"That's likely, hey? In the present scandalous laxity of the law
towards tenants, you've cost me a matter of pounds--not to mention
six months' delay, which means money lost--to eject you. You, that
owe me six pounds rent! It's likely I'd let you another house--even
if I had one!"

"Even if you had the will, 'twouldn' be right. I understand that,
sir. Six young men, as I know, waitin' to marry and unable, because
the visitors snap up cottage after cottage for summer residences,
an'll pay you fancy prices; whereas you won't build for the likes o'
we."

"Your six young men--if six there be--" said Mr Pamphlett, "will be
best employed for some time to come in fighting for their country.
It don't pay to build cottages, I tell you."

Nicky-Nan's right hand gripped the knife in his pocket. But he
answered wearily--

"Well, anyways, sir, I don't ask to interfere with them: but only to
bide under my own shelter."

"Owing me six pounds arrears, and piling up more? And after driving
me to legal proceedings! Look here, Nanjivell. You are fumbling
something in your pocket. Is it the six pounds you owe me?"

"No, sir."

"I thought not. And if it were, I should still demand the costs I've
been put to. If you bring me the total on Monday--But you know very