"That's where we are, my good fellows," he said, in conclusion. "I want to convince you. We don't ask a man to cut his own throat, do we? and if I give you your five centimes, or if I let you go out on strike, it's the same as if I cut my throat."
He was silent. Grunts went round. A party among the miners seemed to hesitate. Several went back towards the shaft.
"At least," said a captain, "let every one be free. Who are those who want to work?"
Catherine had advanced among the first. But Chaval fiercely pushed her back, shouting:
"We are all agreed; it's only b****y rogues who'll leave their mates!"
After that, conciliation appeared impossible. The cries began again, and men were hustled away from the shaft, at the risk of being crushed against the walls. For a moment the manager, in
