“Is Rushton there?” he asked.
“Yes, I think so,” replied Crass, attempting to pass on; but the old man detained him.
“He promised to let us know about them blinds for ‘The Cave’. We gave ’im a price for ’em about a month ago. In fact, we gave ’im two prices, because he said the first was too high. Five and six a set I asked ’im! take ’em right through the ’ole ’ouse! one with another—big and little. Two coats of paint, and new tapes and cords. That wasn’t too much, was it?”
“No,” said Crass, walking on; “that was cheap enough!”
“He said it was too much,” continued Latham. “Said as ’e could get ’em done cheaper! But I say as no one can’t do it and make a living.”
As he walked along, talking, between Crass and Slyme, the old man became very excited.
“But we ’adn’t nothing to do to speak of, so my son told ’im we’d do ’em for five bob a set, and ’e said ’e’d let us know, but we ain’t ’eard nothing from ’im yet, so I thought I’d try and see ’im tonight.”
“Well, you’ll find ’im in there now,” said Slyme with a peculiar look, and walking faster. “Good night.”
“I won’t take ’em on for no less!” cried the old man as he turned back. “I’ve got my livin’ to get, and my son’s got ’is wife and little ’uns to keep. We can’t work for nothing!”
“Certainly not,” said Crass, glad to get away at last. “Good night, and good luck to you.”