“What! are you taking to the highway at your age?”
“No, sir; I have a trade I like better, and have no call to lighten you of anything, however ill you may use it. But there are those that think they have a right and a call to take the land from landlords like you, and I would no more leave my work to prevent them than I would to help them.”
“Well, well! I didn't come to talk politics; I came to ask a favour of you.”
“What I can do for you, sir, I shall be glad to do.”
“It is merely this—that you will, for the present, say nothing about the heir having turned up.”
“I could have laid my hand on him any moment this twenty years; and I can tell you where to find the parish book with his baptism in it! That I've not spoken proves I can hold my tongue; but I will give no pledge; when the time comes I will speak.”
“Are you aware I could have you severely punished for concealing the thing?”
“Fire away. I'll take my chance. But I would advise you not to allow the thing come into court. Words might be spoken that would hurt! I know nothing myself, but there is one that could and would speak. Better let sleeping dogs lie.”
“Oh, damn it! I don't want to wake 'em! Most old stories are best forgotten. But what do you think: will the boy—What's his name?”
“My father's, sir,—Richard.”