"It was talked about," Mr. Watkins answered. "We decided it wouldn't be in keeping with what we knew about your character, and you'd certainly be sorry you had done it afterward."
"Now we're coming to the second and more important half of the message," said Mr. Oliver.
"You're right," was the answer. "I'm to understand that when you say you won't meet my friends' views it's your last word?"
"Yes," said Mr. Oliver firmly.
"Then my message is a plain one. Let up, or look out. I want you to fix your attention on the last part of it. You have quite a nice place here, a high-class barn and homestead, and a good hay crop, and there's nobody living within some miles of you except Webster."
"Precisely!" said Mr. Oliver. "They cost me a good deal of very hard work and I shall try to keep them. Now I suppose you've said your piece?"
Mr. Watkins raised his hand as if to beg his forbearance.
"You've heard it all. I only want to add that I'm quite willing to start right now for Carthew if you wish it."
Mr. Oliver laughed naturally and easily.
"No," he said, "you're my guest for the night. After this we'll change the subject and talk about something else." He looked around. "Harry, will you bring the cigar box out?"