"But I think I had better decide which is to be my hotel, when I have need of one.

Will you advise me in that matter ?" Breakspeare recommended the house which Lashmar already knew, and added hints concerning the political colour of leading trades-folk.

When they rose, the host reminded Dyce of his suggestion that they should go and see an old friend of his, one Martin Blaydes.
"We shall find him smoking his pipe, with a jug of beer at his elbow.
Martin is homely, but a man of original ideas, and he will appreciate your visit." So they set forth, and walked for a quarter of an hour towards the outskirts of the town.

Mr.Blaydes, who held a small municipal office, lived alone in a very modest dwelling, his attendant a woman of discreet years.

As Breakspeare had foretold, he was found sitting by the fireside the evening was cool enough to make a fire agreeable a churchwarden between his lips, and a brown jug of generous capacity on the table beside him.