Blair Collection > Rhys Lewis, minister of Bethel

HHYS LEWIS. 113
held, whicii I referred to in the previous chapter, and at which
my brother Bob had made, what I considered to be, such a
capital speech. Next day, whilst mother and a neighbour were
conversing about the meeting, I got to know why she had
been so much moved by my account of Bob's public utter-
ances. It was from a fear that Bob would get himself into
trouble. It was worth suffering a little hardship, she said, for
the sake of peace. On the other hand, the neighbour thought
it high time someone should speak up— the men's earnings were
so small that it was impossible to maintain a family upon them.
She had, however, warned her husband not to say a word, nor
to make himself, in any way, conspicuous in the agitation.
Mother made answer something to this effect : —
" So, Margaret Peters, you are anxious our Bob and others
should do all the fighting, while your husband, Humphrey,
and everybody belonging to you, like Dan of old, ' remain in
ships,' and come in for a share of the spoil when the battle is
ended. There is many a Dan in our days, as Mr. Davies of
Nerquis, used to say."
Margaret did not know enough Scripture to understand the
comparison, but she could see right well it contained a blow
.'limed at her, so she turned the conversation to something else.
How speedily were my mother's fears verified ! When Bob
came home from work that night he appeared unusually serious
and thoughtful. After he had washed and taken food, my
mother said to him, "Bob, I know by your looks you have
some bad news. Have you had notice ? *'
"Yes," replied Bob. "Morris Hughes, James Williams,
John Powell and myself, are to leave the work next Saturday."
" Well, and what are we to do now ? " asked mother.
"Do our duty, mother, and trust in Providence," said Bob.
" Yes, my boy ; but do you consider that you have done your
duty ? I gave you many warnings, didn't I, not to take so
prominent a part in this business. [Mother's observation as
to "Dan in ships" recurred to me.] I know very well you
workmen have cause to complain, and that it is a shame for a
mere Saxon to come around the country and take the place of
a pious man like Abraham Jones, with whom there never was
any bother. You are but young, however; and why did'nt