given an intelligent answer to save his life, for once had sufficient
sense to remain silent. He did think of calling out the patent
paint-pumping machine and bringing the hosepipe to bear on the
subject, but abandoned the idea; after all, he thought, what was the
use of arguing with such a fool as Owen?

Sawkins pretended to be asleep.

Philpot, however, had suddenly grown very serious.

`As things are now,' went on Owen, `instead of enjoying the advantages
of civilization we are really worse off than slaves, for if we were
slaves our owners in their own interest would see to it that we always
had food and -'

`Oh, I don't see that,' roughly interrupted old Linden, who had been
listening with evident anger and impatience. `You can speak for
yourself, but I can tell yer I don't put MYSELF down as a slave.'

`Nor me neither,' said Crass sturdily. `Let them call their selves
slaves as wants to.'

At this moment a footstep was heard in the passage leading to the
kitchen. Old Misery! or perhaps the bloke himself! Crass hurriedly
pulled out his watch.

`Jesus Christ!' he gasped. `It's four minutes past one!'

Linden frantically seized hold of a pair of steps and began wandering
about the room with them.