MORNING SERIAL

DON’T let Bull Jackson, Reg Bowen and the rest of them feel they’ve broken you in.” Frank spoke softly, each word measured carefully. There was no anger, no reproach.

“You think of Bull and his pals as cowards and bullies. Yes, I would call them bullies, too. But really it’s a kind of self-defence, a bravado they show to the rest of the men. They want to appear tough and be able to take things on the chin. But they’re not cowards, Ieuan. Not really. They seem unjust and cruel because conditions have made them appear so. Remember this, my boy, all the men in the foundry have been through the same as you. They suffered, even as you have. They protested and fought, just as you fought. But they kept on fighting, and that’s what you must do. Not with your fists, but with that inner courage which I know you have.

Don’t hate your fellow workers, Ieuan. In time you’ll see that Bull and those you hate now will grow up to realize the injustices that they, too, have suffered. And they’ll band together to fight these wrongs. Oh yes, they’ll fight all right. I have faith in them.

It’s a long fight, Ieuan, and there’s no room in it for anyone who pities himself. It’s a fight against injustice everywhere, in the foundries, in the steel mills, the coal mines and the factories. A fight which is eventually carried on outside in the battle of life, which means a fight against war and all oppression. And in this fight, Ieuan, great heroes are made.

They wear no medals, and there’s no waving of banners, no drums beating, no brass band to lead them in a fine procession. Not even a crowd to cheer them on their way.” Frank took the book from Ieuan’s hands.

“Jack London was one of those heroes,” he said quietly as he replaced it in the shelf. “And that’s the basis of my admiration for him. He was always ready to reach out to help his fellowman. And he did it not only through the enlightenment he gave to the countless thousands who read his books, but by practical means as well. Read about him, Ieuan, and you’ll come to respect him even as I have …. As for the foundry, don’t let it beat you. You have ambitions, and,” Frank smiled, “well, Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know.”