Page:The Cannery Boat.pdf/237

Rh for your record as a leader since the 1924 strike, and as a fighter born and bred in the shops, and as a founder of the S. Union. For that very reason to-day, when you have given up every office, clashed with the union leaders over theory, and still go on as if nothing had happened, you can’t call it unreasonable if comrades become suspicious.”

“And so they reckon they’re going to beat me up?”

“Don’t take me up over every little thing, dear. But do you think in carrying out a general line of action they can go into everything? Even me, if they found me here with you like this now, they’d hit me too; of course they would whatever you think.”

“In that case, why don’t you hurry up and go away?”

“Oh, you’re too” she cast a hurt glance at him, but kept her self-control. “I trust you. I know you’re not the sort that turns renegade—but”

“But?”

“But you are still powerful. If you were to trump up a case in favour of the Right-Wing, and lead their forces, times being what they are, the union would be split in two.”

“You overrate me. I haven’t any strength left,” he muttered with a bitter smile.

“You have, you have, dear. You’re only very tired. Frankly, you want a rest. I know it. No matter what the others say, I understand you exactly. But” Kimi-chan did not finish.

“More ‘buts’? I suppose you’re going to say