Crellock had dressed himself evidently for a ride. He was booted and spurred; wore tightly-fitting breeches and jacket, and a broad-brimmed felt hat was thrust back on his curly hair, as he stood beating his boot with his riding-whip, and tucking bits of his crisp beard between his white teeth to bite. "What do you say? No hurry?" "Yes," said Hallam, rustling his paper. "No hurry, my lad: plenty of time." "You think so, do you?" "To be sure. There, go and have your ride. I've got some fresh champagne just come in by the _Cross_. We'll try that to-day." "Hang your champagne! I've come to talk business," said Crellock, sternly. "You think there's no hurry, do you? Well, look here, I think there is, and I'm not going to wait." "Nonsense! Don't talk like a boy." "No: I'll talk like a man, Robert Hallam. A man don't improve by keeping. I shall do now; by-and-by perhaps I shan't. I'm double her age and more." "Oh! yes, I know all about that," said Hallam, impatiently; "but there's plenty of time." "I say there is not, and I'm going to have it settled. Your wife hates me. I'm not blind, and she'll set Julie against me all she can." "I'm master here." "Then show it, Rob Hallam, and quickly, before there's a row. I tell you it wants doing; she's easily led now she's so young; but I'm not blind." "You said that before; what do you mean?" "That soldier Eaton; he's hankering after her, and if we don't mind, she'll listen to him. It's only your being an old hand that keeps him back from asking for her." "Well, well, let it go, and I'll see about it by-and-by," said Hallam. "Have patience." "A man at my time of life can't have patience, Rob. Now come, you know I want the girl, and it will be like tying us more tightly together." "And put a stop to the risk of your telling tales," said Hallam, bitterly. "I'm not the man to tell tales," said Crellock, sturdily, "neither am I the man for you to make an enemy." "Threatening?" "No, but I'm sure you wouldn't care to go back to the gang and on the road, Robert Hallam. Such a good man as your wife and child think you are!" "Hold your tongue, will you?" cried Hallam savagely. "When I please," replied Crellock. "Oh! come, you needn't look so fierce, old chap. I used to think what a wonder you were, and wish I could be as cool and clever, and--" "Well?" for the other stopped. "Oh! nothing; only I don't think so now." "Look here," said Hallam, throwing aside the paper impatiently, "what do you want?" "Julia." "You mean you want to try if she'll listen to you." "No, I don't. I mean I want her, and I mean to have her, and half share." "And if I say it's impossible?" "But you won't," said Crellock coolly. Hallam sat back, frowning and biting his nails, while the other slowly beat his boot with his whip. At last Hallam's brow cleared, and he said in a quiet, easy way: