"Old Dudgeon don't seem to have lost much of his sourness since he was laid out," he said to his barman as he passed. "He's never been inside this door since I've been here, and they say he hadn't been in for years before then. Queer old chap he is. I wonder if he is mixed up with the Rider?"
Limping along, Dudgeon made straight for Smart's cottage and knocked at the door.
"I've come to see Mrs. Eustace," he said gruffly when Bessie answered.
"I'm sorry, sir, but Mrs. Eustace can't see anyone to-day. It's——"
"You go and tell her it's me, do you hear? Mr. Dudgeon of Taloona. I'll come in and sit down till she's ready."
He pushed the door wide open and stepped inside.
"But Mrs. Eustace, sir——" Bessie began.
"Did I speak loud enough for you to hear, or didn't I?"
"Yes, sir, but——"
"Then go and tell Mrs. Eustace I'm here."