He was about twenty-five years of age and a good deal taller than the
majority of the others, being about five feet ten inches in height and
slenderly though well and strongly built. He seemed very anxious to
learn all that he could about the trade, and although rather reserved
in his manner, he had contrived to make himself fairly popular with
his workmates. He seldom spoke unless to answer when addressed, and
it was difficult to draw him into conversation. At meal-times, as on
the present occasion, he generally smoked, apparently lost in thought
and unconscious of his surroundings.

Most of the others also lit their pipes and a desultory conversation
ensued.

`Is the gent what's bought this 'ouse any relation to Sweater the
draper?' asked Payne, the carpenter's foreman.

`It's the same bloke,' replied Crass.

`Didn't he used to be on the Town Council or something?'

`'E's bin on the Council for years,' returned Crass. `'E's on it now.
'E's mayor this year. 'E's bin mayor several times before.'

`Let's see,' said Payne, reflectively, `'e married old Grinder's
sister, didn't 'e? You know who I mean, Grinder the greengrocer.'

`Yes, I believe he did,' said Crass.

`It wasn't Grinder's sister,' chimed in old Jack Linden. `It was 'is