Toogood during the whole of this time was standing with his eye upon the red-nosed man, and the red-nosed man could not move. The red-nosed man heard all the questions and the landlord's answers, and could not even pretend that he did not hear them. "I am my cousin's clerk," said he, putting on his hat, and coming up to Mr. Toogood with a swagger. "My name is Dan Stringer, and I'm Mr. John Stringer's cousin. I've lived with Mr. John Stringer for twelve year and more, and I'm a'most as well known in Barchester as himself. Have you anything to say to me, sir?"
"Well, yes; I have," said Toogood.
"I believe you're one of them attorneys from London?" said Mr. Dan Stringer.
"That's true. I am an attorney from London."
"I hope there's nothing wrong?" said the gouty man, trying to get off his chair, but not succeeding. "If there is anything wronger than usual, Dan, do tell me. Is there anything wrong, sir?" and the landlord appealed piteously to Mr. Toogood.
"Never you mind, John," said Dan. "You keep yourself quiet, and don't answer none of his questions. He's one of them low sort, he is. I know him. I knowed him for what he is directly I saw him. Ferreting about,—that's his game; to see if there's anything to be got."
"But what is he ferreting here for?" said Mr. John Stringer.
"I'm ferreting for Mr. Soames's cheque for twenty pounds," said Mr. Toogood.
"That's the cheque that the parson stole," said Dan Stringer. "He's to be tried for it at the 'sizes."
"You've heard about Mr. Soames and his cheque, and about Mr. Crawley, I daresay?" said Toogood.