Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/91

 getting something for nothing. But who was the moving spirit?"

"Why, Bill Perkins had more to do with it than anyone else, and people are not so hard on Bill as they used to be, 'cause he stood up for our good."

"What, Bill Perkins the poacher?"

"Well, they do say he poached now and then, but, after all, it's never been proved."

"No; I admire Bill's dexterity in setting traps so successfully, and never getting into one himself; but William as an advocate of literature rather amazes me. He'll be proposing to go to Oxford next."

"I daresay he's been there. He's a great traveller, is Bill, and when things get a bit hot in one neighbourhood" Old Nubbins checked himself, finding he was verging on slander. The character of the estimable Perkins seemed to have improved. Nubbins changed the subject abruptly.

"At the last meeting we passed a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr. Peter Barnacle for his great kindness to us. They do say he have a pot of money."

"Then it is Mr. Barnacle who has been so generous about the library?"

"Oh, yes," replied Samuel, surprised that such