Clay Lane awoke to this by degrees, and would have taken its custom away; but that was more easily contemplated than done.

A good many of its families had been allowed to get on Peckaby's books, and they also found that Roy set his face against their leaving the shop.

For Roy to set his face against a measure was a formidable affair, not readily contended with: the labourers did not dare to fly in his face, lest he should make an excuse to take their work from them.

He had already discharged several.

So Clay Lane, for the most part, found itself tied to Peckaby's shop, and to paying some thirty per cent.