"Thank'ee," said the farmer drily.
"And, if this poor man is released to-morrow, I don't care what the amount is."
Farmer Blaize deflected his head twice in silence. "Bribery," one motion expressed: "Corruption," the other.
"Now," said he, leaning forward, and fixing his elbows on his knees, while he counted the case at his fingers' ends, "excuse the liberty, but wishin' to know where this 'ere money's to come from, I sh'd like jest t'ask if so be Sir Austin know o' this?"
"My father knows nothing of it," replied Richard.
The farmer flung back in his chair. "Lie number Two," said his shoulders, soured by the British aversion to being plotted at, and not dealt with openly.
"And ye've the money ready, young gentleman?"
"I shall ask my father for it."
"And he'll hand't out?"
"Certainly he will!"