"Got a job of you," the guv'nor would say laconically, "602, Frien'ly Street—two munse rent—come along."
So Olejoe would find himself the guest of poverty—plaintive weeping poverty, and Olejoe would keep jealous ward over two poundsworth of distrained furniture.
How he came to be chosen for the rôle of guest to the Duke seems obvious enough. He was uncleanly. He had unpleasant habits. Hal chose him.
When he arrived at 64, supported by the authority of a bailiff, Tuppy took charge of the proceedings. Tuppy had a wonderful knowledge of obscure procedure. First he demanded the bailiff's license and examined it. Then he put the bailiff through an oral examination, then he demanded copies of the distress warrant, and generally harassed and badgered the unfortunate official until he was glad enough to make his escape leaving Olejoe in possession.
Then followed a solemn conference with Olejoe the uneasy subject.
Resolved: That Olejoe be bathed.
(Protest lodged by Olejoe
overruled.)
Resolved: That Olejoe's clothes be burnt.
(Protest overruled.)
Resolved: That the cost of reclothing
Olejoe should be borne by
the Duke.
(Carried without protest.)
Resolved: That the clothing should be
chosen by the Right Hon.
the Lord Tupping.
(Carried with enthusiasm.)
"Gents," pleaded Olejoe, "hopin' there's no offence, live and let live is a motter we all admire. The pore 'elps the pore, so let us all live in harmony, say I. I'm doin' me duty, an' I've got to earn me livin', so therefore no larks."
"No larks," agreed the Duke gravely.
"Not a single sky-warbler," agreed Tuppy.
"So therefore, gents," said the gratified Olejoe gaining courage, "let's drop this silly idea about a bath. Give me a bit of soap an' lead me to the kitchen sink an' I'll give meself a good sluice—what do you say?"