There's a man with you whom I turned out of the shed last shearing, and I think he might put a match down--not by accident." "You mean Nokes.

As far as I know, he's a decent man.

You wouldn't have me not employ a man just because you had dismissed him ?" "Certainly not; that is, I shouldn't think of dictating to you about such a thing." "Well, no, Mr.Heathcote, I suppose not.

Nokes has got to earn his bread, though you did dismiss him.

I don't know that he's not as honest a man as you or I." "If so, there's three of us very bad; that's all, Mr.Medlicot.
Good-night; and if you'll trouble yourself to look after the ash of your tobacco it might be the saving of me and all I have." So saying, he turned round, and made his way back to the horses.
Medlicot had placed himself on the fence during the interview, and he still kept his seat.