The first man he met was Nokes, who acted as overseer, having a gang of Polynesian laborers under him--sleek, swarthy fellows from the South Sea Islands, with linen trowsers on and nothing else--who crept silently among the vats and machinery, shifting the sugar as it was made.
"Well, Nokes," said Harry, "how are you getting on?
Is Mr.Medlicot here ?" Nokes was a big fellow, with a broad, solid face, which would not have condemned him among physiognomists but for a bad eye, which could not look you in the face.

He had been a boundary rider for Heathcote, and on an occasion had been impertinent, refusing to leave the yard behind the house unless something was done which those about the place refused to do for him.

During the discussion Harry had come in.

The man had been drinking, and was still insolent, and Harry had ejected him violently, thrusting him over a gate.

The man had returned the next morning, and had then been sent about his business.
He had been employed at Medlicot's Mill, but from the day of his dismissal to this he and Harry had never met each other face to face.
"I'm pretty well, thank ye, Mr.Heathcote.I hope you're the same, and the ladies.