her mine? There
are plenty in Cornwall, and he's a good workman. Let him go where he
isn't known, and not hang about here."

"He says he has tried, and he wants to come back."

"And you and me to put up a petition for him!"

"Yes, that's it."

"Then we just won't--will we, Grip? We don't want any Tom Dinass here,
do we?"

The dog growled furiously.

"Don't set the dog against him, Ydoll. I did accuse him of having done
that, but he looked at me in a horrified way, and said I couldn't know
what I was saying, to charge him with such a thing. He said he'd sooner
cut his hand off than injure a dog like that."

"And we don't believe him, do we, Grip? Why, you've quite changed your
colours, Jolly. You used to be all against him, and now you're all for,
and it's I who go against him."

"But you don't want to be unjust, Ydoll?"

"Not a bit of it. I'm going to be always as just as Justice. There,
let's get to work again. I've a lot of letters to write."

"One minute, Ydoll. I want you to oblige me in something."

"If it's to borrow tuppence, I can't."

"Don't be stupid. I've spoken to father about Tom Dinass."

The dog growled furiously.

"There, you've set him off. Quiet, sir!" cried Gwyn.

"It's your doing. You worry the dog into barking like that. But look
here; father said he did not like to see men idle, and that Dinass had
been well punished, and he would consent if the Colonel agreed. So I
want you to help me."

"I can't, Jolly, really."

"Yes you can, and you must," said Joe, glancing uneasily towards the
door. "For I told him he might come and see the Colonel; and if we ask
him, I'm sure he'll give way. Say you'll help me."

"I can't, old man."

"Yes, you can, and will. Let's be forgiving. I told him he might come
and see you and talk to you as he did to me, and it's just his time.
Yes; there he is."

For there was a step at the outside, and Joe went quickly to the door.

"Come in, Tom," said Joe.

The man, looking very much tattered and very humble, came in, hat in
hand.

"Mornin', sir," he said softly. Then his eyes seemed to lash fire, and
with a savage look he threw out his arms, for with one furious growl the
dog leaped at him, and fastened upon the roll of cotton neckerchief
which was wrapped about his throat.

CHAPTER FORTY FOUR.

TOM DINASS SHOWS HIS TEETH.

Gwyn sprang from his seat, dashed at the dog, and caught him by the
collar.

"Grip! Down!" h