Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/255

 'Let the blighters go to the bloody workhouse!' shouted Crass.

'But before they could be received there they would have to be absolutely homeless and destitute, and then the rate-payers would have to keep them. It costs about twelve shillings a week for each inmate, so it seems to me that it would be more sensible and economical for the community to employ them on some productive work.'

They had by this time arrived at the yard. The steps and ladders were put away in their places, and the dirty paint pots and pails were placed in the paint shop on the bench and on the floor. With what had previously been brought back there were a great many of these things, all needing to be cleaned out, so Bert at any rate stood in no danger of being out of employment for some time to come.

When they were paid at the office, Owen on opening his envelope found it contained as usual a time sheet for the next week, which meant that he was not 'stood off', although he did not know what work there would be to do. Crass and Slyme were both to go to 'The Cave' to fix the Venetian blinds, and Sawkins also was to come to work as usual. 243