"But, Sir Wilton——"
"Damn your 'buts,' sir!" shouted the other, shaking with rage. "You disgrace the parish, and you won't leave it. You come back, and set yourself against me, and think you can do what you like after doing what you've done. By God, it's monstrous! There's not a man in the country who won't agree with me; you'll find that out to your cost. Build the church, would you? I'll see you further! Law or no law, I'll have you out of this! I'll hound you out of it! I'll have you torn in pieces if you stay!"
"I have already told you I don't intend to stay," said Carlton quietly. "I only intend to rebuild the church."
"All right! You try! You try!"
And with his fixed eyes flashing, and his fresh face aged with anger, but scored with implacable resolve, Sir Wilton Gleed swung on his heel, and so down the drive with every step a stamp.
X
THE LETTER OF THE LAW
In the village he met Tom Ivey, but passed him with a savage nod, and was some yards further on when a thought smote him so that he spun round in his stride.
"That you, Ivey?" he called. "I wasn't thinking; you're the very man I wanted to see. How are you, eh?"
"Nicely, thank you, Sir Wilton," said Tom, coming up.