I took low wages; and the bit of a hut was a sort of set-off again' what I was paid short of the other men.

I couldn't afford to have it repaired, though I did what I could to patch and prop it.

And now most like I shall be blamed for letting it be blew down, and shall have to live in half a room in the town and pay two or three shillin's a week, besides walkin' three miles to and from my work every day.

A gentleman like Sir John don't hardly know what the value of a penny is to us laborin' folk, nor how cruel hard his estate rules and the like comes on us." "Sir John's health!" said Smilash, touching the mug as before.

The man drank a mouthful humbly, and Smilash continued, "Here's to the glorious landed gentry of old England: bless 'em!" "Master Smilash is only jokin'," said the man apologetically.