Cook struck in.
"A pretty way of talking, upon my word. Perhaps, my fine gentleman, while you are putting your nose into other people's business you'll see that our wages are paid. Mr Miller's only trying to save us from being robbed, that's all he's doing. Three months' wages there is due to each of us servants, and over."
Mr Sanford paid no heed at all to cook. He continued to eye the Ogre.
"Well, sir?"
"Well, sir, to you."
"You heard what I said?"
"I did. And if you are wise you'll hear what I say, and not interfere in what is absolutely no concern of yours."
"Nothing in this house is any concern of yours," burst out Dick. "And well you know it!"
"Who's dog is this?" asked Mr Sanford.
The Ogre's dog--a horrid, savage-looking creature--was sniffing at Mr Sanford's ankles, showing his teeth and growling in a way that was anything but friendly. Its owner grinned, as if the animal's behaviour met with his approval.