Page:Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.djvu/276

The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists something, just outside the Town 'All, and call 'im out to attend to the party and keep 'im busy till our business is done?'

'Who could we get to 'ave a fit?' said Grinder thoughtfully. 'It would 'ave to be someone as we could trust.'

Ow about Rushton? You wouldn't mind, would yer?' suggested Didlum.

'I should strongly object!' returned Rushton haughtily, apparently regarding the suggestion as an insult.

'Well, well,' said Sweater, 'we needn't worry about Weakling; we can soon put a stopper on him. But now, as we're all agreed, I want to tell you a bit of good news. The Gas Company may have beaten us, but it hasn't been much of a picnic for them. We hit them pretty hard over the coal dues. I happen to know they are getting a bit sick of the fight because they don't know exactly how hard we're hit. Anyhow, to make a long story short: I've had a talk with the managing director and one or two others and they are willing for us to go in with them. So we can put the money for the Electric Light Works into the gas shares.'

This was indeed glad tidings, and after deciding the coal dues must now be abolished in order to relieve the poor, they concluded the proceedings with a whisky and soda all round, in spite of the fact that Didlum was a teetotaller. 264