{"id":317,"date":"2021-05-20T12:57:20","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T16:57:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.ryerson.ca\/northandsouth\/chapter\/chapter-xxxvi\/"},"modified":"2022-02-03T11:01:26","modified_gmt":"2022-02-03T16:01:26","slug":"36","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/chapter\/36\/","title":{"raw":"Chapter XXXVI: Union not always strength","rendered":"Chapter XXXVI: Union not always strength"},"content":{"raw":"
\"<\/span>The steps of the bearers, heavy and slow,\r\nThe sobs of the mourners, deep and low.\"\r\nShelley<\/span>.<\/span><\/blockquote>\r\nAt the time arranged the previous day, they set out on their walk to see Nicholas Higgins and his daughter. They both were reminded of their recent loss, by a strange kind of shyness in their new habiliments, and in the fact that it was the first time, for many weeks, that they had deliberately gone out together. They drew very close to each other in unspoken sympathy.\r\n\r\nNicholas was sitting by the fire-side in his accustomed corner: but he had not his accustomed pipe. He was leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee. He did not get up when he saw them, though Margaret could read the welcome in his eye.\r\n\r\n\u201cSit ye down, sit ye down. Fire's welly out,\u201d said he, giving it a vigorous poke, as if to turn attention away from himself. He was rather disorderly, to be sure, with a black unshaven beard of several days' growth, making his pale face look yet paler, and a jacket which would have been all the better for patching.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe thought we should have a good chance of finding you, just after dinner-time,\u201d said Margaret.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe have had our sorrow too, since we saw you,\u201d said Mr. Hale.\r\n\r\n\u201cAy, ay. Sorrows is more plentiful than dinners just now; I reckon, my dinner hour stretches all o'er the day; yo're pretty sure of finding me.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAre you out of work?\u201d asked Margaret.\r\n\r\n\u201cAy,\u201d he replied shortly. Then, after a moment's silence, he added, looking up for the first time: \u201cI'm not wanting brass. Dunno yo' think it. Bess, poor lass, had a little stock under her pillow, ready to slip into my hand, last moment, and Mary is fustian-cutting. But I'm out o' work a' the same.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWe owe Mary some money,\u201d said Mr. Hale, before Margaret's sharp pressure on his arm could arrest the words.\r\n\r\n\u201cIf hoo takes it, I'll turn her out o' doors. I'll bide inside these four walls, and she'll bide out. That's a'.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cBut we owe her many thanks for her kind service,\u201d began Mr. Hale again.\r\n\r\n\u201cI ne'er thanked yo'r daughter theer for her deeds o' love to my poor wench. I ne'er could find th' words. I'se have to begin and try now, if yo' start making an ado about what little Mary could sarve yo'.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cIs it because of the strike you're out of work?\u201d asked Margaret gently.\r\n\r\n\u201cStrike's ended. It's o'er for this time. I'm out o' work because I ne'er asked for it. And I ne'er asked for it, because good words is scarce, and bad words is plentiful.\u201d\r\n\r\nHe was in a mood to take a surly pleasure in giving answers that were like riddles. But Margaret saw that he would like to be asked for the explanation.\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd good words are\u2014?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAsking for work. I reckon them's almost the best words that men can say. \u2018Gi' me work\u2019 means \u2018and I'll do it like a man.\u2019 Them's good words.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd bad words are refusing you work when you ask for it.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAy. Bad words is saying \"Aha, my fine chap! Yo've been true to yo'r order, and I'll be true to mine. Yo' did the best yo' could for them as wanted help; that's yo'r way of being true to yo'r kind; and I'll be true to mine. Yo've been a poor fool, as knowed no better nor be a true faithful fool. So go and be d\u2014d to yo'. There's no work for yo' here.\" Them's bad words. I'm not a fool; and if I was, folk ought to ha' taught me how to be wise after their fashion. I could mappen ha' learnt, if any one had tried to teach me.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWould it not be worth while,\u201d said Mr. Hale, \u201cto ask your old master if he would take you back again? It might be a poor chance, but it would be a chance.\u201d\r\n\r\nHe looked up again, with a sharp glance at the questioner; and then tittered a low and bitter laugh.\r\n\r\n\u201cMeaster! if it's no offence, I'll ask yo' a question or two in my turn.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cYou're quite welcome,\u201d said Mr. Hale.\r\n\r\n\u201cI reckon yo'n some way of earning your bread. Folk seldom lives i' Milton lust for pleasure, if they can live anywhere else.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cYou are quite right. I have some independent property, but my intention in settling in Milton was to become a private tutor.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cTo teach folk. Well! I reckon they pay yo' for teaching them, dunnot they?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cYes,\u201d replied Mr. Hale, smiling. \u201cI teach in order to get paid.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAnd them that pays yo', dun they tell yo' whatten to do, or whatten not to do wi' the money they gives you in just payment for your pains\u2014in fair exchange like?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cNo; to be sure not!\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThey dunnot say, \u2018Yo\u2019 may have a brother, or a friend as dear as a brother, who wants this here brass for a purpose both yo' and he think right; but yo' mun promise not give it to him. Yo' may see a good use, as yo' think, to put yo'r money to; but we don't think it good, and so if yo' spend it a-thatens we'll just leave off dealing with yo'.\u2019 They dunnot say that, dun they?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cNo: to be sure not!\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWould yo' stand it if they did?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cIt would be some very hard pressure that would make me even think of submitting to such dictation.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThere's not the pressure on all the broad earth that would make me, said Nicholas Higgins. 'Now yo've got it. Yo've hit the bull's eye. Hamper's\u2014that's where I worked\u2014makes their men pledge 'emselves they'll not give a penny to help th' Union or keep turnouts fro' clemming. They may pledge and make pledge,' continued he, scornfully; 'they nobbut make liars and hypocrites. And that's a less sin, to my mind, to making men's hearts so hard that they'll not do a kindness to them as needs it, or help on the right and just cause, though it goes again the strong hand. But I'll ne'er forswear mysel' for a' the work the king could gi'e me. I'm a member o' the Union; and I think it's the only thing to do the workman any good. And I've been a turn-out, and known what it were to clem; so if I get a shilling, sixpence shall go to them if they axe it from me. Consequence is, I dunnot see where I'm to get a shilling.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cIs that rule about not contributing to the Union in force at all the mills?\u201d asked Margaret.\r\n\r\n\u201cI cannot say. It's a new regulation at ourn; and I reckon they'll find that they cannot stick to it. But it's in force now. By-and-by they'll find out, tyrants makes liars.\u201d\r\n\r\nThere was a little pause. Margaret was hesitating whether she should say what was in her mind; she was unwilling to irritate one who was already gloomy and despondent enough. At last out it came. But in her soft tones, and with her reluctant manner, showing that she was unwilling to say anything unpleasant, it did not seem to annoy Higgins, only to perplex him.\r\n\r\n\u201cDo you remember poor Boucher saying that the Union was a tyrant? I think he said it was the worst tyrant of all. And I remember at the time I agreed with him.\u201d\r\n\r\nIt was a long while before he spoke. He was resting his head on his two hands, and looking down into the fire, so she could not read the expression on his face.\r\n\r\n\u201cI'll not deny but what th' Union finds it necessary to force a man into his own good. I'll speak truth. A man leads a dree life who's not i' th' Union. But once i' the' Union, his interests are taken care on better nor he could do it for himsel', or by himsel', for that matter. It's the only way working men can get their rights, by all joining together. More the members, more chance for each one separate man having justice done him. Government takes care o' fools and madmen; and if any man is inclined to do himsel' or his neighbour a hurt, it puts a bit of a check on him, whether he likes it or no. That's all we do i' th' Union. We can't clap folk into prison; but we can make a man's life so heavy to be borne, that he's obliged to come in, and be wise and helpful in spite of himself. Boucher were a fool all along, and ne'er a worse fool than at th' last.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHe did you harm?\u201d asked Margaret.\r\n\r\n\u201cAy, that did he. We had public opinion on our side, till he and his sort began rioting and breaking laws. It were all o'er wi' the strike then.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThen would it not have been far better to have left him alone, and not forced him to join the Union? He did you no good; and you drove him mad.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cMargaret,\u201d said her father, in a low and warning tone, for he saw the cloud gathering on Higgins's face.\r\n\r\n\u201cI like her,\u201d said Higgins, suddenly. \u201cHoo speaks plain out what's in her mind. Hoo doesn't comprehend th' Union for all that. It's a great power: it's our only power. I ha' read a bit o' poetry about a plough going o'er a daisy, as made tears come into my eyes, afore I'd other cause for crying. But the chap ne'er stopped driving the plough, I'se warrant, for all he were pitiful about the daisy. He'd too much mother-wit for that. Th' Union's the plough, making ready the land for harvest-time. Such as Boucher\u2014'twould be settin' him up too much to liken him to a daisy; he's liker a weed lounging over the ground\u2014mun just make up their mind to be put out o' the way. I'm sore vexed wi' him just now. So, mappen, I dunnot speak him fair. I could go o'er him wi' a plough mysel', wi' a' the pleasure in life.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWhy? What has he been doing? Anything fresh?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cAy, to be sure. He's ne'er out o' mischief, that man. First of a' he must go raging like a mad fool, and kick up yon riot. Then he'd to go into hiding, where he'd a been yet, if Thornton had followed him out as I'd hoped he would ha' done. But Thornton, having got his own purpose, didn't care to go on wi' the prosecution for the riot. So Boucher slunk back again to his house. He ne'er showed himsel' abroad for a day or two. He had that grace. And then, where think ye that he went? Why, to Hamper's. Damn him! He went wi' his mealy-mouthed face, that turns me sick to look at, a-asking for work, though he knowed well enough the new rule, o' pledging themselves to give nought to th' Unions; nought to help the starving turn-out! Why he'd a clemmed to death, if th' Union had na helped him in his pinch. There he went, ossing to promise aught, and pledge himsel' to aught\u2014to tell a' he know'd on our proceedings, the good-for-nothing Judas! But I'll say this for Hamper, and thank him for it at my dying day, he drove Boucher away, and would na listen to him\u2014ne'er a word\u2014though folk standing by, says the traitor cried like a babby!\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cOh! how shocking! how pitiful!\u201d exclaimed Margaret. \u201cHiggins, I don't know you to-day. Don't you see how you've made Boucher what he is, by driving him into the Union against his will\u2014without his heart going with it. You have made him what he is!\u201d\r\n\r\nMade him what he is! What was he?\r\n\r\nGathering, gathering along the narrow street, came a hollow, measured sound; now forcing itself on their attention. Many voices were hushed and low: many steps were heard not moving onwards, at least not with any rapidity or steadiness of motion, but as if circling round one spot. Yes, there was one distinct, slow tramp of feet, which made itself a clear path through the air, and reached their ears; the measured laboured walk of men carrying a heavy burden. They were all drawn towards the house-door by some irresistible impulse; impelled thither\u2014not by a poor curiosity, but as if by some solemn blast.\r\n\r\nSix men walked in the middle of the road, three of them being policemen. They carried a door, taken off its hinges, upon their shoulders, on which lay some dead human creature; and from each side of the door there were constant droppings. All the street turned out to see, and, seeing, to accompany the procession, each one questioning the bearers, who answered almost reluctantly at last, so often had they told the tale.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe found him i' th' brook in the field beyond there.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cTh' brook!\u2014why there's not water enough to drown him!\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHe was a determined chap. He lay with his face downwards. He was sick enough o' living, choose what cause he had for it.\u201d\r\n\r\nHiggins crept up to Margaret's side, and said in a weak piping kind of voice: \u201cIt's not John Boucher? He had na spunk enough. Sure! It's not John Boucher! Why, they are a' looking this way! Listen! I've a singing in my head, and I cannot hear.\u201d\r\n\r\nThey put the door down carefully upon the stones, and all might see the poor drowned wretch\u2014his glassy eyes, one half-open, staring right upwards to the sky. Owing to the position in which he had been found lying, his face was swollen and discoloured besides, his skin was stained by the water in the brook, which had been used for dyeing purposes. The fore part of his head was bald; but the hair grew thin and long behind, and every separate lock was a conduit for water. Through all these disfigurements, Margaret recognised John Boucher. It seemed to her so sacrilegious to be peering into that poor distorted, agonised face, that, by a flash of instinct, she went forwards and softly covered the dead man's countenance with her handkerchief. The eyes that saw her do this followed her, as she turned away from her pious office, and were thus led to the place where Nicholas Higgins stood, like one rooted to the spot. The men spoke together, and then one of them came up to Higgins, who would have fain shrunk back into his house.\r\n\r\n\u201cHiggins, thou knowed him! Thou mun go tell the wife. Do it gently, man, but do it quick, for we canna leave him here long.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI canna go,\u201d said Higgins. \u201cDunnot ask me. I canna face her.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cThou knows her best,\u201d said the man. \u201cWe'n done a deal in bringing him here\u2014thou take thy share.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI canna do it,\u201d said Higgins. \u201cI'm welly felled wi' seeing him. We wasn't friends; and now he's dead.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWell, if thou wunnot thou wunnot. Some one mun, though. It's a dree task; but it's a chance, every minute, as she doesn't hear on it in some rougher way nor a person going to make her let on by degrees, as it were.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cPapa, do you go,\u201d said Margaret, in a low voice.\r\n\r\n\u201cIf I could\u2014if I had time to think of what I had better say; but all at once\u2014\u2014\u201d Margaret saw that her father was indeed unable. He was trembling from head to foot.\r\n\r\n\u201cI will go,\u201d said she.\r\n\r\n\u201cBless yo', miss, it will be a kind act; for she's been but a sickly sort of body, I hear, and few hereabouts know much on her.\u201d\r\n\r\nMargaret knocked at the closed door; but there was such a noise, as of many little ill-ordered children, that she could hear no reply; indeed, she doubted if she was heard, and as every moment of delay made her recoil from her task more and more, she opened the door and went in, shutting it after her, and even, unseen to the woman, fastening the bolt.\r\n\r\nMrs. Boucher was sitting in a rocking-chair, on the other side of the ill-redd-up fireplace; it looked as if the house had been untouched for days by any effort at cleanliness.\r\n\r\nMargaret said something, she hardly knew what, her throat and mouth were so dry, and the children's noise completely prevented her from being heard. She tried again.\r\n\r\n\u201cHow are you, Mrs. Boucher? But very poorly, I'm afraid.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI've no chance o' being well,\u201d said she querulously. \u201cI'm left alone to manage these childer, and nought for to give 'em for to keep 'em quiet. John should na ha' left me, and me so poorly.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHow long is it since he went away?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cFour days sin'. No one would give him work here, and he'd to go on tramp toward Greenfield. But he might ha' been back afore this, or sent me some word if he'd getten work. He might\u2014\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cOh, don't blame him,\u201d said Margaret. \u201cHe felt it deeply, I'm sure\u2014\u2014\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cWillto' hold thy din, and let me hear the lady speak!\u201d addressing herself, in no very gentle voice, to a little urchin of about a year old. She apologetically continued to Margaret, \u201cHe's always mithering me for \u2018daddy\u2019 and \u2018butty;\u2019 and I ha' no butties to give him, and daddy's away, and forgotten us a', I think. He's his father's darling, he is,\u201d said she, with a sudden turn of mood, and, dragging the child up to her knee, she began kissing it fondly.\r\n\r\nMargaret laid her hand on the woman's arm to arrest her attention. Their eyes met.\r\n\r\n\u201cPoor little fellow!\u201d said Margaret, slowly; \u201che\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0his father's darling.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHe\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0his father's darling,\u201d said the woman, rising hastily, and standing face to face with Margaret. Neither of them spoke for a moment or two. Then Mrs. Boucher began in a low, growling tone, gathering in wildness as she went on: He\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0his father's darling, I say. Poor folk can love their childer as well as rich. Why dunno yo' speak? Why dun yo' stare at me wi' your great pitiful eyes? Where's John?\u201d Weak as she was, she shook Margaret to force out an answer. \u201cOh, my God!\u201d said she, understanding the meaning of that tearful look. She sank hack into the chair. Margaret took up the child and put him into her arms.\r\n\r\n\u201cHe loved him,\u201d said she.\r\n\r\n\u201cAy,\u201d said the woman, shaking her head, \u201che loved us a'. We had some one to love us once. It's a long time ago; but when he were in life and with us, he did love us, he did. He loved this babby mappen the best on us; but he loved me and I loved him, though I was calling him five minutes agone. Are yo' sure he's dead?\u201d said she, trying to get up. \u201cIf it's only that he's ill and like to die, they may bring him round yet. I'm but an ailing creature mysel'\u2014I've been ailing this long time.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cBut he is dead\u2014he is drowned!\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cFolk are brought round after they're dead-drowned. Whatten was I thinking of, to sit still when I should be stirring mysel'? Here, whisth thee, child\u2014whisth thee! tak' this, tak' aught to play wi', but dunnot cry while my heart's breaking! Oh, where is my strength gone to? Oh, John\u2014husband!\u201d\r\n\r\nMargaret saved her from falling by catching her in her arms. She sate down in the rocking chair, and held the woman upon her knees, her head lying on Margaret's shoulder. The other children, clustered together in affright, began to understand the mystery of the scene; but the ideas came slowly, for their brains were dull and languid of perception. They set up such a cry of despair as they guessed the truth, that Margaret knew not how to bear it. Johnny's cry was loudest of them all, though he knew not why he cried, poor little fellow.\r\n\r\nThe mother quivered as she lay in Margaret's arms. Margaret heard a noise at the door.\r\n\r\n\u201cOpen it. Open it quick,\u201d said she to the eldest child. \u201cIt's bolted; make no noise\u2014be very still. Oh, papa, let them go upstairs very softly and carefully, and perhaps she will not hear them. She has fainted\u2014that's all.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cIt's as well for her, poor creature,\u201d said a woman following in the wake of the bearers of the dead. \u201cBut yo're not fit to hold her. Stay, I'll run fetch a pillow and we'll let her down easy on the floor.\u201d\r\n\r\nThis helpful neighbour was a great relief to Margaret; she was evidently a stranger to the house, a new-comer in the district, indeed; but she was so kind and thoughtful that Margaret felt she was no longer needed; and that it would be better, perhaps, to set an example of clearing the house, which was filled with idle, if sympathising gazers.\r\n\r\nShe looked round for Nicholas Higgins. He was not there. So she spoke to the woman who had taken the lead in placing Mrs. Boucher on the floor.\r\n\r\n\u201cCan you give all these people a hint that they had better leave in quietness? So that when she comes round, she should only find one or two that she knows about her. Papa, will you speak to the men, and get them to go away? She cannot breathe, poor thing, with this crowd about her.\u201d\r\n\r\nMargaret was kneeling down by Mrs. Boucher and bathing he face with vinegar; but in a few minutes she was surprised at the gush of fresh air. She looked round, and saw a smile pass between her father and the woman.\r\n\r\n\u201cWhat is it?\u201d asked she.\r\n\r\n\u201cOnly our good friend here,\u201d replied her father, \u201chit on a capital expedient for clearing the place.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI bid 'em begone, and each take a child with 'em, and to mind that they were orphans, and their mother a widow. It was who could do most, and the childer are sure of a bellyful to-day, and of kindness too. Does hoo know how he died?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cNo,\u201d said Margaret; \u201cI could not tell her all at once.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHoo mun be told because of th' Inquest. See! Hoo's coming round; shall you or I do it? or mappen your father would be best?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cNo; you, you,\u201d said Margaret.\r\n\r\nThey awaited her perfect recovery in silence. Then the neighbour woman sat down on the floor, and took Mrs. Boucher's head and shoulders on her lap.\r\n\r\n\u201cNeighbour,\u201d said she, \u201cyour man is dead. Guess yo' how he died?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHe were drowned,\u201d said Mrs. Boucher, feebly, beginning to cry for the first time, at this rough probing of her sorrows.\r\n\r\n\u201cHe were found drowned. He were coming home very hopeless o' aught on earth. He thought God could na be harder than men; mappen not so hard; mappen as tender as a mother; mappen tenderer. I'm not saying he did right, and I'm not saying he did wrong. All I say is, may neither me nor mine ever have his sore heart, or we may do like things.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cHe has left me alone wi' a' these children!\u201d moaned the widow, less distressed at the manner of the death than Margaret expected; but it was of a piece with her helpless character to feel his loss as principally affecting herself and her children.\r\n\r\n\u201cNot alone,\u201d said Mr. Hale, solemnly. \u201cWho is with you? Who will take up your cause?\u201d The widow opened her eyes wide, and looked at the new speaker, of whose presence she had not been aware till then.\r\n\r\n\u201cWho has promised to be a father to the fatherless?\u201d continued he.\r\n\r\n\u201cBut I've getten six children, sir, and the eldest not eight years of age. I'm not meaning for to doubt His power, sir,\u2014only it needs a deal o' trust;\u201d and she began to cry afresh.\r\n\r\n\u201cHoo'll be better able to talk to-morrow, sir,\u201d said the neighbour. \u201cBest comfort now would be the feel of a child at her heart. I'm sorry they took the babby.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI'll go for it,\u201d said Margaret. And in a few minutes she returned, carrying Johnnie, his face all smeared with eating, and his hands loaded with treasures in the shape of shells, and bits of crystal, and the head of a plaster figure. She placed him in his mother's arms.\r\n\r\n\u201cThere!\u201d said the woman, \u201cnow you go. They'll cry together, and comfort together, better nor any one but a child can do. I'll stop with her as long as I'm needed, and if yo' come to-morrow, yo' can have a deal o' wise talk with her, that she's not up to to-day.\u201d\r\n\r\nAs Margaret and her father went slowly up the street, she paused at Higgins's closed door.\r\n\r\n\u201cShall we go in?\u201d asked her father. \u201cI was thinking of him too.\u201d\r\n\r\nThey knocked. There was no answer, so they tried the door. It was bolted, but they thought they heard him moving within.\r\n\r\n\u201cNicholas!\u201d said Margaret. There was no answer, and they might have gone away, believing the house to be empty, if there had not been some accidental fall, as of a book, within.\r\n\r\n\u201cNicholas!\u201d said Margaret again. \u201cIt is only us. Won't you let us come in?\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cNo,\u201d said he. \u201cI spoke as plain as I could, 'bout using words, when I bolted th' door. Let me be, this day.\u201d\r\n\r\nMr. Hale would have urged their desire, but Margaret placed her finger on his lips.\r\n\r\n\u201cI don't wonder at it,\u201d said she. \u201cI myself long to be alone. It seems the only thing to do one good after a day like this.\u201d","rendered":"

“<\/span>The steps of the bearers, heavy and slow,
\nThe sobs of the mourners, deep and low.”
\nShelley<\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

At the time arranged the previous day, they set out on their walk to see Nicholas Higgins and his daughter. They both were reminded of their recent loss, by a strange kind of shyness in their new habiliments, and in the fact that it was the first time, for many weeks, that they had deliberately gone out together. They drew very close to each other in unspoken sympathy.<\/p>\n

Nicholas was sitting by the fire-side in his accustomed corner: but he had not his accustomed pipe. He was leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee. He did not get up when he saw them, though Margaret could read the welcome in his eye.<\/p>\n

\u201cSit ye down, sit ye down. Fire’s welly out,\u201d said he, giving it a vigorous poke, as if to turn attention away from himself. He was rather disorderly, to be sure, with a black unshaven beard of several days’ growth, making his pale face look yet paler, and a jacket which would have been all the better for patching.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe thought we should have a good chance of finding you, just after dinner-time,\u201d said Margaret.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have had our sorrow too, since we saw you,\u201d said Mr. Hale.<\/p>\n

\u201cAy, ay. Sorrows is more plentiful than dinners just now; I reckon, my dinner hour stretches all o’er the day; yo’re pretty sure of finding me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you out of work?\u201d asked Margaret.<\/p>\n

\u201cAy,\u201d he replied shortly. Then, after a moment’s silence, he added, looking up for the first time: \u201cI’m not wanting brass. Dunno yo’ think it. Bess, poor lass, had a little stock under her pillow, ready to slip into my hand, last moment, and Mary is fustian-cutting. But I’m out o’ work a’ the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe owe Mary some money,\u201d said Mr. Hale, before Margaret’s sharp pressure on his arm could arrest the words.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf hoo takes it, I’ll turn her out o’ doors. I’ll bide inside these four walls, and she’ll bide out. That’s a’.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut we owe her many thanks for her kind service,\u201d began Mr. Hale again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI ne’er thanked yo’r daughter theer for her deeds o’ love to my poor wench. I ne’er could find th’ words. I’se have to begin and try now, if yo’ start making an ado about what little Mary could sarve yo’.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it because of the strike you’re out of work?\u201d asked Margaret gently.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrike’s ended. It’s o’er for this time. I’m out o’ work because I ne’er asked for it. And I ne’er asked for it, because good words is scarce, and bad words is plentiful.\u201d<\/p>\n

He was in a mood to take a surly pleasure in giving answers that were like riddles. But Margaret saw that he would like to be asked for the explanation.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd good words are\u2014?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAsking for work. I reckon them’s almost the best words that men can say. \u2018Gi’ me work\u2019 means \u2018and I’ll do it like a man.\u2019 Them’s good words.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd bad words are refusing you work when you ask for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAy. Bad words is saying “Aha, my fine chap! Yo’ve been true to yo’r order, and I’ll be true to mine. Yo’ did the best yo’ could for them as wanted help; that’s yo’r way of being true to yo’r kind; and I’ll be true to mine. Yo’ve been a poor fool, as knowed no better nor be a true faithful fool. So go and be d\u2014d to yo’. There’s no work for yo’ here.” Them’s bad words. I’m not a fool; and if I was, folk ought to ha’ taught me how to be wise after their fashion. I could mappen ha’ learnt, if any one had tried to teach me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould it not be worth while,\u201d said Mr. Hale, \u201cto ask your old master if he would take you back again? It might be a poor chance, but it would be a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked up again, with a sharp glance at the questioner; and then tittered a low and bitter laugh.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeaster! if it’s no offence, I’ll ask yo’ a question or two in my turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re quite welcome,\u201d said Mr. Hale.<\/p>\n

\u201cI reckon yo’n some way of earning your bread. Folk seldom lives i’ Milton lust for pleasure, if they can live anywhere else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou are quite right. I have some independent property, but my intention in settling in Milton was to become a private tutor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo teach folk. Well! I reckon they pay yo’ for teaching them, dunnot they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d replied Mr. Hale, smiling. \u201cI teach in order to get paid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd them that pays yo’, dun they tell yo’ whatten to do, or whatten not to do wi’ the money they gives you in just payment for your pains\u2014in fair exchange like?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo; to be sure not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey dunnot say, \u2018Yo\u2019 may have a brother, or a friend as dear as a brother, who wants this here brass for a purpose both yo’ and he think right; but yo’ mun promise not give it to him. Yo’ may see a good use, as yo’ think, to put yo’r money to; but we don’t think it good, and so if yo’ spend it a-thatens we’ll just leave off dealing with yo’.\u2019 They dunnot say that, dun they?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo: to be sure not!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould yo’ stand it if they did?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be some very hard pressure that would make me even think of submitting to such dictation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere’s not the pressure on all the broad earth that would make me, said Nicholas Higgins. ‘Now yo’ve got it. Yo’ve hit the bull’s eye. Hamper’s\u2014that’s where I worked\u2014makes their men pledge ’emselves they’ll not give a penny to help th’ Union or keep turnouts fro’ clemming. They may pledge and make pledge,’ continued he, scornfully; ‘they nobbut make liars and hypocrites. And that’s a less sin, to my mind, to making men’s hearts so hard that they’ll not do a kindness to them as needs it, or help on the right and just cause, though it goes again the strong hand. But I’ll ne’er forswear mysel’ for a’ the work the king could gi’e me. I’m a member o’ the Union; and I think it’s the only thing to do the workman any good. And I’ve been a turn-out, and known what it were to clem; so if I get a shilling, sixpence shall go to them if they axe it from me. Consequence is, I dunnot see where I’m to get a shilling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that rule about not contributing to the Union in force at all the mills?\u201d asked Margaret.<\/p>\n

\u201cI cannot say. It’s a new regulation at ourn; and I reckon they’ll find that they cannot stick to it. But it’s in force now. By-and-by they’ll find out, tyrants makes liars.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a little pause. Margaret was hesitating whether she should say what was in her mind; she was unwilling to irritate one who was already gloomy and despondent enough. At last out it came. But in her soft tones, and with her reluctant manner, showing that she was unwilling to say anything unpleasant, it did not seem to annoy Higgins, only to perplex him.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you remember poor Boucher saying that the Union was a tyrant? I think he said it was the worst tyrant of all. And I remember at the time I agreed with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was a long while before he spoke. He was resting his head on his two hands, and looking down into the fire, so she could not read the expression on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll not deny but what th’ Union finds it necessary to force a man into his own good. I’ll speak truth. A man leads a dree life who’s not i’ th’ Union. But once i’ the’ Union, his interests are taken care on better nor he could do it for himsel’, or by himsel’, for that matter. It’s the only way working men can get their rights, by all joining together. More the members, more chance for each one separate man having justice done him. Government takes care o’ fools and madmen; and if any man is inclined to do himsel’ or his neighbour a hurt, it puts a bit of a check on him, whether he likes it or no. That’s all we do i’ th’ Union. We can’t clap folk into prison; but we can make a man’s life so heavy to be borne, that he’s obliged to come in, and be wise and helpful in spite of himself. Boucher were a fool all along, and ne’er a worse fool than at th’ last.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did you harm?\u201d asked Margaret.<\/p>\n

\u201cAy, that did he. We had public opinion on our side, till he and his sort began rioting and breaking laws. It were all o’er wi’ the strike then.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen would it not have been far better to have left him alone, and not forced him to join the Union? He did you no good; and you drove him mad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMargaret,\u201d said her father, in a low and warning tone, for he saw the cloud gathering on Higgins’s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI like her,\u201d said Higgins, suddenly. \u201cHoo speaks plain out what’s in her mind. Hoo doesn’t comprehend th’ Union for all that. It’s a great power: it’s our only power. I ha’ read a bit o’ poetry about a plough going o’er a daisy, as made tears come into my eyes, afore I’d other cause for crying. But the chap ne’er stopped driving the plough, I’se warrant, for all he were pitiful about the daisy. He’d too much mother-wit for that. Th’ Union’s the plough, making ready the land for harvest-time. Such as Boucher\u2014’twould be settin’ him up too much to liken him to a daisy; he’s liker a weed lounging over the ground\u2014mun just make up their mind to be put out o’ the way. I’m sore vexed wi’ him just now. So, mappen, I dunnot speak him fair. I could go o’er him wi’ a plough mysel’, wi’ a’ the pleasure in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? What has he been doing? Anything fresh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAy, to be sure. He’s ne’er out o’ mischief, that man. First of a’ he must go raging like a mad fool, and kick up yon riot. Then he’d to go into hiding, where he’d a been yet, if Thornton had followed him out as I’d hoped he would ha’ done. But Thornton, having got his own purpose, didn’t care to go on wi’ the prosecution for the riot. So Boucher slunk back again to his house. He ne’er showed himsel’ abroad for a day or two. He had that grace. And then, where think ye that he went? Why, to Hamper’s. Damn him! He went wi’ his mealy-mouthed face, that turns me sick to look at, a-asking for work, though he knowed well enough the new rule, o’ pledging themselves to give nought to th’ Unions; nought to help the starving turn-out! Why he’d a clemmed to death, if th’ Union had na helped him in his pinch. There he went, ossing to promise aught, and pledge himsel’ to aught\u2014to tell a’ he know’d on our proceedings, the good-for-nothing Judas! But I’ll say this for Hamper, and thank him for it at my dying day, he drove Boucher away, and would na listen to him\u2014ne’er a word\u2014though folk standing by, says the traitor cried like a babby!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! how shocking! how pitiful!\u201d exclaimed Margaret. \u201cHiggins, I don’t know you to-day. Don’t you see how you’ve made Boucher what he is, by driving him into the Union against his will\u2014without his heart going with it. You have made him what he is!\u201d<\/p>\n

Made him what he is! What was he?<\/p>\n

Gathering, gathering along the narrow street, came a hollow, measured sound; now forcing itself on their attention. Many voices were hushed and low: many steps were heard not moving onwards, at least not with any rapidity or steadiness of motion, but as if circling round one spot. Yes, there was one distinct, slow tramp of feet, which made itself a clear path through the air, and reached their ears; the measured laboured walk of men carrying a heavy burden. They were all drawn towards the house-door by some irresistible impulse; impelled thither\u2014not by a poor curiosity, but as if by some solemn blast.<\/p>\n

Six men walked in the middle of the road, three of them being policemen. They carried a door, taken off its hinges, upon their shoulders, on which lay some dead human creature; and from each side of the door there were constant droppings. All the street turned out to see, and, seeing, to accompany the procession, each one questioning the bearers, who answered almost reluctantly at last, so often had they told the tale.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe found him i’ th’ brook in the field beyond there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTh’ brook!\u2014why there’s not water enough to drown him!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a determined chap. He lay with his face downwards. He was sick enough o’ living, choose what cause he had for it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Higgins crept up to Margaret’s side, and said in a weak piping kind of voice: \u201cIt’s not John Boucher? He had na spunk enough. Sure! It’s not John Boucher! Why, they are a’ looking this way! Listen! I’ve a singing in my head, and I cannot hear.\u201d<\/p>\n

They put the door down carefully upon the stones, and all might see the poor drowned wretch\u2014his glassy eyes, one half-open, staring right upwards to the sky. Owing to the position in which he had been found lying, his face was swollen and discoloured besides, his skin was stained by the water in the brook, which had been used for dyeing purposes. The fore part of his head was bald; but the hair grew thin and long behind, and every separate lock was a conduit for water. Through all these disfigurements, Margaret recognised John Boucher. It seemed to her so sacrilegious to be peering into that poor distorted, agonised face, that, by a flash of instinct, she went forwards and softly covered the dead man’s countenance with her handkerchief. The eyes that saw her do this followed her, as she turned away from her pious office, and were thus led to the place where Nicholas Higgins stood, like one rooted to the spot. The men spoke together, and then one of them came up to Higgins, who would have fain shrunk back into his house.<\/p>\n

\u201cHiggins, thou knowed him! Thou mun go tell the wife. Do it gently, man, but do it quick, for we canna leave him here long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI canna go,\u201d said Higgins. \u201cDunnot ask me. I canna face her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThou knows her best,\u201d said the man. \u201cWe’n done a deal in bringing him here\u2014thou take thy share.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI canna do it,\u201d said Higgins. \u201cI’m welly felled wi’ seeing him. We wasn’t friends; and now he’s dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if thou wunnot thou wunnot. Some one mun, though. It’s a dree task; but it’s a chance, every minute, as she doesn’t hear on it in some rougher way nor a person going to make her let on by degrees, as it were.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPapa, do you go,\u201d said Margaret, in a low voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf I could\u2014if I had time to think of what I had better say; but all at once\u2014\u2014\u201d Margaret saw that her father was indeed unable. He was trembling from head to foot.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will go,\u201d said she.<\/p>\n

\u201cBless yo’, miss, it will be a kind act; for she’s been but a sickly sort of body, I hear, and few hereabouts know much on her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret knocked at the closed door; but there was such a noise, as of many little ill-ordered children, that she could hear no reply; indeed, she doubted if she was heard, and as every moment of delay made her recoil from her task more and more, she opened the door and went in, shutting it after her, and even, unseen to the woman, fastening the bolt.<\/p>\n

Mrs. Boucher was sitting in a rocking-chair, on the other side of the ill-redd-up fireplace; it looked as if the house had been untouched for days by any effort at cleanliness.<\/p>\n

Margaret said something, she hardly knew what, her throat and mouth were so dry, and the children’s noise completely prevented her from being heard. She tried again.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow are you, Mrs. Boucher? But very poorly, I’m afraid.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve no chance o’ being well,\u201d said she querulously. \u201cI’m left alone to manage these childer, and nought for to give ’em for to keep ’em quiet. John should na ha’ left me, and me so poorly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow long is it since he went away?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFour days sin’. No one would give him work here, and he’d to go on tramp toward Greenfield. But he might ha’ been back afore this, or sent me some word if he’d getten work. He might\u2014\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, don’t blame him,\u201d said Margaret. \u201cHe felt it deeply, I’m sure\u2014\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWillto’ hold thy din, and let me hear the lady speak!\u201d addressing herself, in no very gentle voice, to a little urchin of about a year old. She apologetically continued to Margaret, \u201cHe’s always mithering me for \u2018daddy\u2019 and \u2018butty;\u2019 and I ha’ no butties to give him, and daddy’s away, and forgotten us a’, I think. He’s his father’s darling, he is,\u201d said she, with a sudden turn of mood, and, dragging the child up to her knee, she began kissing it fondly.<\/p>\n

Margaret laid her hand on the woman’s arm to arrest her attention. Their eyes met.<\/p>\n

\u201cPoor little fellow!\u201d said Margaret, slowly; \u201che\u00a0was<\/em>\u00a0his father’s darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0his father’s darling,\u201d said the woman, rising hastily, and standing face to face with Margaret. Neither of them spoke for a moment or two. Then Mrs. Boucher began in a low, growling tone, gathering in wildness as she went on: He\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0his father’s darling, I say. Poor folk can love their childer as well as rich. Why dunno yo’ speak? Why dun yo’ stare at me wi’ your great pitiful eyes? Where’s John?\u201d Weak as she was, she shook Margaret to force out an answer. \u201cOh, my God!\u201d said she, understanding the meaning of that tearful look. She sank hack into the chair. Margaret took up the child and put him into her arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe loved him,\u201d said she.<\/p>\n

\u201cAy,\u201d said the woman, shaking her head, \u201che loved us a’. We had some one to love us once. It’s a long time ago; but when he were in life and with us, he did love us, he did. He loved this babby mappen the best on us; but he loved me and I loved him, though I was calling him five minutes agone. Are yo’ sure he’s dead?\u201d said she, trying to get up. \u201cIf it’s only that he’s ill and like to die, they may bring him round yet. I’m but an ailing creature mysel’\u2014I’ve been ailing this long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he is dead\u2014he is drowned!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFolk are brought round after they’re dead-drowned. Whatten was I thinking of, to sit still when I should be stirring mysel’? Here, whisth thee, child\u2014whisth thee! tak’ this, tak’ aught to play wi’, but dunnot cry while my heart’s breaking! Oh, where is my strength gone to? Oh, John\u2014husband!\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret saved her from falling by catching her in her arms. She sate down in the rocking chair, and held the woman upon her knees, her head lying on Margaret’s shoulder. The other children, clustered together in affright, began to understand the mystery of the scene; but the ideas came slowly, for their brains were dull and languid of perception. They set up such a cry of despair as they guessed the truth, that Margaret knew not how to bear it. Johnny’s cry was loudest of them all, though he knew not why he cried, poor little fellow.<\/p>\n

The mother quivered as she lay in Margaret’s arms. Margaret heard a noise at the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it. Open it quick,\u201d said she to the eldest child. \u201cIt’s bolted; make no noise\u2014be very still. Oh, papa, let them go upstairs very softly and carefully, and perhaps she will not hear them. She has fainted\u2014that’s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s as well for her, poor creature,\u201d said a woman following in the wake of the bearers of the dead. \u201cBut yo’re not fit to hold her. Stay, I’ll run fetch a pillow and we’ll let her down easy on the floor.\u201d<\/p>\n

This helpful neighbour was a great relief to Margaret; she was evidently a stranger to the house, a new-comer in the district, indeed; but she was so kind and thoughtful that Margaret felt she was no longer needed; and that it would be better, perhaps, to set an example of clearing the house, which was filled with idle, if sympathising gazers.<\/p>\n

She looked round for Nicholas Higgins. He was not there. So she spoke to the woman who had taken the lead in placing Mrs. Boucher on the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you give all these people a hint that they had better leave in quietness? So that when she comes round, she should only find one or two that she knows about her. Papa, will you speak to the men, and get them to go away? She cannot breathe, poor thing, with this crowd about her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret was kneeling down by Mrs. Boucher and bathing he face with vinegar; but in a few minutes she was surprised at the gush of fresh air. She looked round, and saw a smile pass between her father and the woman.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u201d asked she.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly our good friend here,\u201d replied her father, \u201chit on a capital expedient for clearing the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI bid ’em begone, and each take a child with ’em, and to mind that they were orphans, and their mother a widow. It was who could do most, and the childer are sure of a bellyful to-day, and of kindness too. Does hoo know how he died?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said Margaret; \u201cI could not tell her all at once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoo mun be told because of th’ Inquest. See! Hoo’s coming round; shall you or I do it? or mappen your father would be best?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo; you, you,\u201d said Margaret.<\/p>\n

They awaited her perfect recovery in silence. Then the neighbour woman sat down on the floor, and took Mrs. Boucher’s head and shoulders on her lap.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeighbour,\u201d said she, \u201cyour man is dead. Guess yo’ how he died?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe were drowned,\u201d said Mrs. Boucher, feebly, beginning to cry for the first time, at this rough probing of her sorrows.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe were found drowned. He were coming home very hopeless o’ aught on earth. He thought God could na be harder than men; mappen not so hard; mappen as tender as a mother; mappen tenderer. I’m not saying he did right, and I’m not saying he did wrong. All I say is, may neither me nor mine ever have his sore heart, or we may do like things.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has left me alone wi’ a’ these children!\u201d moaned the widow, less distressed at the manner of the death than Margaret expected; but it was of a piece with her helpless character to feel his loss as principally affecting herself and her children.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot alone,\u201d said Mr. Hale, solemnly. \u201cWho is with you? Who will take up your cause?\u201d The widow opened her eyes wide, and looked at the new speaker, of whose presence she had not been aware till then.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho has promised to be a father to the fatherless?\u201d continued he.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I’ve getten six children, sir, and the eldest not eight years of age. I’m not meaning for to doubt His power, sir,\u2014only it needs a deal o’ trust;\u201d and she began to cry afresh.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoo’ll be better able to talk to-morrow, sir,\u201d said the neighbour. \u201cBest comfort now would be the feel of a child at her heart. I’m sorry they took the babby.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI’ll go for it,\u201d said Margaret. And in a few minutes she returned, carrying Johnnie, his face all smeared with eating, and his hands loaded with treasures in the shape of shells, and bits of crystal, and the head of a plaster figure. She placed him in his mother’s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere!\u201d said the woman, \u201cnow you go. They’ll cry together, and comfort together, better nor any one but a child can do. I’ll stop with her as long as I’m needed, and if yo’ come to-morrow, yo’ can have a deal o’ wise talk with her, that she’s not up to to-day.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Margaret and her father went slowly up the street, she paused at Higgins’s closed door.<\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go in?\u201d asked her father. \u201cI was thinking of him too.\u201d<\/p>\n

They knocked. There was no answer, so they tried the door. It was bolted, but they thought they heard him moving within.<\/p>\n

\u201cNicholas!\u201d said Margaret. There was no answer, and they might have gone away, believing the house to be empty, if there had not been some accidental fall, as of a book, within.<\/p>\n

\u201cNicholas!\u201d said Margaret again. \u201cIt is only us. Won’t you let us come in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d said he. \u201cI spoke as plain as I could, ’bout using words, when I bolted th’ door. Let me be, this day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mr. Hale would have urged their desire, but Margaret placed her finger on his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t wonder at it,\u201d said she. \u201cI myself long to be alone. It seems the only thing to do one good after a day like this.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":299,"menu_order":36,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":[],"pb_section_license":""},"chapter-type":[48],"contributor":[],"license":[],"class_list":["post-317","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry","chapter-type-numberless"],"part":3,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/317","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/299"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/317\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":543,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/317\/revisions\/543"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/3"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/317\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=317"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=317"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=317"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca\/northandsouth\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=317"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}