“Pardon me, Mr Castleton, if I detain you for a minute,” backing his horse across the road. “You are perhaps not aware that though I have held the mill at Hurlston for a number of years, and have expended considerable sums in repairing it, Mr Groocock has given me notice that the rent is to be raised, and I wish to appeal to Sir Ralph against the injustice of the proceedings.”
“I cannot interfere in the matter, as Mr Groocock has my father’s perfect confidence, and he probably considers the rent you have hitherto paid as too low.”
“Where there is a will there is a way; if you wished to serve me, Mr Castleton, you could do so,” exclaimed Gaffin in an angry tone, as if his aim was to pick a quarrel with the young officer.
“I have no wish to interfere, and have no intention of doing so,” answered Harry. “I must again say good morning, sir.”
“You are willing to see an act of injustice done without any desire to prevent it,” said Gaffin.
“I do not believe that Mr Groocock would commit an act of injustice, and I consider it impertinent in you to infer that Sir Ralph Castleton acts unjustly.”
“I infer nothing; facts are stubborn things, Mr Castleton. I see how it is, your father wishes to drive me from the mill; but he is mistaken if he expects to succeed. If I am compelled, I will pay the additional rent, and remain, though I am not likely to be grateful to those who have ill-treated me. A few words from you would probably have favoured my cause.”
“I have already given you my answer, I cannot be longer delayed in discussing the subject,” and Harry, putting spurs to his horse, rode on.
Gaffin gave an angry glance towards the young officer, and then turning round, made his way towards the wing of the mansion in which Mr Groocock’s office was situated.