Original subtitles

Is Mrs Wilson in?

No, she's out.

It's Edwin Archer isn't it?

Aye.

There's nobody in at number 31 either.

What do you want in for then?

I'm working for the Ministry of Labour now.

Oh aye, I heard.

Come round to count their apeness for the means test have you?

Do you know when Mrs Wilson will be back?

I shall try again next spring.

There's a lot here, go wait at Riviera.

Just for winter you know.

Yes, well I shall have to see her sometime today.

I'll tell her you've been.

Then she'll be sure to look out for you won't she?

That's young Edwin Archer.

He's not been round here before.

Not since they left.

Mocking on Polly's door.

Checking her door off her means test.

It's a good job they were out.

I thought they were expecting him.

He'll only come back.

What's to fear anyway?

Well she got a rent allowance when she was

living at Ethel's because it wasn't her own.

Now she's living at home, they're not entitled.

But they take it?

Well they'd be daft not to.

It's only next door isn't it?

George is earning you see, so he doesn't come under them.

But her mum and dad do.

I'll warn Polly he's been here when they get back home.

Where did you go last night?

Cross bit fields that's all.

How much longer?

What do you mean how much longer?

How much longer are you walking Dora Wilson out?

I've walked her out because Polly asked me to.

Ah because she'll be moping I know.

Well?

Well she can't go on moping forever can she?

She'll just have to get on with life like others have to.

Haven't you been round to Eileen Brady's lately?

Not for a week or so.

She comes round here when she feels like it doesn't she?

Does she?

She's free to.

When I were a lass lads called Aunt Lassie's not the other way round.

I'll see to that.

Dora love.

Polly.

Toby.

I thought you'd forgotten us.

Well come in where it's warm.

Well I'm on my own.

Jack's taking young Sam round at Pit Top.

He'll be back for his dinner soon.

Told me he never set foot in yon place again.

I've heard him say it myself.

Set out of work though that was Toby.

He were proud of his work in the days when they'd let him.

We've come to see if you've heard from him.

Harry?

Aye I've had the letter.

I was coming round to see you.

Taking them long enough isn't it?

Well they take a long time to get from Canada the nose.

Been close on four months Dad.

Aye I know I know.

I shouldn't be making excuses for him.

I'll get it for you.

I don't want the letter.

I want the address.

I want to write to him about a divorce.

There was none.

No address.

But you said he'd send it when he was settled.

I see.

But he asked me to see your reit.

That's what the two pound were.

I sent with young Sam.

You sent two pound with Sam?

I'll get to him in an envelope when he came last week.

He came here?

He came here aye but why shouldn't he?

Jack forbade him to.

I see.

And you?

You forbid him and all?

I thought it best not Dad.

Well then he doesn't give it to you.

He'd have to admit he'd been where he'd been forbidden.

I don't want Harry's money.

You'll not get it back from me.

You have a right to it.

I don't want it.

I'll not take it.

Well then you take it for a polly.

Here take this and all.

I'll have two.

The way things are I've got two.

For the lad's sake Dora.

You degrade yourself ma'am.

Aye well I degrade myself then.

You wanted your davit.

That's in his favor isn't it?

Buying favor for him Dad.

You'd not go on at me if you'd no feeling for him.

He'd come back once.

He could come back again couldn't he?

Not to me.

Never again to me.

Come on we can't stop here all day.

I'll show these to someone else before it's time for

school and before bosses get back from the dinners.

How does that strike me then?

We've got to put sheets out.

I'll hang them on the maiden.

I'll take them out.

You won't get many days like this.

I shall see Sam about that money.

I suppose he's not got it.

Of course he'll have it.

You better not tell me Dad in case we've trouble enough.

To think such things.

I allow for him because he can't sort out right

from wrong the different tales he's been told.

I was only told one by me Dad that life was going

to be a lot better than what it turned out to be.

Was he wrong to want it so?

Want he's not having ma'am.

What you don't have to give you shouldn't promise.

He wants to add that to his principles.

You turned your back on good money for principle.

It's a good job for the pair of you that some of us can't afford principles.

We manage on what we get allowed don't we?

You have a lot to learn about managing too Dora.

Happen this is the time.

We risk prison to manage.

Prison?

You got six shillings rent allowed you when you were at Ethel's.

You're not allowed it sleeping here.

But we go on getting it because we never said you'd moved.

They could prosecute.

There's six shillings.

That six shillings means we manage.

Without it we don't.

Well why didn't you tell me?

I suppose I must have thought you got enough on your plate.

We left because Sam put his foot through a bedroom floor.

It wasn't the seat.

We made it an excuse.

You know we did.

You wanted to come here with us as I wanted

you to and Ethel knew you felt awkward there.

But we couldn't afford to lose through it.

The floor was rotten.

Hey don't sing it like that.

I get in such a sweat when they come.

Eyes everywhere.

Questions.

And no mattress at Ethel's where you're supposed to be.

When all comes now.

The means test.

They've gotten all right not to go looking in your bedroom.

Have they?

They do as they like in the end.

They know what they give you and they know what it'll buy.

Every penny to be accounted for and war betide you

if you do without to buy yourself a bit of a treat.

Man shall live by bread alone according to them.

It's them that tell you what you need to live.

Not God and his heaven.

What you need to live.

I do so.

Well there's no coming back to 99 Astor.

They'll need a different shepherd before they bring me back lad.

Is this the grandson?

I am showing him what the devil has in store for him should he not do his lessons.

Take him to pit bank Matt.

All right take him with you.

This paper has flopped six times since they were last here.

It's behind me is all that's all.

A joint bundle old pastor.

I'm thinking on it.

I left him down at boiler house.

Oh I'll be off then.

I have to get the lad back to school.

I'll see this all.

I hope so lad.

Who were that?

I might well ask.

They owes the good money to him.

I'll not find his name on that Dutch agreement we signed eight year ago.

But there have been no seven percent if it hadn't been for him.

Every time we flagged them failed he left us with his tongue.

Fort Lightning used to come out a young chap.

Jack Barclough?

Aye that's Jack Barclough.

Or his ghost.

Hey don't forget this now.

What's in it?

I'll put you in some brawn.

Lovely.

I'll see you then ma'am.

I'll give you a hand with that.

My ma'am's keeping an eye on us.

Shouldn't you be helping her?

I shall suffer for helping thee if me mate see me.

She's done any road.

First on the row every wash day is me ma 'am.

She's famous for it.

Does the mind being back on Long Row?

I was born on Long Row.

I'm lucky I had Long Row to come back to.

Aye there is that.

If you don't mind it why should I?

You've got used to some better.

Better?

You've not heard me say it was better.

How do you know it was better?

Ash off its stacks.

We got it could he.

It's not just the place though is it?

It's them you have to live with.

Do you remember my first pair of longings?

Now why should I remember that?

I swanked enough.

I used to walk up and down outside your house hoping you'd see me.

Why?

I wanted you to.

I never once noticed.

All that wasted shoe leather.

Your hair were longer then.

Was it?

It's rough at that age.

Half a lad, half a man.

I used to think I can go anywhere when I've got my first longings.

Pictures at Cass on a Saturday night.

Walk on pit fields on a Sunday nodding to folk.

Only I'd only one pair so I'd be back to bare knees Monday while Friday.

Not keep my feet on the ground that did.

That and me not noticing.

I'm thinking of standing for union.

You'll need long trousers for that.

Another Jack Barraclough.

No they don't come in pairs like that Dad.

That's not why you stand though is it?

That's why some do.

Don't you think I should then?

Me?

It's not up to me what you do.

If it's a cross you want to carry you'll not find any luck in this world.

I did yes.

So that's pity.

Aye.

What does I think to it then?

All right.

I was not supposed to say that.

Why does I think I brought thee here?

To show me.

To show thee aye.

To show thee what's coming to thee if thou doesn't learn to better this then.

And has not seen worst on it.

Fancy a three mile walk to work in the dark do you?

A mile of it crawling on the belly up and through the

men's muck with half the world pressing down over the head.

Then a full shift on the back wielding a pick before the next the way home.

Does it appeal to thee?

No Grandad.

Then get thee to that school and stick the nose into them books and breathe them in

until I feels them coming out through the ears.

This is where thou finish up else.

Don't they ever complain at that pit?

Complain about what?

You bring enough coal back on you to warm half skeleton.

When are they getting pit baths?

Yeah we don't want them.

Weakens your back to come straight out to a shower.

I'll weaken your back if you come that story on me again.

It's right to ask any of them.

What about my back?

I'll rub thee back when I gets home eh.

And the front two of the legs.

You shit!

Will you just look at him.

He never does that for his mother does he?

Oh well come on I've got kettle on.

Oh I'll just hang this.

It'll save steaming up kitchen.

George has gone.

You're on this bus.

Will there be a walk in Pitfields tonight?

Aye at the midnight hour with me head tucked underneath me arm.

It's like spring today.

You don't like it down pit do you?

It's a job.

Some do I know.

Some don't.

You don't do you?

Not much.

I wished I was a man sometimes.

But it happens it's worse than what women have got to put up with.

Happen.

It's not so long since we were pulling tubs.

It sickens me to think on it when I'm down.

Why is it worse then for us?

A man can stand it can't he?

And that's difference is it?

I'll see you then.

Till eight.

Happen.

One a week I have.

Our Alan always leaves me one for wash days.

I never get right used to it.

It's the habit I need I suppose.

Have you done?

Aye for what good it is.

There'll be Mucky again first time on.

He does his best.

He doesn't have a clean bar Sundays.

How's he shaping to it?

Takes a long while to make up for five year idle.

I wish our Alan had not hung around Dora.

Don't talk rubbish me.

Rubbish is it?

I've got eyes you know.

He's been going with Eilidh Brady for four years.

He only takes Dora out a bit because Polly asked

him to to take her mind off Harry going off.

Aye.

And it's worked hasn't it?

What's helped happen?

Or meant to?

Well looks if he's gone for good this time don't it?

Oh well good riddance to him then.

It's a hard world for a woman left with a child.

No man to support her.

What you feared of me?

He was daft about her when he was a lad.

But she's three year older than him.

Then it mattered.

When she was three he weren't even here.

Oh hello.

Me?

I'm not sure I'm speaking to you Eilidh Brady.

Not four streets to walk.

When was the last time you put your head in here?

Me mam's been badly.

I know that or I'd have come round and tackled you.

Is she better then?

I mean Dora Wilson.

Well Polly asked Alan to take her out for a bit.

Didn't she?

I don't know that he did.

Oh he did.

I've heard from one or two.

Are they round your house then?

Oh me dad's threatening to call her.

Young archer that used to live round here.

Oh lord I forgot.

Out of one Polly.

It's from means test.

Oh it's you again.

That's no use knocking.

She's not back yet.

Her at number 31 is though.

Look she's just going out.

She can't have heard you.

Thanks.

Hey!

Missus!

I'm sorry love.

Needs must when the devil drives.

Is it thee?

George what's thy doing here?

I'm clearing that fall back there.

Baxter's that they on?

Aye.

I'm in this now.

Aye.

Where's that thine?

Aye.

Had to get them for you I'm not.

Put their asses on the floor.

Cheese.

Ever since I said I like cheese all I get is bloody cheese.

I like a bit of brawn now and again.

Have one of them.

There get it down you.

How you getting on at tech?

Not so bad.

When I can get there.

What they learning?

Ventilation.

Gases.

Shock firing.

Regulations.

Bags of them.

Working to being over man are you?

I doubt it.

What you going to tech for then?

I like to know what I'm about that's all.

I know what I'm about.

I'm about stopping him bloody work I am.

Been out for five years.

Like making up for it now then George?

There ain't too much of a rush to get the bloody coal out here.

Cutting too many corners.

Not working longer than the act allows for a start.

Act?

Coal mines regulations act 1908.

What they call the eight hours act.

Sounds like my dad when he were on committee.

Thinking of setting up a union are you?

I might be.

My dad had kept his mouth shut he'd be in work still.

Let somebody else do it.

Suppose us all said that?

Well it took me seven years to get the face.

If I were on face I were a king.

I'd have swapped for nobody.

I was happy as pig in muck.

I was human being.

Never short of a pint.

Maester at home.

If they'd offered me heaven I'd have stuck where I was.

Stick with the job lad and keep the trap shut.

Else you'll be doing a lad's job again.

Like me.

Don't rupture yourselves.

You'll be with her 10 minutes at least.

Are you bringing beds there at all?

No bedclothes will do.

You'll find out unusual in that.

There's plenty around here.

Sleep top floor and a mattress.

Can you take Sam's best?

Out through your back and in at ours.

What's going on?

Oh there's a man from the assistance coming round.

Well let him come then.

Dory you're supposed to be at Ethel's.

I told you do you mind if we move while we argue?

You're like bloody sheep.

We speak to her nicely and she swears at us.

Can I put my hand down?

Running from house to house with a mattress because of some stupid law.

Just like sheep do.

You see it all the time.

What are you sheep doing with that mattress he'll say

when he comes through that door in one minute flat.

I'll not be chased about.

It's not just you.

It's Ethel.

Suppose he asks why you moved.

We can tell him why the floor wasn't safe and then

he'll report it to the health and they'll condemn us.

And then we'll be like Watsons.

Nowhere to go when it comes to chucking out time.

We might just get floor amended.

We never get clerks to mend that floor.

They've not got brass for one thing.

Oh I'm going back to our Alan's girlfriend.

Let me know when you've made up your mind.

Haven't we got any pride left?

Pride?

What's pride Polly?

Oh look we've only been moved a fortnight.

What can they do?

You've had 12 Bob you are not entitled to.

They'll show you what they can do.

Up with your end Polly.

Oh I'm sorry love.

It's like flitting day.

I didn't know he was on afternoons.

I've not seen him for a week.

Well whose fault is that?

Mine.

What's he been doing with himself?

Oh he's been working at his books a lot you know.

Pass me the poker will you love?

I thought he might come round.

Oh hasn't he?

He doesn't tell me where he goes.

Still he's not like some that live at the club half their lives.

I don't know why they don't take their bloody beds down there some of them.

Your dad would be on that list wouldn't he?

Oh he's not bad barring Saturday nights.

Our Jim and Tommy chucked him out last Saturday for taking a swipe at me mam.

They locked him in Cole Hall.

Bert wheeled our Ruby home from Jubilee in a wheel barrel last Saturday night.

She was singing like a lark on Sunday morning.

I don't know how they'd do it some of them.

Alan's dad were another.

He were an old bugger.

Still I miss him now and then.

I'm not in the way am I?

In whose way?

I'm glad of your company.

The lads are all off this week.

There's eight of us at home.

We can't move for each other.

Oh well he can stop till he gets back from work if you like.

I'm on me own.

Will he want to see me me?

Now what put that into your mouth?

That's a daft thing to say.

Is it?

Oh Eileen.

Don't back away old time.

From what?

From what you want in life.

It won't come to you you know.

Oh you're too of a kind you and our Alan.

You make an offering of yourselves.

Hey we saw Danny Allen out at back.

He's going to look at that floor for us.

He says if it's in the boards we're all right.

If it's in the joists we've got trouble.

What difference will it make?

Well you were right in a way.

We can't keep carting that mattress up and down.

So he's stopped with you.

Oh I'll go and lock our front door against that chap coming.

If he wants us he can find us.

And when does she think she's going to get rid of us?

She doesn't think like that.

Was she a saint then?

I wouldn't want to share my own except with me own.

So you'll go and sleep there if the floor's all right.

To oblige?

Oblige you ma'am.

Well not me love.

I want you here you know that.

For how many years will I have to oblige?

How long ma'am?

How many years?

I must hope for better times.

Well it's just the rent allowance.

Couldn't we do without?

It's six shilling.

It'll cover us clothes.

But you had that money from Toby as well.

You don't know do you?

Not yet.

You married out of it.

Out of learning to manage on out.

Well I've had it most of my life and it's grained in me.

You think I'm a greedy old woman don't you?

No ma'am no I don't.

I might be for all you know.

For all I know too.

When I see a bit of money like at Toby's today I want it.

I think of worse times than this even.

What it could mean hidden away in a place against the day.

There have been so many of those days Dora.

Aunt Ethel.

Oh!

Miss Caulfield sent me home.

What for?

I fell asleep in class.

You fell asleep?

We were drawing angels for Miss Caulfield.

Oh and you thought you'd fly off to heaven for five minutes did you?

I just went off.

She told me to go home and go to bed.

Don't you sleep well with your mum then?

She kicks me in her sleep.

Oh it's better than kicking you when she's waked eh?

She says things.

Things?

She says things in her sleep.

She laughs and makes noises and sometimes she has me

dad to clock door and drop curtains and then she cries.

Look your bed's upstairs but you best use ours for now because of the floor.

Have you come back?

Are we flitted?

I've for time being.

Hey what did you think of the pit?

All right.

You're not too struck?

No.

You want a lot more?

Well I have to get out of pit.

Who said you would?

Your granddad?

No he says I have to work hard at school and then I won't.

Yeah well he's right.

You'll not have to go to sleep too often in class will you?

Take the notice of that.

Up you go.

We're not in.

Is it rent ma'am?

What do we do?

We wait.

I hope Jack doesn't come while he's here.

They're riling him.

He answers them back.

Well he's right.

They only take it out on you.

You want to face them back.

That mattress is back.

Now you've done nothing that can penalise you for.

He's coming in here.

Leave him to me.

Come in sunshine.

Come in and shut the door.

I'm looking for Mrs Wilson.

We've caught you this time haven't we?

Caught me?

Prowling into women's houses when their husbands are at work.

I'm from assistance board.

That's what last one said.

We took his britches just the same.

I've come on business.

I've been told to call.

Who said you could come in?

Well I'm not.

Answer the question.

Nobody answered.

Oh so when nobody answers you just walk in?

Well you were here.

Why didn't you answer when I knocked?

We knew you were a prowler see.

I'm not a prowler.

I'm... I'm official.

Oh it went against the last one being official.

Betrayed his sacred trust the magistrate said.

Right.

Said we're an archer ain't it?

Mrs Baraclough.

How long has it since you moved?

Five year.

How's your mam?

Oh she's uh she's grand Mrs Baraclough.

How long have you been on this job then?

Six months.

Like it?

No.

No I don't.

It was that old pit was it?

Well doctor says I'm not fit for pit.

So it was that or nothing?

I went to night school.

Is that where they taught you to walk into other people's houses?

Oh yeah I shouldn't have done that.

Oh you shouldn't.

Oh aye.

I'm from assistance board.

It's Edwin Archer Jack.

I was sent.

He's new to the job.

Is he?

He's lucky.

I'm not.

I'm not new to it.

Give they danger money do they?

I was sent.

They should.

If thou could read my mind thou'd demand it.

Jack.

Aye Jack shut up Jack.

Don't offend master Jack.

Don't bring his wrath on me Jack.

He's just a lad.

Aye a lad.

They're all lads.

Big lads.

Little lads.

I've seen them every week at labour.

Lad's his age.

Lad's my age.

But it isn't age.

It's bloody attitude that counts.

I've seen grown men in tears at the hands of lads in his position.

Jack.

Aye I've burnt me boots now Polly.

He doesn't like me do you lad?

He's gonna punish me aren't you lad?

Or is it sir?

Am I to call thee sir then?

I'm not the system Mr Baraclough.

That is bloody servant.

I was sent.

If thou tells me once more thou were sent.

Jack it's Jessie Archer's laddie.

We're born three doors down.

I know who he is.

Thou should be ashamed of thyself.

The only job I could get.

Setting us on each other now are they?

I bet they pay thee no more than the working chap.

Enough though for that colour and tie, thy uniform, so they can tell us apart.

They usually send thee a beer in pairs.

I suppose they thought thou'd be safe being born here did they?

They sent me to see Mrs Wilson.

I'm Mrs Wilson.

Can I ask her?

Aye get the business done and leave us in peace.

It's about your lad that's at school up here.

We've had a letter.

Sam?

Yeah uh it claims it's been found with pound notes in his pocket.

Pound notes?

They're bloody paupers.

A false statement could result in prosecution.

It could happen to be a court job if it's true.

It isn't you can take my word for it.

Where was he seen?

At school.

I see you've got kids at it now have you?

Tattletailing on each other.

According to that letter he says he got it from his dad.

He never comes does he?

Oh no.

I've never seen him.

Wouldn't know him from near west.

Lives in London don't he?

He's got his finger in other things than a coal they say.

He'll shove his oar in one day should the profits start to drop.

You walking out without Dora?

The ma'am asked me.

Take her mind off things.

Caught in Arling Brady still?

Mind their own bloody business.

Come here little devil.

Let's see if she likes cheese.

Do you think he can see me?

Why shouldn't he?

Well ponies go blind after a while don't they?

Physical devils are born in dark.

Happen they never see at all.

Shouldn't they be back on you on fall?

Hasn't there read about it in a book?

No.

It's easy to put out light isn't it?

Oh what?

Easier than putting it on I mean.

I mean if it's light you want then you have to make it don't you?

If it's dark... you don't have to make dark.

It's just there.

Close your eyes and it's there.

If it's light you want then you have to make it.

If it's dark that means in the beginning it were dark.

Aye and then light come didn't it?

It's wonderful if the thing gone didn't it?

Oh Barrett Club.

Come on get back to that fall.

I'll get an old dunce sat on the arse then.

I'll sweep a picture of you in her parlour.

The what?

It'll be all the light of the world.

He's still asleep.

With one eye open I'll bet.

He's asleep dad.

Conscience worry him out.

I keep him awake.

I know I do.

He should be in a bed of his own be right.

If he spent that brass door.

I thought that too at first.

I thought the worst of him like you do.

Small wonder if he did any road.

He used to get pocket money when Harry was here.

He does jobs for the odd apenny nowadays.

Teach him value then won't it?

What's he doing that it should be taken from him?

He was taught to expect.

Learn that life offers note for expectations.

It gives you what you hold in your hand.

Yes well he held two pound notes in his didn't he?

So he thought like you do and spent it.

You know what I mean.

He'll stop your allowance until it's settled.

You heard what that turncoat young archer said.

So I'm to choose what I least mind haven't I?

Between private charity and public.

Torby or means test.

What do you mean Torby?

That's not Harry's money.

It's Torby's.

Like that pound he gave me ma'am this morning.

She didn't take it.

She'd no right.

No right?

After what she gets to keep us on.

I didn't want her to take it but don't say she had no right.

How many years since you brought money in?

Eight.

You drive people to say what they don't mean.

It was me that was wrong.

I've learned that much today.

What's it to them if we get a bit more to eke out that pittance we're allowed?

I should have told her to take it.

Take all you can get and keep your mouth shut.

It's again the law Doris.

It's degrading.

Good laws and bad laws.

Are we to obey them all?

Happen one day we shall want to make a law and

them that breaks it we shall need punished.

Same as you'll be punished.

See me to jail then will you?

I'm telling you what it's about that's all.

It must be grand that dad to know what it's about.

Must be grand to have battles to fight to feel your blood running warm.

I've been left on me own with a lad to care for.

That's what it's about for me.

You make the best out of what you've got in my but not out of dreams.

You've gone hard Doris.

Isn't that what you want of us?

Not of thee.

We walk here didn't we?

I fell asleep in class.

I know.

I've been told all about it.

We've been waiting for thee.

I'll see to it dad.

Day of judgments at hand for thee.

Dad I'll see to it.

It'll be at hand for thee one day and all.

You should watch not to sow what you'll be sorry to reap.

Nobody asked thee?

No.

Your granddad Wilson gave you money for me didn't he Sam?

Yes.

Well where is it?

I have it here.

I forgot to give it you.

It were in an envelope but it was torn.

Been showing off it at school we've heard.

Exposing herself to tattletales.

I didn't.

Don't shake our techno lip from thee.

I showed it to nobody.

Only Slippy Williams made us empty his pockets out in class.

I told him my granddad gave me from my dad.

Your dad?

He said it from my dad to my mum my granddad did.

He's a liar then that thee.

Thou forgot nothing.

Thou kept it because thou were told not to go to Cuddy and thou went.

Thou disobeyed the ma'am.

They'd better let us have the excuse on thou.

Is the tongue frozen then?

Well then?

I went to see if my dad had come back.

Are you satisfied master?

Give us that money.

I'm having that dad.

It goes back where it comes from.

I'm not going on relief for eight years.

I shall have to find some other way out shan't I?

Hey Wilkie, is it right about Baxter?

Ah, seems he were hit by a tub over on gate two.

God's barricade bound him.

How'd it happen?

He was standing right by the putter engine.

Didn't hear it coming by all accounts.

Is he hurt bad then?

Bad as can be.

Radical says he's dead.

Poor bugger.

We were stuck in Toverman's cabin now till he's done his report.

Well slow devil he is too.

We told Toverman all we know.

They're full of lame to me for me supper being cold.

I'll be late for girlfriend's and eat Alan.

Which one?

Shut up Spikey.

Running two now that old.

I said shut up.

Get on with it.

I'll show him.

Good day.

Happen we shall have a minute now eh?

It's all one go.

Stand around all day.

They come all at once.

I've got something for you.

A tattletale that had seen some with money wrote to the assistants.

Dora says you've had a letter from Harry.

He asked me to give it to her.

She's not obliged to take it from you.

When they come to see you can tell them.

Tell them what?

That you've had it back for one thing.

I'd tell them that any row.

She'll be back in your pocket.

Hey I'll not do that.

Barely nothing from me.

Nope.

We'll leave it as it is Toby.

Mrs wanted her to think that Harry sent it.

She got the idea he'll come back.

Women they live in a bloody dream world.

He's our grandson too the knows.

The only one we've got.

I thought she might have her eye on him.

But just to come round now and then.

Bit of a change like.

A change from what I've got to offer you mean.

A change from what's the real place in life.

We could do something for the lad.

I could ruin him same as they did with the old.

He's a wreak to what can be given him.

Them as gifts can take away.

There's one thing he can say for the parish.

That's it.

That's your lot in there.

Keep the brass Toby.

We'll take what's permitted us.

I wish it were the last bloody seam I do.

No more.

No more Cole.

End of it.

Last bloody seam.

What's up with them?

Well if they doesn't know it's a waste of time telling them.

No trade.

There's no factories.

No fire.

What are we doing down here?

Earning us living aren't we?

Living?

What's his name?

Baxter.

I know who he is.

I know thee.

I mean thee.

George Barraclough.

Jack Barraclough's lad.

Can we go now?

Nay I've to write me report yet.

I'm just on telephone.

I'll still be back.

He must not have heard that top what it him.

What with him standing on top of putting engine eh?

Aye I reckon.

Nearly happened to me once.

I looked round I saw it coming at me just in time.

I never move so fast.

You know something?

What?

If he'd been alive when we come on him he'd have had us for packing up early.

We were 20 minutes too soon.

I looked at clock when we got here.

With no watch.

No matter to him lad.

He'd have bother booked it Baxter.

Aye but he was straight though.

Oh aye.

He was straight though.

Can't wait outside.

Best stop where he told us.

Who's he got waiting for him?

Wife and four kids.

Any of them earning?

Butcher's lad one of them.

Left school last year.

He's got summer Don.

Aye.

Lad of the world I call him.

Why does he say I'm not get married yet then?

You know why me.

I know what he tells me.

What's he tell you?

Where would we live?

Here.

Work out.

With me being here do you mean?

I've been over all that with him.

He says it wouldn't be fair on you as far as I can get a straight story from him.

Is it me that's in the way?

Is it?

I can go you know.

I couldn't live here no and I'd pushed you out.

You wouldn't push me out.

I wouldn't let you.

You or anybody.

But I might go if asked nicely.

Go away me.

It doesn't frighten me you know.

Workhouse.

Oh shut up me.

I was brought up with most of them that's in there.

There's a few little kaisers down there running things they tell me.

Happen I'm what they need.

I give them as good as I got any road.

Well why should I fear coming to end with Emma started out with?

Is it somewhat better for me?

Eh?

For god's sake me it's an awful place.

Have you ever been there?

No.

Well I go once a month to see me Auntie Janie.

You're right it's an awful place but there's some lovely people in it.

Oh it's you is it?

You're late.

Aye we got held up for a bit.

In case you hadn't noticed we've got a visitor.

Eileen.

Alan.

Expect you asleep when I come back up understand?

I told him me dad has gone to Canada to make a fortune.

Did you?

That's what he's gone for isn't it?

Some... That's where they got to make a fortune Canada.

So they say.

Yes.

I won't sleep now I'll close curtains.

Stand to one side Uncle George says you might go through the floor.

Well you know what men are.

They'd sooner give a day's wage than showing their feelings.

Oh but me you should have heard them when I

said I might go off down south to look for work.

Well man's never been interested in cooking like I have.

I've spoilt our lads and they know it.

Well they do now innit Rob.

Take me for granted up to now.

It's time I was going.

No Alan will take you home.

Aye aye I will.

No you've been working.

You're not going past that pub at this time of night on your own.

Come on Alan get her a coat.

Aye.

I'll leave Cando.

Now what are you looking at me like that for?

You're not feared are you?

A big lad like you.

No I'm not feared.