Apparently they have, for later on we get--

"_PRIME MINISTER._ Then why should you want to strike
When the Government saves your faces?
You can get more pay when you like
On the larger output basis."

And the Chorus of course chimes in:--

"They can get more pay when they like
On the larger output basis."

And there is a note at the side: "_Chorus to wave arms upwards and
outwards, indicating increased production of coal._"

It seems to have been at some time after this, and probably in Act III.,
that Titterby went, if I may put it so vulgarly, off the hooks. I think
he must have got on to the conference between the mineowners and the
representatives of the miners, and struggled until the gas became too
thick for him. At any rate, after several unreadable pages, the
following unhappy fragment stands out clear:--

"_Mr. SMILLIE still stands irresolute, running his fingers
through his hair._

_Chorus of Mineowners_ (_pointing at him_).

Ruffled hair requires, I ween,
Something in the brilliantine