| Title | The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists |
 |
|
| Page | 328 |
|
|
| Chapter | -- |
|
|
| Text |
such conditions as those we endure at present?' Easton made no reply. `If you were to commit some serious breach of the law, and were sentenced next week to ten years' penal servitude, you'd probably think your fate a very pitiable one: yet you appear to submit quite cheerfully to this other sentence, which is - that you shall die a premature death after you have done another thirty years' hard labour.' Easton continued painting the skirting. `When there's no work,' Owen went on, taking another dip of paint as he spoke and starting on one of the lower panels of the door, `when there's no work, you will either starve or get into debt. When - as at present - there is a little work, you will live in a state of semi-starvation. When times are what you call "good", you will work for twelve or fourteen hours a day and - if you're VERY lucky - occasionally all night. The extra money you then earn will go to pay your debts so that you may be able to get credit again when there's no work.' |
|
|
|
|
