Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/164

 When Stillson Crane, E. J. Blake, and the gardener took their places on the platform they were received with boisterous cheers, arising from plenty of good food and a sufficient quantity of beer.

Bert Harrison was the spokesman. He demanded immediate payment for each man of eight shillings for every day they had put in at this workhouse, as he called it, also conveyances to take them to the station, and their fares to London. Poor Crane, who could scarcely control his voice, answered briefly that he had resigned his position, and, washing his hands of the whole affair, sat down. There was a great uproar at this, and charges of bad faith were hurled at the ex-manager, but Bert Harrison calmed the storm, and said if their terms were not instantly accepted, they would proceed to destroy the building after helping themselves to its contents.

Blake rose and said curtly—

"You will now be addressed by one of yourselves; the man who can at once grant your request or refuse it. I beg to introduce Earl Stranleigh of Wychwood, owner of this estate, and builder of this house."

There now mounted the platform a young man most exquisitely dressed. The uniform of the