Original subtitles

Couldn't you sleep?

I'm as well up when I wake cold.

I'll never get properly off again.

No sign of him yet.

I wasn't looking for them, I was looking at the weather.

They need their head seeing too gallivanting off to the seaside at this time of year.

I suppose Alan couldn't get the lend of it any other time.

The chap would want him for himself, I dare say.

It's to be hoped he knows what it's about, that's all.

Dora says they'll only have to pay for petrol.

They can't have a day out once in three years.

I meant the bloody contraption.

Charlie Wilkinson lost his leg on one of them things.

You care then, what happens to him?

Care?

Don't lead me on, Polly.

When did I ever lead you on?

You want to get me with them too.

I did me bit for the lad, that's all.

Punish me for it if you must.

Punish you?

I've done now, said now.

When you shut our Dora out, it's not just me you punish.

I'm seeing if I can do it with this lot on.

Right on, brilliant.

It's a bit bulky, is this lot?

Well, if you will borrow from a big gorilla-like chopper.

What else do you expect?

Where's Alan going to sit?

In front of me, of course.

You could get him in there with you.

It'd look like a bloody bell tent.

I'm not riding on pillion from choice, that owns.

It's sixty odd miles.

Do you think we'll get there?

How do you mean?

Don't think we'll get there?

Get where we're going.

Well, that's a right attitude.

I can't rightly believe it, you know.

They're going somewhere.

Go on then, tell them where, yeah?

Shut up.

Half the street are still in bed.

How about you then?

What about me?

Want a stretch?

No, no, I'll stay here.

You alright now?

No, I shouldn't have been.

You were a bit quiet earlier.

He's loving it, isn't he?

Sam?

Ah, he's well suited.

Just like...

Like the old days?

The best of them.

I'll go and see if they're ready.

Alan, are you sure you can afford it?

We're for petrol, and a bit over.

Which will be right.

Are you coming down to see them off?

No, I'll stop where I am.

I'm just off out back.

Does it belt then?

We're going 30 miles an hour, aren't we?

I'm not going 30 miles an hour.

But you can do 100.

You can go without me, I'm stopping at home.

He meant without the sidecar.

Look, I'm not built for speeding.

I don't hold with it any road.

We should be lucky if we get there.

He's admitted it, you see.

I mean at the rate we'll be going.

We can't go that fast, because the bottom might drop out.

Are we all ready then?

Yeah.

Go and buy this awful chewing gum for Mrs. Hollands here.

It's closed, it's only 7 o'clock.

Ethel?

Ma'am, you shouldn't come out like that, you'll get so cold.

We don't see much of you these days.

I've been so busy getting straight, I'll come round more when we're settled.

Is Dad still in bed?

Yes.

He'll be glad to see you too.

Will he?

You're all right, you and Alan?

Yes.

Not sorry then, that you went?

No, ma'am, I'm not sorry.

You can't say fairer than that then.

Well, what's that long face for?

They sent me out.

If you go into the top left-hand drawer in my

dresser, you might find something in a paper bag.

Your grandad's in bed, so don't make a noise.

Thanks, ma'am.

They get on, him and Alan.

Only Mrs. George, though.

He's missed ear too.

Take your hand out of that drawer.

My gran said to.

Your gran?

Yes.

Said what?

What did she say?

She said, said there'd be something in there for me.

What?

I don't know, she said.

In a bag, she said.

Spice.

Aye.

She spoils you, don't she, your gran?

Aye.

I don't spoil you, do I?

Do I spoil you then?

No, grandad, you don't spoil me.

Come on then, for a little bit dinner time.

I forgot the sandwiches.

I've got them here, come on.

You'll not be rushed.

I'll be.

I'll help myself.

My legs will not take me at their own accord, I'm stopping at home.

Where do you want him to go?

Get in front, Ethel, will you?

Get in with your aunt Ethel, you'll daughter get in the back.

Get going, ma'am, you'll get your death.

Have a good day.

Take care of him, Alan.

Aye.

Got your spice?

Grandad gave them to me.

Why don't I put him first?

Come here.

Oh, George.

They'd better not break down.

They've only got enough for petrol.

They could have gone on a trip for what it'll cost.

Nay, it'll be a change for a mini-road.

Wishing you were going with them, Polly.

I'd not be human if I didn't.

But there's now we can give up to pay for a day out, bar eating.

Why don't they let us starve and have done with it?

Oh, they might need us.

They'd put us out to grass and bloody milk us if they could.

They're off.

All right.

Do you think he saw us?

No, he wouldn't have seen before.

Come on, Ethel.

All right.

Are we trespassing?

We'd better get off in case he comes back.

Hey, I don't think he'll bother with us.

Do you know how long it is since I saw the sea?

Four years.

A day trip to Scarborough.

Of course, we haven't got there yet.

About halfway, I reckon.

Dora looks well.

Aye, she looks well.

It's all right, then.

I think it is.

You only think.

Neighbours bothering her about not being married, is it?

In her mind, they do.

She don't go out more than she can help.

Well, perhaps she likes being at home best, eh?

Maybe.

You look well on it, don't you, Rhode?

Aye.

And Sam?

I sometimes wish he were a bit more trouble.

He tries too hard.

Not like a lad.

Falls over, he said, not to cross me.

Watches me all the time.

As if I were going to vanish into thin air.

Happen that's what he wants.

Just a dead minute.

Aye.

Last years.

Never left nest.

There's a bit of shell there.

Chaffinch, see?

Grey.

Bit of pink.

Little brown blodgies.

How many would there be?

Between four and six.

So likely some of them made it, eh?

It's a chipper little bird, the chaffinch.

He likes country best.

Doesn't like cities much.

Not like sparrows.

There are plenty of chaffinches up here, Sally, while she's down.

I've been promised to lend her that rod again this year.

I'll come fishing with me, won't I?

Aye.

Chug it into Edgebottom.

Why didn't it go, do you reckon?

Too cozy, ain't a nest, Applin.

Applin, it just didn't want to go.

Come on, you two.

Time for off.

He'll have one of his own soon.

That'll warm him.

He hasn't missed a shift since I sold him.

Come on.

In the gates.

Oh,

I do like to be beside the sea Oh, I do like to be beside the sea Hey!

I didn't wake up until after they'd gone.

I wish I'd seen them.

Oh, they wouldn't want to wake you.

They'll be bringing George and Ethel back tonight.

Best part of the way they'll be now, I should think.

Do you remember that boarding house at Blackpool that we went to?

The year after me and Sid got wed.

That Mrs. Courtauld, eyes like chapel at pegs.

She thought we were living off a brush.

Tickle-tits fancied it out like that.

Might have been young Fred round to dinner.

Ah, Ruby's gone off with him to pub again.

It could have made a better job of it, you know.

Better job of what?

Who?

The Almighty.

Not a bad lad, this young Fred.

He deserved a better mother than our Ruby.

I wish I'd not told him that your Sam was off to the seaside.

Fred's never seen the sea.

I feel as if I'd taken it off him and given it to somebody else.

You can't take away from him what he's never had.

Our Edmund only saw it up the once.

On his way to France in 1917.

He was sick away, he said.

I've got his letter in my dressing table drawer.

Why do we keep such things?

I shall never see him again in this life.

I don't believe in Tupper.

You should come to church once in a while, May.

You don't try.

Oh, you have to try at it, do you?

I should have thought either it was there or it wasn't.

Like stacks.

You've got to stand up and look out a window to see stacks, May.

I bet you can smell them sitting down.

How are you managing?

Not without our Alan's money, you mean.

Oh, no worse off than you.

It's easier for two, you know it is.

I hadn't much more to bring him up on after his father died.

It's his company I miss most.

I'm sorry it were our Dora that took him from you.

Ah, so am I.

No good beating about the bush.

Still, what's done is done.

Where's your Jack?

He's upstairs reading.

Oh, it's no good asking if I can borrow your Empire News then.

Oh, you can have that with pleasure.

Here somewhere.

He's reading some of our Frank's books.

What, school books?

I don't know what he's got up there.

Don't say I told you.

He doesn't like us to know.

Spicy books.

Now, May, you know our Frank wouldn't have anything of that sort.

What's wrong with a bit of spice?

I'll bring your paper back for you, love.

Have I let her up?

Hello, Polly.

Can I come in, love?

Aye, come in, son.

A bit on the sharp side.

Bright, though.

Hello.

Is Jack in?

Aye.

Jack, it's Sol.

Where have you been hiding yourself?

Eh, you know, one thing and another.

Areeta all right?

Aye, aye, she's in fair shape, is Areeta.

We thought you'd forgotten us.

Nay, not forgotten, lass.

Not forgotten.

How's Sol?

They've sent me from welfare to see if you'll come.

Who has?

Barrett.

You said they?

Well, union committee, then.

The unions are for working men.

It's nine years since I collected a wage.

What interest have they got in me?

Nay, they just sent me to ask.

They didn't say what for.

Looking for somebody with nought to lose to fight their battles for them, are they?

Well, I've nought to lose, have I?

Choose what they want me for.

Let him tell them you've been dead nine years.

They'd know no different.

Aye, love, we're dead.

It's my penny.

Well, I saw it first.

Let's be on, then.

You wait your rush.

Let's sit a while.

How much longer are they going to be in there?

They're talking about dirt disputes, or so I've been told, any road.

Still on with that?

Well, when have they not been this last nine years?

Don't you read about it in Free Press?

It's like Argyle's that's free.

It never comes near me.

What's the latest?

Four percent and close to sealed.

My God.

I thought you'd have kept in touch, taken an interest in me.

Thought you kept in touch with me?

Well, I see them now and again.

Besides, I come down here a lot, don't I?

And I don't.

Every man to his taste.

Taste?

Is that what you thought it was?

Well, I knew it couldn't be beer.

That's what it is, though, sir.

Well, get over it.

Your dad drank this and there's a four in him.

You've sucked enough in your time and all.

Aye, well, I'd brass to pay for it.

Aye, I see.

Aye, I see.

Nay, I wonder... That's an old liar's soul.

Thou well knew why I kept away.

Well, there has been other talk, Jack.

What about me?

Well, if they'd been gone from sight, there's

not been entirely forgotten, there knows.

What sort of talk?

Well, you disgust it where you were left.

You were blacklisted and nobody did doubt about it.

They'd gone back after a long drag.

The spirit was gone.

You think I expected them to flog themselves over me?

Well, there's some that said that they should have.

Well, I wasn't one of them, sir.

Not deep down, eh?

You don't start a talk when you keep things deep down.

Oh, perhaps you start something else, though.

Can I have some more pint, Jack?

No, chopper.

How about these all?

I'll have one with the left.

Go on, Jack.

Have a pint.

Go on.

He's done to see them.

Give me a few more.

They know where they're here.

Come on, Jack.

That is nice to see, eh?

Nay, I'll let it pass.

Go on, have a pint.

Ah, thanks all the same, but nay, nay.

Look, tell them in there I couldn't wait.

Aye, but...

Jack.

I asked lad to tell you I were here.

He wouldn't know you, I suppose.

Aye, that's right, Polly.

He wouldn't have known me.

What are you doing here?

You came out when out.

Put that in your pocket.

Polly.

It's a bit I had by you didn't know about.

You can't hold your own when out in your pocket.

You're a wicked woman, Polly.

Am I?

What did I tell you when I lost work?

No more club, that's what I said.

And that's how it's been.

Only take it, Jack.

Take it, lad.

I can't get sand in my shoes.

It's all right now.

Over.

Can I go off, ma'am?

Aye.

Don't go too far, though.

Get your boots off, George.

That can go for a battle.

Flag day in Aberdeen.

It's a whole beach to ourselves.

You're welcome to it, I should think, too.

Now, come down and sit over here and I'll cuddle you warm.

I'll stop where I am.

I've a pillion where my backside is to be.

You'll not be able to go for your donkey ride, then.

Dreaming of home?

Well, the gum's all this way if this shuts the eyes.

What are you thinking about?

Clutch.

It's a bit sharp, that clutch.

Happen if I offer to do it for him, he might give us lend of it again.

Bike or clutch?

Something new, that'd be.

A day out on a clutch.

Are you hungry?

I'm working on it.

I can wait.

I think I'll go and see what Sam's up to.

I'll come with it.

Give us some more.

No.

Go on.

Hey!

Alan!

Come on, have a little seat.

Oh, you won't.

It'll be another hour yet.

I don't mind waiting.

Frank.

Ma'am.

It's you.

Every inch of me.

I'm sorry I couldn't let you know I was coming.

You've already?

No, not already.

You've lost your job?

No.

It'll happen if I don't lose me.

I've come for a chat.

With who?

Watkins.

Williams is leaving.

They'll have me back at the school if I come.

You've hardly been gone five minutes.

I've been a bit homesick, ma'am.

Homesick?

For this place?

Aye, a grown man homesick.

No wrong in that.

Oh, but to go all that way and then to come back.

Dad's not going to be pleased, is he?

He'll say he's not.

Not much seems to please him these days.

How's Dora?

No different than when I wrote.

We don't see much of her of late.

Not since she went to Galwick.

They've gone out for the day on a borrowed motorbike.

And Dad?

He's down at welfare.

Committee sent for him.

Sent for him?

Oh, it'll be something or nothing.

But it's brightened his day.

I could see when he went through that door.

They were walking straighter just for being noticed.

George!

George!

I thought I was sitting out in the yard for a minute.

Have I been off?

No, not so long.

Well, don't tell his lordship.

He'll want me to close my eyes even.

He likes to think I'm getting his money's worth.

Tell him that needs to sleep, for Bairn's sake.

Oh, that's crafty.

Aye, that'll shut him up.

Eh, I don't know what I'll do if it's the last.

He's set his heart on a lad.

Look at him with you and Sam.

It'll not matter when time comes.

Didn't for Jack Barraclough.

She was the one he'd set his heart on, all right.

She took it badly going to get him.

She did it, though.

Aye, she did it.

She looked dead when she came back home after Harry Wilson left her.

Got life in her now.

Take credit for it.

I shall not want back on shift tomorrow.

Yon clock goes round a bit, don't it?

Aye, one of the fastest clocks in these parts is Yon.

It's famous for it.

What are they licking at in here?

Don't ask me.

I'm not on Chequemain's committee.

I just run errands for him.

I thought it was the union meeting.

No, they've just got use of rum, that's all.

It's advice they want.

What on?

Jack was sportsman for the men when the agreement was signed in 28.

The one that allowed us 7% dirt.

Happened it'll want the memories stirring.

It'll be that young Barrett.

He'd be in nappage with that we're going on.

Won't he be down in the union minutes, all that lot?

Jackie Clark was secretary then.

They chose him because he could write fast.

But he was the only one that could read them.

Never occurred to nobody that somebody else would want to read them someday.

I'll send for Jackie, then.

They'd have a bloody long way to send.

He went off down Kentway.

He was killed in a fire last April.

I didn't know that myself.

Didn't even know he'd left.

He was out of a job, like me.

You'll find us in one of three places.

The house, the regent room, a lot of labour.

Three stops on the road to the cemetery.

Our billy were in last night.

Cushing and Blinding.

It's a mucky seam.

Who put dirt there, he says.

We didn't.

And we haven't to shovel more than 7%, whether it's thickweight or not.

Eight tubs a day to get the seven and sixpence.

And it's hard coal and all.

What with Adam Buck, he never gets anywhere near decent average.

And they reckon on 12 tubs a day and above, could he?

And bug dust to shift.

Management agree to take that on?

They never bloody have done.

It's a vale of bloody tears, that skeleton.

Three miles travelling to face.

Hard coal, great pans of moat.

Seven hours or more at it.

Three miles travelling back and seven and a tan a day to cop for it.

It's better than holding the cap in labour, sir.

It's a poor lookout, Jack.

Splendid shoves in more than 7%, or 10, come to that.

Aye, I'll lose a good slice of the wages when they're frowned out.

I was short on a tub at the end of a hard day.

You see a bit of dirt, Andy.

What would that do?

Humour, aren't we?

Aye, but we're not supposed to be at the seas.

Aye, if we were penalised on that one tub, I could understand it, Adam.

But it's me and three others in every tub we fill.

Sometimes I wonder why we'd bother paying a

check, when it's just someone else to come off.

He's there to see fair play.

He earns his brass if he's out about him.

Oh, they make no bloody allowance.

They moan about the amount of coal coming out, the amount of dust in it.

It riles Fawcett, that 7% down those.

It's the owner, Murchin.

Fawcett's just his errand lad.

We got that agreement off Colonel George, the old owner.

I refused to take less.

I stood up in that room upstairs and I spoke and they listened to me.

He's a bastard, Murchin.

Not that it ever shows his bloody jaw.

Aye, one of us gone wrong.

Worked for the Pete team wigging as a lad.

His dad were a banksman.

There's no worse than one of us gone wrong.

Jack Barraclough.

Aye.

Come in, lad.

Sorry we've kept you hanging round.

Rook your heads, here we go.

That coming on?

Coming on?

How long did you say?

Halfway.

What's halfway?

Two into nine.

Two into nine won't go.

Four and a half months, you fool.

It's a long wait.

And the watch pot never boils.

That's blushing.

The sun's watching.

Can't feel it move.

No, I can't feel it move.

Tip over.

I was listening.

Oh, aye.

I reckon it'll be triplets.

Oh, not twins, eh?

Triplets, is it?

No, I could tell, miss, when I tapped you.

What could you hear?

I heard this little voice, and it said...

Which of you two little boogers just hit me?

Whose idea was this?

What are we doing when the sun was shining?

Ethel's keeping her eyes open, so is George.

He'll get his money's worth.

You getting your money's worth?

Me?

You know, what me dad said, that I went with you to be kept.

Nay, Dora.

He was right, wasn't he?

Nay.

Have I been value?

You're not to talk like that.

Have I?

Don't spoil, Dora.

Spoil what?

Today is day out.

Don't spoil it.

I don't mean to.

I thought you ought to be... contented at first.

Contented?

Aye.

You don't value yourself for much, do you?

You've been like it for weeks.

Like what?

Up and down.

Is that really all you want of me?

That I should be contented?

For now, I think.

Well, I'm contented.

Happy.

I should be, if you meant it.

Well, I don't mean it.

I am... I'm... I'm more... more than contented.

Why, then?

Why have I been a moody madam?

If you like, aye.

Because I... because I always have been and I always will be, I suppose.

Because I can't cope with things like some people.

Things?

No, you're right.

I mean, not to spoil it.

We won't be back here for a while.

And I am... more than contented.

Do you believe me?

Aye.

I believe you.

But George's not going to be contented with you because you've forgotten his flags.

I'll... I'll nip back to that shop.

Well, go on, then.

I'll not run away.

What is it, Salt?

I'll have a pint, lad.

We've turned the corner?

Aye.

I'm in work, Salt.

Aye.

Then you're another old bugger.

Well, I weren't empowered to say, were I?

Aye, we've turned bloody corner.

Aye, and the first thing that's come across is my bloody pint.

There, get it down there, lad.

The brothers where that come from.

Let's back with that, shanks.

Frank, Frank Bartleff, is it?

Are you looking for your dad?

Aye, he's not here, then?

No, he's just out backing for you, lad.

He's had one or two, but he's late.

Do you want me to sign you in?

No, no, I just called by.

He doesn't know I'm back yet.

Well, you've just come back to see him, have you?

He's right, is he?

Oh, aye.

Upright, any road.

Despite he's been celebrating, he's in work.

Work?

At Skeleton?

Aye, only paid by the men.

Men have voted him check wingman, while Harry Daniels is backing up.

His missus died, and he's going to live with his lass over on the way.

You've got to go and vote, did you, Dad?

Work?

Not this highways, has it?

Aye, it's been now nine years.

Aye, even a lot more.

Trouble was, your Dad said too much.

Men would have put him up for the job before, but they knew it'd be a waste of time.

Why's that?

Well, mate him would never have agreed to your Dad.

Not at that time, any road.

There could have been a court case, mind.

But last one dragged on two years.

But now he's agreed?

Ah, so it seems.

He must think sting's going out of Jack's tail.

Anyway, your Dad's in work.

Let him hang on to it.

Let somebody else do it, shout him.

He did his stint nine years ago, when we were up against the old ornery.

That's come.

I've been sick.

Flu.

I'll be back tomorrow week.

Flu, eh?

Time off for flu, that's got to bob his job.

I don't like some, eh?

I've told him, Jack.

I've told him.

That's been home to the man.

Aye.

I should have gone straight and told her.

We'll go and tell her now, shall we?

Aye.

We shall go and we shall tell her.

Aye.

I'll tell her, Jack.

I'll tell her.

Come on, thistle!

No, no, I'm not.

Come on.

No, no.

Come on.

Ow!

Ow!

I'll take things.

Right.

Can you manage that?

Yeah.

See you at the bar, Callum.

Ah.

Great.

Shall I bury this and take it with us?

No, take it with us.

Ah.

Well, we've a good hour before dark.

It is better to go now.

It's a long drag for such a short stop like this.

The day trip's from Wakefield.

We shall come again.

All being well.

No use crying over spilt milk.

No spilt years.

Now, when you look at that... I'm a nowt compared to that.

It'll be better for him.

Will it?

If it's not, we've kept it all going for nowt.

I'll call him.

Sam!

Sam, we're going now!

Did I ever take thee to where the mother was born?

No.

I'll take thee, won't I?

Then I can see what poverty was.

To Lieutenant Rowe.

Don't say out me.

About what?

That you heard from Walter.

That you told me.

Well, he's only got a job, lass.

He's not one to Irish sweep.

They'll be pleased as punch down in little Moscow.

Pleased about what?

About your Jack being back in to swim.

He's a big following down there in to old days.

He's not a communist, me.

Well, he's never said as much to me.

He thinks nowt to Ramsey MacDonald.

I know that.

There you are, then.

Thinks a damn sight less of Stanley Baldwin and that lot.

It doesn't make him a communist.

It doesn't make him a strict and particular Baptist, neither.

They know their own down in little Moscow.

Your dinner's been in toffin for three hours.

You cooked it for me, did you?

Hey, that'll be the day, lad.

Them that does cooking has the right to complain.

They may have the right.

That's two different things, isn't it?

If I'd closed me eyes and took a deep breath,

I could think I was in tap room, I reckon.

You'd feel at home, then.

Oh, a nod's as good as a wink.

See you later, Polly.

Small wanderer Sid turned up his toes afore his time.

Now, Jack.

I've spent up.

I didn't give it you to put in Yorkshire penny.

Six pints and a jill.

Money down drain, you'd have said at one time.

So it is.

Aye, it is.

I don't dispute it.

But time comes, Polly.

Time comes.

So it seems.

I shall not make a practice of it.

No.

We shall go on as we are.

Aye.

You know, don't you?

Aye, I know.

I wanted to tell you, Miss Sam.

No matter.

Good news is good.

Choose who brings it.

Sit at table.

Aye.

And thee.

Aye.

It's like a mutton.

Oh.

And onions.

Oh.

Aye, that's what it is.

Oh.

Hey, do you think they've got them, whatever's in them trees?

Well, they didn't have to go there.

It's only us.

Where did he say we were?

It's about ten more miles, he said.

Is he asleep, Sam?

Aye, he's fast off.

I can wake him if you're desperate.

Look, if I were to get out, I'd never get back in the car.

I think they built me in when they made it, the size I am.

How much longer will it be?

Oh, about half an hour, I should think.

Oh, God, half an hour!

When are you due?

And don't you start.

He asks me five times a day.

And ten on Sundays.

What about you?

I'm not wed, am I?

You take the bread knife to bed with you, do you?

No.

Well, I thought up when you didn't.

We shall be wed when I get my divorce.

Will you get a divorce?

Of course.

Are you sure?

Look, Harry can't marry her till I divorce him.

You're married to Alan already in your mind, aren't you?

Isn't that what counts?

What should count, huh?

There are more bastards born in wedlock than out.

Is there?

I could name you a few.

It's us, isn't it?

You point the finger.

You know, Jesse Cranwick's little lad, Arthur.

Well, I've said it myself, I've said poor

little Arthur, I've said born out of wedlock.

But I'll make him poor little Arthur by saying that.

Yeah, we're all a bit two-faced when it comes down to it.

Until it happens to us.

Aye, until it happens to us.

Are you afraid of the dark, George?

You call yourself a collier?

Just thought it was time we were off, that's all.

Slept it off.

What time is it?

Eight o'clock, near enough.

Where's our Frank?

Upstairs.

I'll go.

Molly?

Come in, Toby.

Jack?

It's thee, is it?

Brought bad news with thee?

Now, Jack, why should he bring bad news?

I've never known him bring out else, ever, Toby.

Is none of my making?

Aye, I give thee that.

That not a make, that a bringer.

Well, what has the brought this time?

Might as well let us know the worst.

I'll lay two to one on it, am I right?

Well, it's not good.

What did I tell you?

Let's have it then.

Thou know's I've seen solicitor for Dora for divorce.

Aye.

They wrote to Harry in Carnegie.

He'd gone.

Gone?

Gone from the address he sent me.

What about the woman?

She's gone too, as far as I know.

What'll they do now, then?

I don't see as out they can do, unless they find him.

Doesn't he want to marry her, the woman?

Doesn't he want a divorce?

Does he want to raise bastards?

Jack!

Does he want a divorce?

I wouldn't know that, would I, Jack?

Well, thou know's the position she's in.

What's she to do if she can't get hold of him?

I asked them that.

They say I could tax seven years.

Seven years?

To presume him dead.

He's different already.

Aye, he's talking about standing for union again next June.

That's what you'd expect of him.

Does it worry you?

Worry?

Well, Saul thinks he should be content with a job.

Saul always did.

And you?

Nine years of us lives they took.

I can't take much more.

Did he tell you why they'd given him a job?

Only that he'd been nominated and voted in.

I've only one wish.

That it could have happened earlier than it has done.

Why now?

Why now?

Why not now?

I don't know.

What don't you know?

Saul says they would have had him back before, but

the management has to agree to the men's choice.

Why now if they wouldn't have him back before?

What's special about now?

Don't say things like that, Frank.

Don't put a cloud over it.

I'm sorry, it's nothing.

Except what I've inherited from him.

Inherited what?

A suspicious mind.

Polly, they've come.

I'll go out to them.

I'll come with you.

Frank.

Let him on his own a bit.

I'm off out back.

Let's just get my hand under his legs.

Oh, I can wake him if you like.

I can manage.

I'll take him.

Give him here.

Alan, is that you?

I'll just go and see my mum.

I've come to say a word to thee.

Shall I take him upstairs?

Aye, he can sleep on our bed.

No, he's school tomorrow.

He's not had his tea either, it's early yet.

Well, put him down here then.

I'll go and get us something to eat.

Well then.

He is just a lad, you see.

Aye.

You've always seen him as his father in flesh, haven't you?

I don't know what you mean, Dory.

No matter.

Have you had a good day?

Aye, we had a good day.

It's ten years since I saw the sea.

It's still there.

I shall be able to take your mother now, all in good time.

Now?

I've got work.

They voted me in, Czech Weyman.

They remembered me.

First chance they had, they voted me in.

Thank God!

There's a home for you, for the lad, for both of you.

Whenever you've a mind.

Oh, don't spoil it, Dad.

Oh, I'm glad.

I'm so glad for you and for ma'am.

Don't spoil it.

I said there's a home for you.

We can be a proud family again.

What's to spoil?

I'm a man again.

I shall stand for the union and I shall be listened to.

And who will you listen to, Dad?

Not to me.

You've never listened to me, have you?

I've always listened to you, Dora.

No, you haven't.

Never.

You just listened to someone inside your head you thought was me.

You never stop to listen, Dad.

You're like the tide.

You roll in and drown us all.

Dad, I'm happy.

You're awake, little lad.

I'm happy in my sin, if you like.

Don't you want me to be happy?

You're awake.

But I'm happy and it's all going to be so grand for us now.

For you and ma'am and me.

But don't drown me, Dad.

Don't say there's a home for me here when I've got the one I want.

Listen to me, Dad.

Look, he's taken my lad in, but he wants one of his own.

He's never said so, never, but I know it.

And the divorce will go through.

And if it's a week or a month or two after before we can wed, it doesn't matter to

him or to me or doesn't need to matter to anybody if you just listen to me, Dad.

After?

You said after.

After what?

It's happened like you said.

You were right.

I'm pregnant.

I've his child inside me.

Ma'am!

Ma'am, I can hear the sea!

I can hear the sea!