"Let's take my brother's ken for it," said Drayton, and they turned into a one-story house that stood near.
It was a single capacious chamber, furnished more like a library than an office; carpets, rugs, a cabinet, easychairs, and a solid table in the middle of the floor. The cock-fighters filed in and sat down on every available chair, on the table, and at last on the floor.
"Squat and whiff," said Drayton, "and, Tommy, you out with the corks, quick."
"It must be a bonny money-making consarn to keep up the likes of this," said the miller, settling himself uneasily in an easy-chair.
Dick was telling himself what a fool he had been not to ask more than the fifty pounds he received for the damage once done by fire to his mill.
"Have you never heard as it ain't all gold as glitters?" said Drayton; and he struck a lucifer match on the top of the mahogany table.
"What, man, dusta mean as the pit's not paying?" said the blacksmith.
Drayton gave his head a sidelong shake of combined astuteness and reserve.
"I mak' no doubt now as you have to lend Master Hugh many a gay penny," said Tom o' Dint in an insinuating tone.
"Least said, soonest mended," said Drayton, sententiously, and smiled a mighty knowing smile.