Dr. Jonathan.  You are preparing to give your men more privileges, and perhaps more money on the condition that they will renounce rights to which they are entitled as free men.  You are ready to grant anything but a constitution.  So is William.

Asher.  Do you seriously suggest that I give labour a voice in my business?

Dr. Jonathan.  Doesn’t George suggest it, when he pleads for industrial democracy?  He seems to think that he is ready to give his life for it.  And Bert Farrell has already given his life for it.

Asher (agitatedly).  What?  Timothy’s boy, Bert?  Is he dead?  Why didn’t you tell me?

Dr. Jonathan (gently).  I’ve had no chance.  Minnie and Timothy were here just before you came in.

Asher.  Oh God, I’m sorry—­I’m sorry for Timothy.  It might have been —­I’ll go and see Timothy.  Where is he?—­at his house.

Dr. Jonathan.  No, at the shops.  He wanted to keep working until they close down.

Asher (who has started for the door, right, turns).  What do you mean?

   (There is a knock at the door.)

Dr. Jonathan.  I mean that the moment has come, Asher, to remember George.  That your opportunity is here—­heed it.

Asher.  I can’t, I won’t desert my principles

   (The knock is repeated.  Dr. Jonathan goes to the door and opens it. 
   Enter, in the order named, Hillman, Rench and Fersen.)

Hillman.  Beg your pardon, Mr. Pindar, we’ve been waiting for you at the office, and we heard you was here.

Asher ( facing them with a defiance almost leonine).  Well, what is it?

Hillman (glancing at Dr. Jonathan).  There’s a matter we’d like to talk over with you, Mr. Pindar, as soon as convenient.

Asher.  This is as convenient as any time, right now.

Hillman.  The men voted to strike, last night.  Maybe Dr. Jonathan has told you.

Asher.  Voted to strike behind my back while I was in Washington attending to the nation’s business!

Rench.  It ain’t as if this was anything new, Mr. Pindar, as if we hadn’t been discussing this here difference for near a year.  You’ve had your warning right along.

Asher.  Didn’t I raise your wages last January?

Hillman.  Wait a minute, Mr. Pindar. (He looks at Dr. Jonathan.) It oughtn’t to be only what you say—­what capital says.  Collective bargaining is only right and fair, now that individual bargaining has gone by.  We want to be able to talk to you as man to man,—­that’s only self-respecting on our part.  All you’ve got to do is to say one word, that you’ll recognize the union, and I’ll guarantee there won’t be any trouble.

Rench.  If you don’t, we walk out at noon.