George gave a word of caution to the pitmen when they left work that
afternoon.

"There are sure to be insults," he said, "but take no notice, and keep
out of harm's way."

But the fates were against George and his pit that day. Hardly had the
little gang of Fairburn colliers turned the corner of the lane when
they were met by an excited mob carrying a huge sheet on which was
rudely printed in big characters, "Down with all Whigs!"

"An insult to the gaffer, that's as plain as the nose on a man's
face," cried one of the Fairburn fellows, and without more ado, he
dashed forward and made a grab at the offending canvas. He was
forestalled, however, a man of the opposing party deftly tripping him
up and sending him sprawling into the mud. Before the unlucky pitman
could rise the whole mob had surged over him, amidst shrieks of
laughter.

On this the Fairburn men threw all George's cautions to the winds, and
charged the mob. Instantly a hot fight was going on around the big
banner. Even old Saunders, the overlooker, caught one of the
opposition gang by the collar, crying, "Ye loons, what for are ye
coming our way again? Ye ha' been once to-day, wi' your jibes and
jeers; isn't that enough?"

"Jibes and jeers, old lad! Eh, there'll happen be mair than that afore
bedtime."

Meanwhile there was rough work around the banner. In spite of the