reedom so common to the Lancashire operative
class, he went on: "Yes, miss, and I mean it too. You, by the look of
you, belong to that class, but, remember, the time will come when men
like Bolitho will be paid for what they have done. But, there!" And
he laughed. "I suppose he had to speak to his brief, and, justice or
no justice, he had to do what his employer told him to do. 'Ten pounds
more for every extra month you get him,' would be Wilson's cry, and
Bolitho would be anxious to get the ten pounds."

The girl's eyes shone with a fierce anger, and then, without a word,
walked away.

"I say, Paul," said the shopkeeper, "that's not the way to treat my
customers!"

Paul looked ashamed of himself. "I know, I know, Mr. Sutcliffe, it was
mean of me," he said, "and I know I ought to apologise to her. But if
you had seen the look on her face, and had suffered what I have
suffered, you'd have spoken too. Why, she might think I was an adder.
But there, I dare say she knew who I was, and that I had just come out
of prison."

"As you know, I'm all on your side, Paul," said the shopkeeper, "but I
cannot afford to have my customers driven away."

"Nay, I know," said Paul; "and if she doesn't come back and pay for the
things that are on the counter there, I'll take them myself and pay for
them. But there, I must be going." And, having got the things he came
to buy, he left the shop, little realising the influence the interview
would have upon his future.

He had barely gained the street when a man, whom he had known almost
ever since he had come to Brunford, met him. "Ay, Paul," he said. "I
have just been to your lodgings, and I want to see you particular."

Paul's heart was still embittered with the scene through which he had
passed, and he met the man rather coldly. "Is it anything particular?"
he said.

"Yes, I think so," replied the man.

"Because if it isn't," said Paul, "I don't want to talk about it. I've
had a hard day, and I'm pretty well worn out."

"That's so," replied the other, "and we'll say nothing more about it if
you don't feel like talking, but I thought as 'ow you might look upon
it as good news."

"Forgive me, Preston," he said, recognising the man's kindly tone. "I
know I spoke like a brute, but my nerves are all on edge, and while
everybody is very kind to me, I'm easily upset. What is it, old man?"

"I can't tell you here," replied Preston. "It'll take me an hour,
anyhow."