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Rh selves. Well, well, they had never seen anything quite like it before.

Lord Stranleigh smiled slowly upon them, then said to his doorkeeper:

"Perkins, I am astonished at you. You do not use your powers of observation when you go into the country with me. These men are not navvies, but farm labourers. You wish to see me?" he added, addressing the group. "For what reason?"

The leader pulled his forelock in awkward and embarrassed fashion.

"Sir," he said, "we be varm labourers, as your lordship sees. Us be tenants of yours."

"Tenants of mine? Ah, in that case it is Mr. Wilson you wish to see."

"Us has seen enough of Mr. Wilson, my lord."

"Ah, you are acquainted with my agent, then? Where do you come from?"

"Us comed up to Lunnon by excursion train this marning. Three-and-six return, third class. Had to leave at seven o'clock this marnin', sir, and get back in middle of night."

"Yes, but where from? At what station did you get your tickets?"

"Us came from Muddlebury, sir."

"But, my good man, I own no property in Muddleshire?" "Yes, my lord, 'ee do. Four thousand acres 'ee do have in Muddleshire, and one carner touches the county town of Muddlebury."