at
any rate. I paid one pleasant visit in the town, which I haven't told
you of yet. I've seen Pedgift, and Pedgift's son, who helps him in the
office. They're the two jolliest lawyers I ever met with in my life;
and, what's more, they can produce the very man you want to teach you
the steward's business."

Midwinter looked up quickly. Distrust of Allan's discovery was plainly
written in his face already; but he said nothing.

"I thought of you," Allan proceeded, "as soon as the two Pedgifts and I
had had a glass of wine all round to drink to our friendly connection.
The finest sherry I ever tasted in my life; I've ordered some of the
same--but that's not the question just now. In two words I told
these worthy fellows your difficulty, and in two seconds old Pedgift
understood all about it. 'I have got the man in my office,' he said,
'and before the audit-day comes, I'll place him with the greatest
pleasure at your friend's disposal.'"

At this last announcement, Midwinter's distrust found its expression in
words. He questioned Allan unsparingly.

The man's name, it appeared was Bashwood. He had been some time (how
long, Allan could not remember) in Mr. Pedgift's service. He had been
previously steward to a Norfolk gentleman (name forgotten) in the
westward district of the county. He had lost the steward's place,
through some domestic trouble, in connection with his son, the precise
nature of which Allan was not able to specify. Pedgift vouched for him,
and Pedgift would send him to Thorpe Ambrose two or three days before
the rent-day dinner. He could not be spared, for office reasons, before
that time. There was no need to fidget about it; Pedgift laughed at the
idea of there being any difficulty with the tenants. Two or three
day's work over the steward's books with a man to help Midwinter who
practically understood that sort of thing would put him all right for
the audit; and the other business would keep till afterward.

"Have you seen this Mr. Bashwood yourself, Allan?" asked Midwinter,
still obstinately on his guard.

"No," replied Allan "he was out--out with the bag, as young Pedgift
called it. They tell me he's a decent elderly man. A little broken by
his troubles, and a little apt to be nervous and confused in his manner
with strangers; but thoroughly competent and thoroughly to be depended
on--those are Pedgift's own words."

Midwinter paused and considered a little, with a new interest in the
subject.