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“I only did what needed to be done.”
“No one else from the bank felt the same way you did.”
“That is most unfortunate, and I do apologize for that.”
“You have nothing to apologize for,” Burke said. “I am just glad you have witnessed how callous the bankers are towards the coal miners.”
“I believe I’d already discovered that fact, but their actions today did solidify it in my mind.”
Burke nodded in approval. “How is your report going?”
“I am working on it, but I just want to be as accurate as possible,” Guy remarked. “I’m hoping my report will result in change for the coal miners.”
“Even if the bank does change some of their safety precautions, it won’t change what will happen at the next colliery.”
“That is true, but it is a start,” Guy said. “Any worthwhile journey begins with a step in the right direction.”
Burke leaned closer to him and lowered his voice. “We are hoping to unite the trade unions for the coal mines.”
“That is quite a feat,” Guy responded. “There are hundreds of collieries in England.”
“That is true, but we are focusing on the ones from here to London,” Burke revealed. “No one will take one trade union seriously, but if we unite with the other six collieries’ unions, we can’t be ignored.”
“You could all be arrested,” Guy pointed out.
“Our numbers would be too great,” Burke said. “We have spoken to the workers, and they all agree that we need to strike to enact change.”
“You intend to strike?”
Burke nodded. “Not just us,” he replied, “but all the workers from the other six collieries, as well.”
“That would be a very costly strike for the owners.”
“It would, and that will be the perfect opportunity to negotiate our terms for the workers.”
Guy shifted on the hard bench. “What will be your terms?”
“We are tired of people dying,” Burke said. “We want to limit the hours they are down in the pit and provide better housing for them.”
“Is that all?”
Burke shook his head. “We also believe they should be paid more for their work.”
Guy eyed him curiously. “Why do you care so much about these workers?” he asked. “You are risking being arrested, and possibly deported, for being involved in a trade union.”
“Because it is the right thing to do,” Burke replied, maintaining his gaze. “I was one of the lucky ones who got out of the colliery, but others are enduring horrid hardships just to ensure they don’t starve.”
“I think it is admirable what you are trying to accomplish, but the leaders of these trade unions will be rooted out and arrested after you stage the strike.”
“That is a risk we are willing to take.”
Guy gave him a weak smile. “You are a good man, but I fear your conscience will get you into trouble.”
“Not if we proceed cautiously,” Burke said. “So far, we have been mindful to avoid detection from the constables.”
Guy started to feel bad for Burke, who was entirely too trusting. He had no idea that he was sitting across from an agent of the Crown right now. With just one word to the constable, Guy could have Burke and his co-conspirators locked up for the remainder of their days.
“How do you communicate between these unions at the other collieries?” Guy asked.
