Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/159

 life as beer is. The stuff the boys brought with them from London is all gone, and we've got no money to buy more, so the lads are hungry for a smoke."

"I'm willing to put the case before Mr. Crane, but I rather think the head gardener may object."

"Why?"

"From some remarks he made in the field, he seems to think tobacco interferes with work."

"Oh, blow the work!" said Harrison. "If he objects, we want you to talk him down. This state of things is cruel 'ard on smoking men. Even when a man gets into the workhouse he's allowed tobacco." "Where's your delegation?"

"They're waiting outside."

"All right! Come along: we'll tackle old Crane."

Crane, Blake, and the gardener received the committee, and Stranleigh placed before them the case for the smoker. Crane said nothing at first, but to Stranleigh's astonishment, the gardener spoke in favour of the men.

"I think," he said, "that at least an ounce of tobacco should be allowed to each man per day, but I want to superintend its distribution. I tell you what it is, men, those who do not do their share of work, will not get their share of tobacco."