How they had managed to live since was a mystery; funds did not seem to run low with them; tales of their night-poaching went about, and the sons got an odd job at legitimate work now and then.
"It's an awful shame," cried a civil, quiet woman, Sarah Grind, one of a very numerous family, commonly called "Grind's lot," "that we should be beat down to have our victuals and other things at such a place as Peckaby's! Sometimes, sir, I'm almost inclined to ask, is it Christians as rules over us ?" Lionel felt the shaft levelled at his family, though not personally at himself.
"You are not beaten down to it," he said.

"Why do you deal at Peckaby's?
Stay a bit! I know what you would urge: that by going elsewhere you would displease Roy.

It seems to me that if you would all go elsewhere, Roy _could_ not prevent it.

Should one of you attempt to go, he might; but he could not prevent it if you all go with one accord.

If Peckaby's things are bad--as I believe they are--why do you buy them ?" "There ain't a single thing as is good in his place," spoke up a woman, half-crying.