"I've a new box of 'churchwardens' in this drawer," he said. "I beg the committee will make free with them. Now--but where's Mr. Norseman? Speaking the word 'churchwarden' reminded me of him. We want him to complete the committee." The official in question almost immediately joined them. Henry Norseman was a swarthy, black-bearded, sanctimonious man, the factor of important estates, and churchwarden of the people. They sat round the table that Mr. Churchward had cleared for them. Pens and paper were arranged upon it, and the box of clay pipes stood in the midst. A fire burnt on the hearth, and two oil lamps gave light. "'Tis a very comfortable committee, I'm sure," said Mr. Huggins, stretching for a tobacco pipe, and bringing a flat metal box from his trouser pocket to fill it. Mr. Churchward opened the proceedings. "What we have to decide is the sort of thing we are going to do the day the water comes into Lydford. I have my idea, but I am quite prepared to submit it _sub rosa_. If anybody has a better one, I shall be the first to agree thereto. Now my notion is a public holiday and a procession. This procession should start from the high road and walk through Lydford down to Little Lydford, and back. At a foot's pace 'twould take not above three hours." "And I propose that the procession stops at the Castle Inn on the way back," said Mr. Pearn. "Why?" asked Jarratt Weekes, pointedly, and the publican bristled up. "Why do people stop at an inn?" he asked, in his turn. "That's a damn silly question, if ever I heard one." "You're out of order," retorted Weekes. "Though, of course, we all know very well your meaning." Mr. Pearn lifted his chin very high. "All right, all right!" he said. "What d'you want to open your mouth so wide for? I suppose every man of this committee has a right to be heard? And I suppose we've all got an axe to grind, else we shouldn't be here?" "You'll have your say in due course, Noah Pearn. Don't waste the committee's time interrupting," said Mr. Prout. But the landlord proceeded. "I'm the last to want to waste anybody's time--know the value of time too well. But this I will say, that I'll give a free lunch to fifty people on the day--three courses, and hot joints with the first--if 'tis understood everyone pays for his own drinks. That's my offer; take it or leave it. So now then!" "I was going to say 'order'; but, since you submit a definite proposal, I won't, Mr. Pearn. Well, that seems a patriotic offer--eh, gentlemen?" Mr. Churchward glanced about him and caught Mr. Henry Norseman's eye. "We ought to vote on that," declared the churchwarden. "I'm against liquor, as you know, and cannot support the idea, owing to conscience." "No good voting--I don't care what you vote, and I don't care for a teetotaler's conscience. Take it or leave it. Free lunches for fifty, and them as drinks pays for it," repeated Mr. Pearn.