He thought it might be Hunter, who was in the habit of turning up at all sorts of unlikely times, but it was only Easton.
'I've got a bit of bacon I want the young 'un to toast for me,' he said as Crass came back.
'You can do it yourself if you like,' replied Crass affably, looking at his watch.

'It's about ten to eight.' Easton had been working for Rushton & Co.

for a fortnight, and had been wise enough to stand Crass a drink on several occasions: he was consequently in that gentleman's good books for the time being.
'How are you getting on in there ?' Crass asked, alluding to the work Easton and Owen were doing in the drawing-room.

'You ain't fell out with your mate yet, I s'pose ?' 'No; 'e ain't got much to say this morning; 'is cough's pretty bad.

I can generally manage to get on orl right with anybody, you know,' Easton added.
'Well, so can I as a rule, but I get a bit sick listening to that bloody fool.