(_Sam Williams nods_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

And in the camps?

CHRIS KNUDSON.

Hundred and fifty men.

(_They are silent_)

SAM WILLIAMS.

There's a report That Masters will turn State's evidence.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Good news.

CHRIS KNUDSON.

The citizens are pressing on the case.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

They'll find the trail leads where we said.

CHRIS KNUDSON.

That's sure.

SAM WILLIAMS.

His throwing down the silver don't help though.

(_They are silent_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

You see about those young pines, Chris. With spring We'll begin setting out as partner wished, And start all over with the land all green.

(_They are silent_)

CHRIS KNUDSON.

The boys will be so sorry.

HARVEY ANDERSON.

I don't mind, Now that it can't be, telling you of a plan----

(_There is a slight noise in the bedroom. Anderson turns and listens; but everything becomes quiet again_)

HARVEY ANDERSON.

Of a surprise he had for Christmas day, For all of us and the families of the men.

NURSE.

(_Appears at the door and calls quickly_)

Harvey!

(_Anderson starts for the bedroom. Suddenly Harry Egerton appears struggling with his mother and the Nurse. His head is bandaged and his face is covered with a six weeks' beard_)

HARRY EGERTON.

No, no! See there! see there! see there!

They're here already!

(_A shadowy line of workmen with their wives and children in their Sunday clothes comes in left_)

HARRY EGERTON.

(_Shouting right_)

In the dry-kiln, Sam!

And fetch the other barrel, Harvey.

MRS. EGERTON.

Harry!

HARRY EGERTON.

A Merry Christmas, friends, to all of you!

I'm glad you've come!

(_Shaking himself free_)

It's all right, it's all right!

Candy, candy, candy, children!

(_The children crowd about him_)

MRS. EGERTON.

Harry!