Such nid nodding, such
uplifting and fanning of palms among the women, such semi-revolving
side shakes of the head, such demonstration of fists, and such cursing
among the men, had never before been seen and heard in Scaurnose.
The result was a conclusion to make common cause with the first
victim of the factor's tyranny, namely Blue Peter, whose expulsion
would arrive three months before theirs, and was unquestionably
head and front of the same cruel scheme for putting down the fisher
folk altogether.
Three of them, therefore, repaired to Joseph's house, commissioned
with the following proposal and condition of compact: that Joseph
should defy the notice given him to quit, they pledging themselves
that he should not be expelled. Whether he agreed or not, they were
equally determined, they said, when their turn came, to defend the
village; but if he would cast in his lot with them, they would, in
defending him, gain the advantage of having the question settled
three months sooner for themselves. Blue Peter sought to dissuade
them, specially insisting on the danger of bloodshed. They laughed.
They had anticipated objection, but being of the youngest and
roughest in the place, the idea of a scrimmage was, neither in
itself nor in its probable consequences, at all repulsive to them.
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