If I am arrested, I know that I will not get
it. But still I will speak."
"And I am in Wygant's cotton mill," said another. "And I'm not young,
and when I'm turned out, it will not be easy for me. But I will help."
"And I, too," put in Lippman, the cigar store keeper; "my wife can
tend the shop!" There was a general laugh at this.
And then Friedrich Bremer sprang up. "My father has been warned!" he
cried. "But I will speak also!"
"And I!" exclaimed Samuel. "I think I am going to be a Socialist. Will
you let me help?"
"No one's help will be refused in a crisis like this," said Everley.
"We must stand by our guns, for if they can crush us this time, it may
be years before we can be heard."
And then, somewhere in the hall, a voice began to sing. Others took it
up, until the walls of the building shook with a mighty chant. "What
is it?" whispered Samuel to Friedrich.
"It is called 'The Red Flag,'" replied Friedrich.
And Samuel sat spellbound, listening while they sang:
Hark to the thunder, hark to the tramp--a myriad army comes!
An army sprung from a hundred lands, speaking a hundred tongues!
And overhead a portent new, a blood-red banner see!
The nations gather in affright to ask what the sign may be.
Banner of crimson, banner bright, banner flaunting the sky!
What is the word that ye bring to men, the hope that ye hold on high?
We come from the fields, we come from the forge, we come from the land
and sea--
We come in the right of our new-born might to set the people free!
Masters, we left you a world to make, the planning was yours to do--
We were the toilers, humble and sad, we gave our faith to you.
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