Our arrival causes a stir among the workers. Men of all ages size us up, though it’s hard to tell their expressions under the grime. One shakes Drummer’s hand, and others throw out greetings.
“Well, look what fell down the rabbit hole.” A fellow with biceps the size of my head claps me on the back so hard, it’s a wonder his hand doesn’t get trapped in my ribs.
Drummer bows to him and introduces us in cautious English: “Brandish, friend.”
Brandish pumps my hand. His hair is yellow, but the rest of him is coated in black, even his teeth. “Any friend of Drummer’s is a friend of mine, mucker.” His brogue is weathered and warm, the kind of voice that bounces children off knees. “Whenever Drummer’s around, we all get along. So, you rattlin’ our spirits today?”
Drummer, suddenly shy, waves him off. But then Brandish begins to stomp the floor and clap.Stomp-clap, stomp-clap-clap. Stomp-clap, stomp-clap-clap.Others follow, not just with their feet, but with shovels and whatever else they have free to bang.
Drummer’s head begins to bob, and his fringe falls into his eyes. He rolls up his sleeves. All the blackened faces seem to watch him, even those still turned toward the furnaces.
With a grin like a slice of melon, he hands me his whirling drum. “It would be my pleasure if you helped me.”
I give the instrument a tentative whirl.Tat-tat. Tat-tat.
“Faster.”
I match the stomp-clap of the men.Ta-tat-ta-tat-ta-tat-ta-tat.
Intertwining his fingers, Drummer bends them outward, cracking his knuckles. Then he brings his clasped hands to his lips, blowing through the opening created by his thumbs. The notes of the shanty “Drunken Sailor” whistle from his hand flute, and after a few measures, the fellows join in singing.
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Shave his belly with a rusty razor
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!
Put him in the back of a paddy wagon
Put him in the back of a paddy wagon
Put him in the back of a paddy wagon
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
