"They say so," replied Bessy. "They do say trade has been good for long, and the masters has made no end o' money; how much father doesn't know, but, in course, th' Union does; and, as it is natural, they wanted their share o' th' profits, now that food is getting dear; and th' Union says they'll not be doing their duty if they don't make th' masters give 'em their share. But masters has getten th' upper hand somehow; and I'm feared they'll keep it now and evermore. It's like th' great battle o' Armageddon, the way they keep on, grinning and fighting at each other, till even while they fight, they are picked off into the pit."
Just then, Nicholas Higgins came in. He caught his daughter's last words.

'They say so,' replied Bessy. 'They do say trade has been good for long, and the masters has made no end o' money; and, as is natural, they want their share o' th' profits, now that food is getting dear; and th' Union says they should make the masters give 'em their share. But masters has getten th' upper hand somehow. It's like th' great battle o' Armageddon, the way they keep on, grinning and fighting at each other, till even while they fight, they are picked off into the pit.'
Just then, Nicholas Higgins came in. He caught his daughter's last words.
