"I've putten it doon," Bell broke in. "The price I can sell at is fixed by my rent."
"To some extent, the argument is logical," said Hayes.
"Then am I to understand that Mr. Bell expects me to reduce his rent?"
"Not to begin with," Hayes answered, giving Bell a warning glance. "He imagines he might gain his object almost as well if we stopped Askew cutting peat."
"You cannot stop him. The peat is his."
"We might embarrass him. While the snow lasts, it saves some awkward labor to cross Creighton's field and use his lonning. A tenant is not entitled to grant a way-leave."
"Allowing a friend to use the lane for a week or two can hardly be called a way-leave."
"Well, although Askew owns the moor, it's doubtful if he is entitled to remove peat for sale, unless by arrangement with the lord of the manor. I have seen Sir Gordon's agent and he is not unwilling to dispute the point."
"At my cost?" said Osborn with a sarcastic smile. "Enforcing the old manorial rights, which nobody knows much about, would be an expensive business, and I have no money to risk. However, if Bell is willing to pay the lawyers—"
"I'll pay nowt but rent. It's high enough," Bell declared.