OLD HILSE
On the Judgment Day.
BECKER
What they'll not give us willingly we're goin' to take by force.
OLD HILSE
By force. [_Laughs._] You may as well go an' dig your graves at once.
They'll not be long showin' you where the force lies. Wait a bit, lad!
JAEGER
Is it the soldiers you're meanin'? We've been soldiers too. We'll soon do
for a company or two of 'em.
OLD HILSE
With your tongues, maybe. But supposin' you did--for two that you'd beat
off, ten'll come back.
VOICES
[_Call through the window._] The soldiers are comin! Look out!
[_General, sudden silence. For a moment a faint sound of fifes and
drums is heard; in the ensuing silence a short, involuntary
exclamation:_ "The devil! I'm off!" _followed by general laughter._
BECKER
Who was that? Who speaks of runnin' away?
JAEGER
Which of you is it that's afraid of a few paltry helmets? You have me to
command you, and I've been in the trade. I knows their tricks.
OLD HILSE
An' what are you goin' to shoot with? Your sticks, eh?
FIRST YOUNG WEAVER
Never mind that old chap; he's wrong in the upper storey.
SECOND YOUNG WEAVER
Yes, he's a bit off his head.
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