They still owed several weeks' rent, and were already so much in debt to the baker and the grocer that it was hopeless to expect any further credit.
'My God!' said Newman, realizing the almost utter hopelessness of the chance of obtaining another 'job' and unconsciously speaking aloud.

'My God! How can I tell them?
What WILL become of us ?' Having accomplished the objects of his visit, Hunter shortly afterwards departed, possibly congratulating himself that he had not been hiding his light under a bushel, but that he had set it upon a candlestick and given light unto all that were within that house.
As soon as they knew that he was gone, the men began to gather into little groups, but in a little while they nearly all found themselves in the kitchen, discussing the reduction.

Sawkins and the other 'lightweights' remained at their work.

Some of them got only fourpence halfpenny--Sawkins was paid fivepence--so none of these were affected by the change.

The other two fresh hands--the journeymen--joined the crowd in the kitchen, being anxious to conceal the fact that they had agreed to accept the reduced rate before being 'taken on'.