"For Mr. Askew," he remarked.
"Is that all?" the other asked, and the gardener grinned.
"That's all. What did you expect?"
The man took the envelope to Kit and the rest waited with some curiosity. They were very tired and big drops fell on them as the wind shook the dripping trees. Kit opened the envelope and his face flushed as he took out a note addressed to Hayes.
"Pay C. Askew and the men whose names follow one day's wages, on estate account," it ran.
This was all and the sum noted at the bottom represented the lowest payment for unskilled labor. Kit handed the note to his companions and while some laughed ironically two or three swore.
"Next time beck's in flood Osborn can mend his dyke himsel'," said one. "If five minutes' digging wad save Tarnside Hall, I'd sooner lose my hay than stir a hand!"
Then they got into the carts, and drove off in the rain.