Original subtitles

Great.

That's it.

A little more than that.

Aye, but bike'll not.

I'll take it down on me back.

Nay, thou'lt not.

I shall.

I said I'll take it down.

I said thou'lt not.

Where did thou leave bike?

Back along the track.

Now neither you snow on him, and get him fashioned.

Leave him be, can't they?

His mind's up the hill these days.

Aye, and the knows why.

If thou'lt want sir to rest, if thou'lt want sir to rest, I'll treat him right.

They're stopping meals at St John's Mission.

Who told you?

Percy.

He says they can't get the stuff out of the shopkeepers any more.

He says they never expected anything more

than six months after the pit closed anyway.

Aye, six months, and no money coming into place.

Traders that give haven't got, and them that don't want to pretend they've run dry.

There'll be a meal to find for Sam every day then.

I wish he'll manage better than most.

Suppose you decided you wanted to get wed.

I've shown no signs of her.

You can't stop fastened to your mother's apron strings all your life, you know.

Where is Sam?

Gone cool picking with Alan and your dad.

I was going to ask if Alan would rather he stopped here.

Well he does, all but sleep.

It'd only be more off you.

Alan gets a lout for him.

What does he get for the baby?

I don't know.

Precious little, I'll bet.

If it didn't have me and Eileen do him without for it.

It did have you.

I saved my bit of effort for Sam.

Is he no better at school?

No.

You used to give him lessons at home before our daughter died.

I can't get him to much any more ma'am.

He was only pretending to try before.

He makes no bones about it now on at school.

He does badly on purpose.

You'd think he was trying to prove something to me.

Can't you talk to him?

I've tried ma'am.

He'd be better at another school probably.

He sees me in school than out.

Well I wouldn't have him at could he even if he could manage the fares.

I promised his mother.

I feel as if I'm letting her down.

We do what we can.

We do what King's was telling me.

For, well, for needy lads.

A charity school?

For orphans?

Yeah, I suppose it is.

Dad jumped on that.

He didn't fancy that bit at all.

You told him?

I didn't get much in past the charity bit.

What's it like?

It's got a good name what King said.

The Vicar of North Skeleton's a subscriber.

You've got to know subscribers to get in.

Young Tad Dawson went there when his mother died.

Where is it then?

Somewhere to the side of Tadcaster.

Well he couldn't go all that way.

It's a boarding school ma'am.

His mother had turned him at grave.

It'd be different if he got her to come back to.

It'd feel we were giving him away.

Well maybe it wasn't such a good idea.

It's just that if he's got nothing to give he's

not going to get a chance to show it is he?

The way things are.

Have you spoken to Alan?

What can Alan do?

No work, two kids to support and his mother and Eileen Brady to watch out for.

What's the future when you're in a fix like that?

You just stagger on from day to day.

You know that if anyone does.

He's not got over our Dora yet Alan.

Give him time.

I mean to look as if he's living in this world.

I don't know what time will do for him.

The way he felt about her.

Cures most things for most of us.

If we let it.

Which one is your late sister's baby?

Him.

Leslie.

You couldn't tell to look could you?

Silly bitch.

What's it with you?

You couldn't tell could you she says.

To look she says.

She must be blind.

Any ear bit could tell a lad from an arse couldn't they?

I couldn't.

They couldn't eh?

Except as I know.

The knows what?

I know that's all.

Ethel.

I'm in here.

I'll not come no further.

I'm muckied up.

You called picking?

Aye.

No joke.

Aye, just taking a night at Pram.

Yours and ours.

I'm leaving Ethel.

Leaving?

Aye I'm leaving.

I'm off away.

Where?

I don't know.

Edford South I reckon.

You're looking for work?

Aye.

Now what about young Leslie?

Ah well me mam does for him any road.

And Sam?

Aye well that's what I wondered.

Can you and George take him in?

Only for sleeping like.

There's not room won't me mam's be right?

Eileen's stopping for good is she?

Where else can she go?

Can you take him then?

Aye I will take him.

Thanks Ethel.

You can't sleep at Polly's.

There one more thing to ask of there Frank.

We'll give Polly whatever the assistance gives us.

I don't know when I'll be back.

Depends on what I find.

It's all milk and honey down there by the sea.

Not for the likes of us.

Make your fortune that one.

Nay I know me prospects.

What have you told your mam?

I'm telling her now.

When you off then?

Monday when the lorries get back up road.

At least you'll be going somewhere.

I'll go and tell me mam.

Thanks Ethel.

You're welcome.

Hey up.

They're outside in pram.

Where have you been?

Pitfields.

Taking paddling did you?

Paddling in sluts were you?

Look at them boots.

I'm chucking them on the table.

It's all clean and waiting.

All right then I will.

What will you do if I did?

Try it and find out.

Give us a kiss.

I'll take them into scullery will you?

I'll clean up where I've been.

I'll get a cloth.

Just go on out will you.

What for?

I'm sick of you.

You mean that don't you?

Yeah I mean it.

What's happened?

What have I done?

No you've done nought.

Nought at all.

Day after day, week in week out you've done nought.

Just leave me alone for a bit.

I might have covered these smelly socks up.

What's it to thee?

Oh I had a teeth in thee I see.

Let me be.

Shut up will you.

Whose bag was it?

Half mine and half Jack's.

I've got a good lot in there now.

We shall not want for coal.

Can I talk with you mum?

I can't see anybody stopping you.

I've not made me bed yet.

I've made it.

There's nothing it can say to me.

It's too private for you.

We don't lead them sort of lives do we Alan?

We're not private.

I'm going away mum.

Oh yes?

I'm off down south.

See if I can find work.

Andy Jordan's lad did that.

Back inside a month.

Skin and bone.

Sam's going to sleep at Ethel's.

I've told Harry says they can have the house back on Monday.

It's paid up till then.

How do you manage that?

I sell furniture to arsons.

I see.

You'll be leaving Leslie with me then?

Isn't that what you want me to do?

You could have asked.

I'm asking now.

Substance choice at this stage isn't it?

What can I say but yes.

Well if you don't want to.

Don't insult me as well Alan.

I'll be able to leave you the bit of money.

I shall not refuse it.

So it's alright then?

Looks if it'll have to be doesn't it?

Go and take the bike back.

There's something else you can do before you go.

You can go and get those things of Eileen's that you still haven't got from Mrs.

Ollens.

Oh no Mae they're just a few little bits.

I'm sorry I forgot.

I don't go for what I'd say.

She won't ask.

Don't look as Mrs. H is going to bring them.

I'll go now.

Too hard on him Mae.

You can lard folks with sympathy so they just want

to lay there and soak and never get up on their feet.

He's gone away to look for a job isn't he?

Going away or running away?

Well what's there to stay for in a mucky old light skeleton?

What pleasure is there or work even?

You'll not get work.

He might.

There's something he needs more than work even our Alan.

He needs to face facts.

He's brought a life into this world, that's fact number one.

Dora Wilson is dead and gone and life goes on, that's fact number two.

There's a woman willing to wed him, give him a life and take

care of his love child and what does he do if runs away?

Mae, I can't tell him I'm willing.

You don't have to.

He knows it.

Aye, he does.

Can he go Jack?

Where did they say it was?

Headingly Lido.

There's boats and a water chute and donkeys.

Donkeys?

Oh aye there's donkeys, there's everything.

Everything eh?

I didn't know there was such a place in the world where there was everything.

Alright is it Jack?

He can go.

Come into the scullery and get that face washed.

Won't take long.

I wouldn't care to take the rest I suppose.

Rest?

There's twenty or thirty kids up the road that have never seen a donkey.

I saw one once on Blackpool Sands.

I thought nope do it.

But then I wasn't a lad.

That doesn't play a fair game does it Toby?

Fair?

Kids are like donkeys.

They dangle a carrot in front of them and they're after it.

Aye and grown men and all.

We thought we'd get her on the nose.

Car?

Oh aye, I'd forgotten about the car.

It'll still be in one piece I suppose.

They're not used to cars round here them.

Might think it worth your chucking bricks at.

Well I'd best go see.

Nay that's right.

George will come and tell you if they do.

Mrs. bought it for me.

So they could take her out?

Aye and for business of course.

There's not much business going on round here Toby.

Leave it in main road next time there comes.

It'll make trouble for Polly else.

For Polly?

It's women.

There's not so much jealousy it.

It creates a feeling.

It makes us different.

Not a crime to be different Jack.

It's something we can't afford.

We're all in same boat round here Toby.

We can just about keep afloat while we're in it.

Outside there's no but misery.

Do as I say for the lad's sake and all.

Aye well I will come into that.

The answer's no.

They might let me say my piece.

They can't have him.

He'll save their breath who knows why.

I made a bad job of our Harry.

I know that.

That's again me.

In part.

I've noticed he's not turned up yet.

No.

Nor will he.

I knows he wrote and asked me for his fare.

I didn't send it him.

No I didn't.

When your Dora died.

I wrote and told him he could learn to stand on his own two feet for once.

I'm not blind to what I've done wrong in past Jack.

It's not so much thee Toby.

It's her.

She'll ruin him.

And I know she will.

That's not got her under control lad.

I'll fought her over that money Jack.

And suffered for it I'll bet.

And I'll fight her over lad too.

Your life would be a misery man.

Well I'm willing.

Well I'm not so that's an end to it.

It's ready.

Ah well best be off then.

Right.

Well say goodbye to you Grandad and off you go then.

Bye Grandad.

Be heathen son.

I'll see him safe back.

It's going to be a gradely day at Eddingley Lido.

I'll tell thee what.

Before we pick up your Granny Margaret.

I'll take you for a little run.

We'll go up back a cuddy.

There's some rabbits up there.

What did Toby have to say?

Who knows what Toby had to say.

They could do more for him than we ever could Jack.

They'd not have said that six months back.

Things were different six months back.

I'm off out back.

Your things for Mrs. Hollands.

Thanks.

Says she owes you this and no hard feelings.

Oh she didn't mean to give me money.

It wasn't her I left for.

She might have brought these round though.

She knew I couldn't go back with him in the house.

The way he behaved to me.

They were out of sight upstairs in the drawer.

I reckon she forgot too.

Sorry you had to walk through the streets with them.

That mended my pants.

Fair exchange.

Well I'll give this to me mam when I'm gone.

It's what I got for furniture.

Why don't you give it her yourself?

Because she'd not take it for all she says otherwise.

What about you?

I've what I need.

I'm not waiting well Monday.

I'll be gone by morning.

Why?

It's better time.

Any road once you've made your mind up.

Easy was it to make your mind up?

No.

No I've never been away before.

And then there's the lad.

Leslie.

Aye.

I couldn't leave him if you were mine.

I'm leaving him cared for that's what counts.

He'll not notice all you women round him.

It's her mother.

Her mother they need most.

I didn't mean him.

I meant you.

What do you feel for him?

I've had my slice of life.

You can't have your cake and eat it.

It's when he grows he'll need me.

He's got clothes on his back and food in his belly.

I'm off to learn another trade if I'm able.

Try and do what's left for me to do.

Provide.

Eileen.

George.

George.

That's off then.

Who told you you were off?

Ethel.

Eileen.

Where did you put clean nappies love?

Oh I'll come up.

Off south then are you?

Not much point in going bloody north.

Most of them's worse off than we are.

On train?

What's I want George?

Jam on it.

Shanks his pony and hitch a lift if I'm lucky.

Sleep where I can.

Eat when I can.

That's a bloody rough prospect Alan.

Can't be much rougher than this lad.

There's never been off before has there?

No, no I've not.

Me neither.

No wanted to.

It's not always what you want though is it?

When you off?

Tomorrow.

Early.

For all it's laid.

Can I come with thee?

Thee?

Aye.

Can I come with thee?

Sam's silver jubilee mug.

He got it at the park yesterday.

A mug and a bag of buns.

Did you see Beacon and Martyn Hill last night?

I've not left home have I?

You can't see Martyn from here for the stacks.

Paper's full of it I suppose.

It'd be a wonder if it was.

It's over a week old.

I've just been reading this obituary or a salvation depending on how you look at it.

Ours?

Adolf Hitler signed a new conscription law aye and summertime started.

Did we remember to put clock back?

After I was late at school.

Still he gave Sam an alibi.

That'll get me there won't it?

In what Dad?

I don't know.

Sam's schooling.

Dad thinks I should have let him go to Toby doesn't he?

Toby could pay for him that's all.

No other reason.

You think that's right being paid for?

No but I wouldn't ask Sam to suffer to uphold any beliefs I've got.

It's not as if he's had a fair start is it?

Who gets a fair start?

I did compared to most.

You think I'm doing it for principle do you?

Aren't you?

If that's what you think you know naught about it.

It's what he's going to that sickens me.

They'll ruin him here in Toby.

They'll fawn on him and ruin him.

Don't you think he could maybe stand a bit of that?

He gets cared for doesn't he?

Aye.

Well then.

If I'd lost you a man when I was his age... Would spoiling make up for that?

I didn't mean that part of it.

He's got the intelligence to get on Dad if it takes money to give him the chance.

If he's got brains let him use them.

You had the brains.

What did you do?

I was born at a worse time than they.

I wasn't allowed.

Aye then allow him.

That tongue of his has got a wicked edge to it I'm off out.

That's how I see it Dad.

Well I see it different.

I'll come with you I've had enough of thee for an hour or two.

That's a student of history.

Cast the eyes over that.

See what that makes to it.

I allowed thee didn't I?

To use the bit of brain.

You'll put that lot back when you've done you know.

Oh well I will won't I when I've done?

I've not done have I?

I'm not here to clear up after you.

I never said your word.

I said I'd put them all back.

You've more spare time than I have.

I said I'd put them all back didn't I?

That's my last word.

What's yours?

Because you'll have it won't you?

What are you looking for anyway?

This.

And I've done them jobs you've been hunting on about.

What jobs?

Call all snack and castor on bed.

Silent night.

I asked you to do them last Christmas.

I will have done them.

Silent night.

As you do them last Christmas.

Aye and every day since.

What is it you're looking for innit Rude?

Be some bloody quiet.

You'll put them all back when you've done you know George.

Sick of the sound of thee George.

Won't be sorry they said that.

Won't be sorry when I've gone.

Hello lad.

What are they doing up here?

Who's they digging that for?

I only fill them in these days.

They split the job so they wouldn't have to sack me.

Not like him down there.

Who is it?

Stan Bates.

He were under manager at Warren House when we started as lads.

Remember?

Bully Bates.

Did he die then?

I hope so.

If he didn't he won't be too happy down there.

Is he in then?

The Reverend of the Almighty.

You know what I mean.

You'll find him potting about somewhere.

What did you want him for Jack?

I said what did you want him for Jack?

Jack?

Jack?

Eh?

You'll find him over there if you want him.

I want to work with you sometime.

I'll come round to your house.

Alright.

Alright then.

Who's the bloody manager now eh?

Who's the manager now Stanley?

The Gardside School.

Yes Mr. Barraclough.

They told me you'd know about it.

Who told you?

My lad Frank Barraclough.

He works at South Skellington.

The headmaster told him about it.

Mr. Watkins?

I don't know him.

Oh yes I remember.

Young lad called Tad Dawson.

Both parents died.

We got him in there.

It's my grandson I've come for.

Some.

You're his guardian?

Aye you could say that.

I took the service for your daughter didn't I?

I remember.

You did?

We're not see of her here.

Our daughter was though.

She married into us.

We were Gospel Hall.

Were?

We've stopped from going.

Which Gospel Hall?

The one that's run by the buses.

The one you have to go to if you want work.

The one with the big congregation?

You know about that do you?

Oh yes I know.

I hope you don't think I approve.

It's closed.

They've no jobs to bribe us with.

Are you out of work yourself?

Aye I'm out of work.

Is that the problem with the boy?

It's part of it.

My lad that works at Skeleton, he says the young lad's bright.

But he'll not get to grammar school?

He'll not work.

And how many of them that will work gets the chance to go there?

Both parents dead?

His dad went off to Canada and left him.

He's still there.

He went for work?

He went with another woman.

Oh I see.

Bright but confused.

He needs taking in hand.

You think so?

I'm told it's a charity school.

And that worries you?

It's not for me it's for him.

You don't mind him being a recipient of charity then?

I mind.

Yes of course you do.

You more than most.

So that'll be held against him?

Not by me.

Must have been quite an effort for you to come here.

The school has a good name they tell me.

I believe it has.

I know only a little about it.

I get an annual report.

We got young Dawson in because I'm a subscriber through my father's will.

There's another in the parish, one of our sidesmen.

You'll need the recommendation of two subscribers to get the boy in.

You could have a word with my parishioner about the school.

He's unlikely to paint a bad picture.

He'd see it as reflecting on himself if you understand me.

He went there you see.

It has a good name for what it is my lad says so.

I take that as a read.

You'd like me to see what the prospect is then of getting your grandson in?

I'd be obliged to you.

Yes.

Very well then.

I suppose it's the old story.

Anything but the pit.

I promise my lad.

You're not a religious man are you Mr Barrowclough?

Not after gospel all I'm not.

You mustn't blame God for everything that's done in his name you know.

I'm not a clever man neither.

I'd have an answer to that if I was.

Great.

I'm here.

Your mum said I'd find you in here.

Well I'm here.

What does she want?

Eh?

Well Rita said they wanted to speak to me.

Keep the trap shut come on.

I can keep the secret never fear.

What secret?

That as they want me to keep me trap shut about.

They said they'd a map once.

A map of what?

Bloody England.

Oh aye.

I have a map.

Where to go in?

I'm off looking for work.

Where?

South Welland Deakin.

I see.

What's it like?

It's never been.

Where?

South.

Which part of South?

Well just South I suppose.

I've been to Kent.

What's it like?

Kent.

Garden of England is Kent.

Out in a pit there.

That's never been South.

Never been nowhere me.

Except fire in Scarborough.

Are they alright?

Who?

Folks down South.

Oh aye they're alright.

Bit different from us.

Where they talk and so on.

I know that.

And women.

Women?

Aye.

They've got to look out after women.

Go on.

Foreign there.

Are they?

Very foreign women in South.

Go on.

How are they foreign like?

They're well known for it.

Who says?

Some of us are known about London and so on.

Very foreign.

Don't start about it.

I used to when I were a lad.

I forgot.

They'll learn somewhat going South.

Will won't they?

Aye.

Broadens the mind.

Travel.

It does doesn't it.

Aye.

Come on.

I'll give you that map.

I'm glad I spoke to thee.

I would have been worried a full like but I feel better now I've spoke to thee.

Think now Tony lad.

What started it this time?

Me.

I started it.

Me.

I told him I was sick of the sight of him.

Which I am.

Slouching around doing nothing but prop up walls.

He's not the only one Ethel.

I didn't say he was.

Well it's not his fault.

No, no it's not.

I shouldn't have said it.

I'll not take it back though.

Well chuck a smile at him then.

You know I feel it worse when things are right with us.

Things being as they are.

I sat down at school yesterday and for five minutes I

thought about that day we had with Alan and your Dora.

You know when he borrowed a side car.

Just a few more days like that.

You reach out for something and it draws away from you.

My dad used to tease me with butterscotch when I was a lass.

I'll give you half back next week.

You're not saying so much.

What does it feel like to see your lads leave

school when you've done with them to nothing?

Ever think about that?

Yeah, I think about that.

And the others that you work with, what do they think about it?

Not much.

And what does anybody do about it?

Not much.

Not for better times.

Is that what you do?

What would you have me do?

Hey lad, you're the clever one, not me.

Not clever enough it seems.

Happen one day.

One day what?

You see it, you think about it, it marks you.

Happen one day there'll be a chance to do something.

Been to pictures lately?

Not since I came back.

I went a time or two before pit closed.

America seems a grand place.

Everybody driving about in cars.

Lovely country, lovely houses.

You should read a book called Tobacco Road.

I had it from the library, I'll give it to you.

It's about people in America worse off than us.

Well, it's not like that on pictures.

Well, it's not like this on the pictures.

Not any I've seen.

But most of us are in this pickle or worse.

Well, you don't go to pictures to see what you can see at home.

Maybe not.

Why do we go?

To be taken out of yourself.

As against being taken into yourself, you mean.

They're back.

They're coming up the street.

Now, in bloody car.

What did I tell him?

What did I tell him, eh?

It's nearly dark, Jack.

Nobody'll see him.

Ah.

There you are, you see.

Just like America.

Everyone driving about in cars.

You don't have to go to pictures to see it, you can see it at home.

You're as bad as your dad.

Don't let him dampen it for the lad.

He'll not do that, you know he won't.

He'll stop in scullery and boil.

Here we are, safe and sound.

I'll make you a pot of tea.

Oh, no, no, I can't stop.

I've got Margaret outside in car.

Er... Tell Jack I'm sorry I couldn't leave it on road.

She didn't want me to leave her on her own.

No, no, of course she didn't.

Right, bye, Polly.

Oh.

Take heart.

Bye, Grandad.

Bye, Sam.

Well, I suppose you've got a tum like an empty drum, haven't you?

I'm full.

I went to Caf, had ham, two eggs and a trifle.

You had a good time then.

I went up Watershoot and I got a coconut.

Yeah, it's been a treat then, hasn't it?

We're going again, soon, same place.

And on Sunday, we're off to Seaside again, promise me.

Mum?

George.

Good heavens.

I saw your light on.

I've just been across yard.

What are you doing up and dressed at this time?

I'm off, Mum.

Off where?

Down South, looking for work with Alan.

I see.

You've kept quiet about it, haven't you?

I only made my mind up yesterday.

Are you sure you're doing the right thing?

No, I'm not.

Why then?

Because I shall be doing something instead of out.

I shall be getting up from my backside and doing something.

What does Ethel think to it?

I left her a note.

You have not told her?

I left her a note.

Wouldn't it be better if you talked it over?

It's too late now.

I've got my travelling card from Labour.

We're off at six.

She's...

She's sick of the sight of me any road.

She said so.

I just sit there all day doing out, she says.

All day doing out.

It's not you she rails up.

Well, nobody else in the room.

You know what I mean.

I feel... out.

In myself.

As if I'm out.

Well, if I feel that, how can she not?

But she should think of the way I feel.

From where she carries on, you'd think I like being as I am.

Doing out.

It wears us all down.

That's trouble.

We turn on each other after a time.

I shall be better off out of the way.

I shall make a go of it.

I shall not come back empty-handed.

You'll help up with Babby, will you?

Aye, I'll do that.

Have you out in your pocket?

I'll give it all to her.

Couldn't ask for it back, could I?

Not at all.

I've throttles.

You can't go off with throttles on you.

Aye, I'll be right.

Put that in your pocket.

Aye, I'll not.

Do as you're told.

I shall get work.

I shall make a go of it.

Things'll be different when I come back.

Mum.

Mama.

I shall keep meself clean.

I'll not shame thee.

You've found it, then.

It's only coal, but I was afraid you might go without anything inside you.

Thanks.

Well, eat it.

You should be in bed.

It's not six yet.

You shouldn't have got off.

You woke me.

When you came to look at the baby.

Has me mam woke?

No.

No, she's asleep.

You should have left me to fend for meself.

I'm empty-handed.

I've nought to give you.

That's for now.

You deserve better.

You said that once before.

Aye.

Well, I say it again.

There's no value in it, I know.

A few words, but they're meant in a right way.

I know what damage I've done you.

I feel badly about it all me days.

We feel as we feel.

I said that to Dora once, or something like it.

She said we pray on each other and call it love.

Well, there's no going back on it, any road.

It's as it happened.

No, you can't go back in life, only for it.

You'd not go back if you could, would you?

No.

No, I'd not.

We all have a place in each other.

Even if it's not the one we want.

Right.

We're off then, are we?

Finished.

Aye.

Go and feed the pigeons, eh?

I've not what to feed them with.

They'll have to do without them, won't they?

How much?

I can get it back from the oldies for twopence.

What's that in your ear?

Twopence.

Good, come on, let's have a look.

Dad!

I'll give it their back when I've been to labour.

No, Dad.

I said I'd give it their back.

I don't want all this, they take half.

No, Dad.

I said they'd take half.

It lays heavy on my stomach if I eat too much first thing.

Did they score me mug out?

Aye, it's in scullery, I'll get it.

I'll get it.

It nags at him that we live off you, that's all.

Aye, and it nags at me because he nags, no other reason.

I lived off you for long enough, didn't I?

There's not much milk.

I don't take much milk in my tea.

I never have taken much, have I?

No, Jack.

So that doesn't have to tell me we've not got much, does there?

No, Jack.

Mum, he's gone off with Alan Deakin.

George?

He leaves me a note.

Not a whisper from him last night.

Gone looking for work, he says.

Is that all he says?

Does he say note about looking for peace and quiet?

Now, Jack... Oh, not a poly, I'm deaf to him.

I wish I were deaf to thee.

I've heard thee on at him through yon wall.

Trying to rid him of what you taught him, you mean?

Is that what you mean, master?

Thanks, Mum.

Aye, hand me a note.

He were mine, afore he were yon.

I'll know more about our George than you'll ever know.

Oh, you know more than any of us, don't you, master?

About out.

Sorry, poly.

It's maybe for the best.

Right to me, he says.

Never gone away before, has he?

From you?

From any of us?

No.

I told him I was sick of the sight of him.

We all say things we don't mean.

He thinks I blame him for not being in work.

He can't think that with eight out of ten the same road.

He's gone thinking badly about me.

He's not.

I saw him early on before he went.

I'd got up and he saw me light on.

He wants work, that's all.

He wants to come back with something for you.

He wouldn't have gone otherwise.

He'd be lost away.

He's not built for it.

He likes his own fireside.

More credit to him for going.

What am I going to do with him gone?

They got fixed up then?

Aye.

Aye, I see they did.

They eat some, don't they?

Aye, they do.

Aye, they do that.

Aye.

So there's off with the granddad Toby again next week?

He went off to Gafferth.

I used to bike to Gafferth when I was a lad.

Has he spoken to you about the dad then?

I asked him something.

No.

Not since he gave you that letter that said the dad would be coming home.

I know there was it against me but answer me that.

No, he's not.

He's not told you not to expect the dad then?

He'll not be coming Sam, not this side of Christmas.

Why not?

He can't travel for now, you know.

He wrote to your granddad Toby for the fare.

Your granddad Toby can't oblige him.

Why can't he?

Money doesn't grow on trees, lad.

He's brought a car?

That's when he thinks your dad should make his own way home if he's keen to come.

We've all to learn to do that, you know.

Make us own way.

Come on now.

Take it like a man.

I told Ethel he called on me before he went off.

She'll think I should have stopped him, I suppose.

Happen I should at that.

No, you were right to let him go.

Like you did.

Back on the next bus practically, you were.

At least I found out what I wanted.

And what were that?

What I've got.

Don't you want a different world like your dad does?

Oh, I want that all right.

Something else I'd like too.

Better people to live in it.

Don't we come up to scratch then?

Not you.

People like Harry Wilson.

Like young Fred's mum and dad.

Shove them in bed with an empty belly and off to pictures.

They were brought up rough.

They're no one of better.

How were you brought up?

Rough.

Well, don't excuse them then.

Harry Wilson wasn't brought up rough.

What's his excuse for leaving Dora and Sam?

Spoilt him.

His mother.

I knew you'd find one somewhere.

You can have too much as well as too little.

You were going to ask me something when I came in, weren't you?

Was I?

I wondered if you could give me...

No matter.

I'll take Ruby's dog for a walk.

Will he bleed here?

He should have.

Nobody else bloody walks him.

He's on slab in scullery.

I'll give him a treat.

Why don't you take him up by Spring Copse?

He might get thee a rabbit in return.

I'll put it to him.

It's to be hoped he does.

What?

Get us a rabbit.

We've gotten out.

Out?

Had some eggs laid in water glass.

I thought there were more than there were.

It's two days till I go to labour.

Did our Frank not give you a say?

He gave what you said I should ask him.

Shall I ask him for more?

Can you not manage?

I have done up to now.

I can manage no more.

I can manage no more.

And if we're to eat, you must ask him yourself or I'll not.

You lay the rules down.

You told me what to ask.

Well, I've done my best and I can't manage.

We've not had meat for days.

Oh, he says no.

He eats what's given him.

He's living to your pride, not to what he earns.

You lay the rules down.

Now, you ask him, for I'll not.

Where will they be by now, do you think?

Depends.

If they get a lift.

Somewhere, somewhere... Eh?

It's a song.

His boots is nearly wore out.

Alan's taken a packet of segs.

It's an act to put segs in, hardly.

They'll write when they get a chance.

They've never written to me before.

Not much point when you see each other every night, is there?

Naughty right.

How can he write you a love letter?

You know...

that's a word he's never said.

I said to him once, George, do you love me?

And his face went red and he wriggled a bit and... said, don't be daft.

How can he bring himself to write it?

Well, some would like it.

They say it in some weird and wonderful ways, don't they?

Sam!

Leave me!

We've to eat to live!