"Then we must thank these gentlemen," said Hayes, who shut his pocket-book and took out a document. "As there is some other business and they have given us some time, we need not keep them."
The men looked at one another and Peter Askew said, "If Railton doesn't mind, we'd sooner stop."
"Stop if you like," Railton agreed. "You've got me a just reckoning and you're neebors aw."
"It's not necessary," Hayes objected. "The business we have to transact is private."
"They ken it," Railton replied in a stubborn voice. "I've bid them stop and the hoose is mine until Mr. Osborn turns me oot."
"Very well. You know the sum due to the landlord. Are you ready to pay?"
"I canna pay. It's weel you ken."
"Then, can you give security for the debt?"
"I canna and wadn't give it if I could. There's ways a cliver agent can run up a reckoning, and when you want Mireside I'll have to gan."
"Then, I'm afraid we shall be forced to break the lease and take measures to recover the sum due."