But if fur or feathers had been found there, was not he the contractor?
And clearly if a pheasant _was_ there he could not be held responsible for the unauthorised acts of his assistants.
The truth was that Luke was the most thorough-paced poacher in the place--or, rather, he was a wholesale receiver.

His success lay in making it pleasant for everybody all round.

It was pleasant for the keeper, who could always dispose of a few hares or pheasants if he wanted a little money.

The keeper, in ways known to himself, made it pleasant for the bailiff.

It was equally pleasant for the under-keepers, who had what they wanted (in reason), and enjoyed a little by-play on their own account.