L25.0.0. and for the connecting pipe
L30.0.0. L55.0.0. for the lot.'

'Um! That the lower you can do it for, eh?'

'That's the lowest. I've figured it out most carefully, the time and
materials, and that's practically all I'm charging you.'

The truth of the matter was that Rushton had had nothing whatever to do
with estimating the cost of this work: he had not the necessary
knowledge to do so. Hunter had drawn the plans, calculated the cost
and prepared the estimate.

'I've been thinking over this business lately,' said Sweater, looking
at Rushton with a cunning leer. 'I don't see why I should have to pay
for the connecting pipe. The Corporation ought to pay for that. What
do you say?'

Rushton laughed. 'I don't see why not,' he replied.

'I think we could arrange it all right, don't you?' Sweater went on.
'Anyhow, the work will have to be done, so you'd better let 'em get on
with it. L55.0.0. covers both jobs, you say?'

'Yes.'

'Oh, all right, you get on with it and we'll see what can be done with
the Corporation later on.'

'I don't suppose we'll find 'em very difficult to deal with,' said
Rushton with a grin, and Sweater smiled agreement.

As they were passing through the hall they met Hunter, who had just
arrived. He was rather surprised to see them, as he knew nothing of
their appointment. He wished them 'Good morning' in an awkward
hesitating undertone as if he were doubtful how his greeting would be
received. Sweater nodded slightly, but Rushton ignored him altogether
and Nimrod passed on looking and feeling like a disreputable cur that
had just been kicked.

As Sweater and Rushton walked together about the house, Hunter hovered
about them at a respectable distance, hoping that presently some notice
might be taken of him. His dismal countenance became even longer than
usual when he observed that they were about to leave the house without
appearing even to know that he was there. However, just as they were
going out, Rushton paused on the threshold and called him:

'Mr Hunter!'

'Yes, sir.'

Nimrod ran to him like a dog taken notice of by his master: if he had
possessed a tail, it is probable that he would have wagged it. Rushton
gave him the plans with an intimation that the work was to be proceeded
with.

For some time after they were gone, Hunter crawled silently about the
house, in and out of the rooms, up and down the corridors and the
staircases. After a while he went