Maybe not, but it won’t cost much to try. I thought I might try to meet Ellen Wilkinson.

I know Ellen Wilkinson—

You don’t.

Well no, but I know her views, and she won’t be interested in something so remote and unwinnable. Listen, Ambrose, there are three Englishmen amongst the prisoners. Focus on the Englishmen – no, listen. No one cares about the Indians. It pains me to say it, but it’s the truth. Concentrate your campaign on bringing the English home. Appeal to their chauvinism – you’ll find it in abundance.

*

Were you here in ninety-two?

I thought I recognized you. How d’you do? I’m Philip.

Fred. I was a drayman then.

That’s right. You formed a union.

Much good it did us. Still – worth making a stand.

Did you find something else?

Eventually, with the drysalter’s in Bermondsey. I live over that way now. Not everyone was so lucky.

*

The opiate of the masses – think about it. Doesn’t have to be religion. Any opiate will do. What are the opiates round here?

*

Do you remember the blacksmith?

Who could forget him? He was like Hercules.

Hephaestus, you mean.

Both.

Well, he’s alive, you know, and living in Rochford – nearly ninety and fit as a fiddle! Takes a turn around the village every day. I think he’ll make a century.

I was never afraid of anything, so long as I was stood behind him. Always made sure I was.

Do you remember his roar?

And the way he looked at the horses – like he could mesmerize them at a stroke. I believe he could.

He was the size of ten men. And his strength!

I never saw anything like it.

*

Seen any good films lately, Councillor Pittam?

Oh I have, lad. Yes I have. I saw Blackmail the other day.

Did you really?

Went up to town to see it.

Is it worth seeing? I’ve a half day Saturday.

Here’s ninepence. Buy yourself a ticket.

*

Mrs Barker—

I am not Mrs Barker. We are not married. You may call me Ella, or Comrade.

Comrade Ella, did you vote in the elections?

No, but I’m glad that those who wanted to were able to.

My sisters and I all turned out for Mr Brockway, and my mother too. I think he’s going to be a great support in Parliament.

*

Well, Pittam here’s a Liberal still. It’s not that he hasn’t seen the light, he just prefers to wear dark glasses, like those movie stars he’s so fond of.

I’m not persuaded that the Labour group has the might to stand up to the Tories – no, not even in government. And I’m too old to wait for the revolution.

I think of him as a Liberal Communist.

*