"And then I asked him if he would take a glass of sherry; and though he was once a high and mighty sort of gentleman, he thanked me and did take it. That's the fruits of competition, sir, which some people think is so good for trade."
Turning the corner of the road sharply at this juncture, they came upon a man who stood leaning over the close fence which on that side enclosed the kitchen gardens at Homewood.
It was early to meet a stranger in such a neighbourhood, more especially a stranger who not being a working man had evidently no better employment than to stand out in damp weather surveying local landmarks.
He did not take any notice of either Rupert or his companion, continuing to lounge against the fence and contemplate vegetable-marrows, cabbages, and parsley.
Rupert, however, turned twice or thrice and took a long steady survey on each occasion.
"Who is that man, Lang?" he inquired.
"Never saw him before. He looks up to no good," answered Mr. Lang.
Rupert and the manager walked a few steps further, and then began to retrace their steps.
As they did so, they beheld the stranger lounging slowly before them, stopping at intervals to inspect the appearance of Homewood from different points of view, and giving the two an opportunity to pass him again.
"Beg pardon," he said, when they were close upon him, "but can you oblige me with a light?"