The committee meeting broke up at a late hour in the afternoon amidst some excitement, and Mr. Bullsom walked back to his office with Brooks.  A fine rain was falling, and the two men were close together under one umbrella.

“What do you think of it, Brooks?” Bullsom asked anxiously.

“To tell you the truth, I scarcely know,” the younger answered.  “Ten years ago there could have been but one answer—­to-day—­well, look there.”

The two men stood still for a moment.  They were in the centre of the town, at a spot from which the main thoroughfares radiated into the suburbs and manufacturing centres.  Everywhere the pavements and the open space where a memorial tower stood were crowded with loiterers.  Men in long lines stood upon the kerbstones, their hands in their pockets, watching, waiting—­God knows for what.  There were all sorts, of course, the professional idlers and the drunkard were there, but the others—­there was no lack of them.  There was no lack of men, white-faced, dull-eyed, dejected, some of them actually with the brand of starvation to be seen in their sunken cheeks and wasted limbs.  No wonder that the swing-doors of the public-houses, where there was light and warmth inside, opened and shut continually.

“Look,” Brooks repeated, with a tremor in his tone.  “There are thousands and thousands of them—­and all of them must have some sort of a home to go to.  Fancy it—­one’s womankind, perhaps children—­and nothing to take home to them.  It’s such an old story, that it sounds hackneyed and commonplace.  But God knows there’s no other tragedy on His earth like it.”

Mr. Bullsom was uncomfortable.

“I’ve given a hundred pounds to the Unemployed Fund,” he said.

“It’s money well spent if it had been a thousand,” Brooks answered.  “Some day they may learn their strength, and they will not suffer then, like brute animals, in silence.  Look here.  I’m going to speak to one of them.”

He touched a tall youth on the shoulder.  “Out of work, my lad?” he asked.  The youth turned surlily round.  “Yes.  Looks like it, don’t it?”

“What are you?” Brooks asked.

“Clicker.”

“Why did you leave your last place?”

“Gaffer said he’s no more orders—­couldn’t keep us on.  The shop’s shut up.  Know of a job, guv’nor?” he asked, with a momentary eagerness.  “I’ve two characters in my pocket—­good ’uns.”

“You’ve tried to get a place elsewhere?” Brooks asked.

“Tried?  D’ye suppose I’m standing here for fun?  I’ve tramped the blessed town.  I went to thirty factories yesterday, and forty to-day.  Know of a job, guv’nor?  I’m not particular.”

“I wish I did,” Brooks answered, simply.  “Here’s half-a-crown.  Go to that coffee-palace over there and get a meal.  It’s all I can do for you.”

“Good for you, guv’nor,” was the prompt answer.  “I can treat my brother on that.  Here, Ned,” he caught hold of a younger boy by the shoulder, “hot coffee and eggs, you sinner.  Come on.”