“Well--it is all the same, whether we were dealing with the Duke of Bedford or with you. Rules are rules, you know.”
“Of course rules are rules. But what are your rules?”
“I’m only an underling; I don’t make rules. It is my duty to see they are carried out. You comprehend?”
“To be sure; and what are those rules?”
“Well, you are aware in the bank we always expect payment before delivery. There is the agreement. Mr. Quarm saw our head clerk, and it is all settled. I just came along over the moor to Ashburton Fair, and had a look at Brimpts on my way. They sent me, you know, to see that all is square, and all that sort of thing. I have nothing more to do than just see that you comprehend the rules.”
“What am I to do?” asked Pepperill sharply.
“Well, well; it is just this. We don’t allow any timber--nothing--to be removed till full payment has been made, and I see you have already begun felling.”
“Yes; I suppose my brother-in-law has begun to cut.”
“You know, that’s all right and proper; but rules are rules, and I’m not my own master. I don’t make regulations; I am held to seeing them carried out. There’s a matter of a couple of hundred pounds you’ll have to pay into the bank before a stick is disposed of, or a ton of bark removed.”
“And when do you demand the money? Will not a bill do?”