FIRST WEAVER
That don't matter. What's to hinder a weaver waitin' for an hour, or for
a day? What else is he there for?
PFEIFER
Silence there! We can't hear our own voices.
BECKER
[_In a low voice._] This is one of his bad days.
PFEIFER
[_To the weaver standing before him._] How often have I told you that you
must bring cleaner cloth? What sort of mess is this? Knots, and straw,
and all kinds of dirt.
REIMANN
It's for want of a new picker, sir.
APPRENTICE
[_Has weighed the piece._] Short weight, too.
PFEIFER
I never saw such weavers. I hate to give out the yarn to them. It was
another story in my day! I'd have caught it finely from my master for
work like that. The business was carried on in different style then. A
man had to know his trade--that's the last thing that's thought of
nowadays. Reimann, one shilling.
REIMANN
But there's always a pound allowed for waste.
PFEIFER
I've no time. Next man!--What have you to show?
HEIBER
[_Lays his web on the table. While PFEIFER is examining it, he goes close
up to him; eagerly in a low tone._] Beg pardon, Mr. Pfeifer, but I wanted
to ask you, sir, if you would perhaps be so very kind an' do me the
favour an' not take my advance money off this week's pay.
Pages:
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197