Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 15.djvu/100

 86 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

ence, the destination of our train, couples were pillowing their heads against each other. But all this was rudely interfered with when the train stopped. We had been four hours making the journey and the end was not yet.

The next step was to load us on great springless hay racks, thirty or forty to a wagon, ranged along the sides and end with feet hanging down, while luggage was piled up in the middle. The order went forth that men must walk, while women and children would ride. This was met with groans and shouts of dis- approval, but all was finally amicably settled and the long, gro- tesque procession started on its six-mile journey over the dusty country road. It did end at last, although I had my doubts at times if it ever would. But we were all living and able to hobble at four-thirty in the afternoon, when we were unloaded on a dusty hillside at the edge of a wood and near the hop field.

I had had nothing to eat since half-past six in the morning, so with the others I made a raid on the eating-house without de- lay. Then I followed the rest to arrange for my accommoda- tion. I engaged a bed in a tent at a cost of one dollar for two ' for the season. I was given several yards of denim and told to make a tick, then go to a barn and fill it with fresh straw which had been brought there for that purpose. This straw tick was put on the ground in one corner of a tent to be occupied by ten of us.

When darkness came we were a weary lot and the rain was coming down, but there was a dance scheduled in the big hall and so we must forget our weariness and go. Two girls in my tent — a factory worker and a waitress — were putting on much finery for the event and asked me to go with them so I would get acquainted. I demurred a little on account of my blue calico wrapper and checked apron, but they said, "Don't you mind; you'll earn some money in the hops and can buy you some new clothes." Thus was I accepted and I felt that here, at least, was true democracy. Sad to relate, the dance had to be post- poned for it was found that the musical instruments had not ar-

whom I had engaged as an investigator.
 * I had a companion with me, a young woman from the University of Oregon,