“It is our only chance. I must agree to-morrow, or the thing is off. If I engage to saw up the timber and despatch it by water, we shall get a very tidy profit—not what we had hoped, but something. If I do not accept the offer, then I really do not see my way to disposing of the oak at all. The felling of the Okehampton Park oaks has spoiled the market in this country. Come, what say you, Pasco—shall I settle?” “I cannot do it,” answered Pepperill, a cold sweat breaking out over his brow. “There is an old mine wheel available. I can buy it for a song,” said Quarm. “I have no money. Have I not told you that—or must I knock it into your brain with my fist—or the house key?” He raised his hand threateningly. “Be reasonable, Pasco. I cannot tell what has come over you to-night. You are not yourself. If you do not care about the outlay for a saw-mill, we must saw all up by hand, and that will come costlier in the end. I fancy if you bestirred yourself you could raise a loan.” “I will not. I will have but one thing now—your absence. Get out of my house!” “Where be I to go to?” asked Quarm, settling himself from one leg to the other. “There’s Jane Redmore in my cottage, with all her children.” “Well”— “I can’t go there—the place is full.” “You are a fool to have suffered it.” “Kate begged and prayed of me”— “Take the consequences, and be homeless.” “I cannot, for to-night. You are going to Brimpts, and it is as well the men should see you. I shall return to-morrow, but to-night I must house me somewhere. Let me stay here; there is no one in the place, and I’ll keep guard for you if you wish.” “There is nothing here to guard, but emptiness. I want no help of yourn.” “But I must have a roof over my head at night.” “Any roof but mine. Will you go, or must I fling you out and down the steps?” “You’re in a wonderful queer temper to-night. What is up?” “My temper, as you say, is up; and like to be so—when it is through you I am brought to ruin and beggary.” He caught Jason by the shoulders, whirled him round, and with hands and knees thrust him out of the door, and then he slammed it behind him and turned the key. Next moment he blew out the light. Then he threw himself panting on the settle and buried his head in his hands. He had not sat there many minutes before Quarm was kicking at the door, and calling him by name. Transported with anger, Pasco sprang to his feet, took down the blunderbuss that was over the kitchen fire, and, going to the door, half opened it and thrust forth the muzzle of his piece. “Go away, or I will shoot.” “This is rank folly!” bawled Jason. “Are you gone demented? Give me shelter for the night; I will do no harm. What do you mean by refusing me such a reasonable request? I tell you I can’t go home—all the Redmores are there packing every corner.” Jason thrust up the end of the blunderbuss, and put his shoulder to the door.