It was something to find I had a roof of any sort over my head, and was let lie in it unmolested: and when I got better I stayed on." "And have adopted it as your own, putting a window and a chimney into it! But do you know that Lord Hartledon may not choose to retain you as a tenant ?" "If Lord Hartledon should think of ousting me, I would ask Mr.Elster to intercede, in requital for the good turn I've done him this day," was the bold answer.
Mr.Elster laughed.

"What is your name ?" "Tom Pike." "I hear a great deal said of you, Pike, that's not pleasant; that you are a poacher, and a--" "Let them that say so prove it," interrupted Pike, his dark brows contracting.
"But how do you manage to live ?" "That's my business, and not Calne's.

At any rate, Mr.Elster, I don't steal." "I heard a worse hint dropped of you than any I have mentioned," continued Val, after a pause.
"Tell it out, sir.

Let's have the whole catalogue at once." "That the night my brother, Mr.Elster, was shot, you were out with the poachers." "I dare say you heard that I shot him, for I know it has been said," fiercely cried the man.

"It's a black lie!--and the time may come when I shall ram it down Calne's throat.