s later we may weed them out a bit. But come
and see for yourself."

It was growing dusk by the time the inspection was over. Then the two
girls walked back towards the archway which led into the wide
stable-yard. Outside the gate two of the stable helps were engaged in an
altercation with a seedy-looking tramp in an advanced state of
intoxication.

"Excuse me for a moment," Fielden said, "I must see what is wrong. Now,
my man, what are you doing here?"

It was easy for the girls to notice what was going on and to hear every
word that was said. At the tones of authority in Fielden's voice the
tramp looked up and made a ludicrous effort to pull himself together.
Over his right eye there was a fresh cut, from which the blood was
trickling. The helpers, too, showed signs of punishment, and a desire to
fling out the stranger, but they dropped back as Fielden appeared.

"I came to see Mr. Copley," the tramp said.

"Mr. Copley isn't here," Fielden said curtly. "Still, if you want him,
it would be as well to ask for him in a proper manner. What do you mean
by pushing yourself forward in this fashion?"

"I didn't," the tramp said sulkily. "I never said nothing to these men
till they ordered me out, and one of them shoved up against me. I don't
stand that from any one, guv'nor, and so I tell you. If you don't
believe me, try it on yourself."

Fielden was conscious that the blood was mounting into his cheeks. He
returned for a moment to where the two girls were standing and walked
with them into the road.

"I think you had better leave us," he said. "I must give that fellow a
lesson, and this is no place for either of you."

"I hope you won't get hurt," Alice Carden said. "It is curious, but I
know that man quite well by sight. He used to be in my father's
regiment; in fact, he was his servant. He comes to our rooms in London
occasionally and my father helps him with a few coppers and some clothes
now and again. I am afraid it is another case of degradation caused by
drink."

"It looks like it," Fielden said. "This man was probably one of the
Major's racing-touts, one of those broken-down creatures occasionally
employed on more or less shady jobs. But he must be taught decent
manners. I don't think you need be afraid for me. I'll try to come over
to lunch to-morrow."

Fielden saluted the two girls and returned to the spot where the tramp
was swaying about defiantly.

"Now what do you want?" he demanded once more.