"Or the gas," said Hal, silencing the law-abiding Smith with a gesture; "we could cut the gas off—we can't get him on the rent question because——"
Mr. Smith's great opportunity came.
"The rent question does him," he said wisely cutting out all preamble, "because he ain't paid his rent, an' won't pay his rent, and what's more, he'll see you (accordin' to the American gent who lives with him) to the—I forget the name of the place—before he pays you."
Sir Harry was dumb with astonishment.
"Here's the letter," said Mr. Smith tremulous with importance, "from the Duke himself."
He read—
"DEAR SIR,—
"On my return from America I found a notice to quit served on behalf of your employer. My lease being well defined, I regard the service of such a notice as constituting a breach of contract, and must respectfully decline to pay any further rental for the premises I now occupy, until my position in regard to this property is determined.
"Yours truly,
"DE MONTVILLIER."