w whispered, and Philpot, shaking
his head sadly, returned to work; but in a little while he came out
again and once more accosted Harlow.

'I knowed a case once,' he said in a melancholy tone, 'where a chap
died--of thirst--on a job just like this; and at the inquest the doctor
said as 'arf a pint would 'a saved 'im!'

'It must 'ave been a norrible death,' remarked Harlow.

''Orrible ain't the work for it, mate,' replied Philpot, mournfully.
'It was something chronic!'

After this final heartrending appeal to Sweater's humanity they
returned to work, satisfied that, whatever the result of their efforts,
they had done their best. They had placed the matter fully and fairly
before him: nothing more could be said: the issue now rested entirely
with him.

But it was all in vain. Sweater either did not or would not
understand, and when he came downstairs he took no notice whatever of
the cap which Philpot had placed so conspicuously in the centre of the
landing floor.

Chapter 9

Who is to Pay?

Sweater reached the hall almost at the same moment that Rushton entered
by the front door. They greeted each other in a friendly way and after
a few remarks concerning the work that was being done, they went into
the drawing-room where Owen and Easton were and Rushton said:

'What about this room? Have you made up your mind what you're going to
have done to it?'

'Yes,' replied Sweater; 'but I'll tell you about that afterwards. What
I'm anxious about is the drains. Have you brought the plans?'

'Yes.'

'What's it going to cost?'

'Just wait a minute,' said Rushton, with a slight gesture calling
Sweater's attention to the presence of the two workmen. Sweater
understood.

'You might leave that for a few minutes, will you?' Rushton continued,
addressing Owen and Easton. 'Go and get on with something else for a
little while.'

When they were alone, Rushton closed the door and remarked: 'It's
always as well not to let these fellows know more than is necessary.'

Sweater agreed.

'Now this 'ere drain work is really two separate jobs,' said Rushton.
'First, the drains of the house: that is, the part of the work that'
actually on your ground. When that's done, there will 'ave to be a
pipe carried right along under this private road to the main road to
connect the drains of the house with the town main. You follow me?'

'Perfectly. What's it going to cost for the lot?'

'For the drains of the house,