brake, and there was not much chance of getting a seat in either of the other carriages, for they were overcrowded already.
Crass's fat face was pallid with fear as he clung trembling to his seat. Another man, very drunk and oblivious of everything, was leaning over the side of the brake, spewing into the road, while the remainder, taking no interest in the race, amused themselves by singing conducted by the Semi-drunk as loud as they could roar: 'Has anyone seen a Germin band, Germin Band, Germin Band?
Crass's work as colourman was simplified, to a certain extent, by the great number of specially prepared paints and distempers in all colours, supplied by the manufacturers ready for use.
One after the other, within a few minutes, the rest followed Crass's example, going outside and returning almost immediately: and as Bundy, who was the last to return, came back he exclaimed: 'Let's 'ave a game of shove-'a'penny. 'All right, said Easton, who was beginning to feel reckless. 'But drink up first, and let's 'ave another.
As for those who rode with Harlow in the last coach, most of them, as has been already intimated, were men of similar character to himself. The greater number of them fairly good workmen and unlike the boozers in Crass's coach not yet quite heartbroken, but still continuing the hopeless struggle against poverty. These differed from Nimrod's lot inasmuch as they were not content.
No one was formally 'in charge' of the job during Crass's absence, but they all returned to their work promptly at one because they feared that Sawkins or some other sneak might report any irregularity to Crass or Misery. At a quarter-past one, Philpot was still missing and the uneasiness of the shareholders began to develop into a panic.
They had been discussing the Secretary's letter re the halfpenny rate, and as Owen was one of the members of the Trades Council, Crass suggested that they should go across and tackle him about it. 'How much is your house assessed at? asked Owen after listening for about a quarter of an hour to Crass's objection. 'Fourteen pound, replied Crass.
Whenever it was necessary to reply to Mrs Crass's talk she found some difficulty in articulating the words and she knew she was not answering very intelligently.
Misery had known of and winked at the former practice, for he knew that the men could not work all that time without something to eat, but Crass's suggestion seemed a much better way, and it was adopted.
Neither Harlow nor Easton shared Crass's sentiments in this matter, but at the same time they could not afford to offend him by sticking up for Owen. 'If you was to ast me, quietly, Crass added, 'I should be more inclined to say as 'e copied it all out of some book. 'That's just about the size of it, mate, agreed Harlow.
Word Of The Day