“To some extent, the argument is logical,” said Hayes.

“Then am I to understand that Mr. Bell expects me to reduce his rent?”

“Not to begin with,” Hayes answered, giving Bell a warning glance.  “He imagines he might gain his object almost as well if we stopped Askew cutting peat.”

“You cannot stop him.  The peat is his.”

“We might embarrass him.  While the snow lasts, it saves some awkward labor to cross Creighton’s field and use his lonning.  A tenant is not entitled to grant a way-leave.”

“Allowing a friend to use the lane for a week or two can hardly be called a way-leave.”

“Well, although Askew owns the moor, it’s doubtful if he is entitled to remove peat for sale, unless by arrangement with the lord of the manor.  I have seen Sir Gordon’s agent and he is not unwilling to dispute the point.”

“At my cost?” said Osborn with a sarcastic smile.  “Enforcing the old manorial rights, which nobody knows much about, would be an expensive business, and I have no money to risk.  However, if Bell is willing to pay the lawyers—­”

“I’ll pay nowt but rent.  It’s high enough,” Bell declared.

Osborn shrugged.  “Very well!  It would cost too much to try to frighten Askew off.  He’s confoundedly shrewd and obstinate.”

Bell was silent for a few moments, but his face got hard as he fixed his eyes on Osborn.

“There’s another matter.  T’ mill lease will soon fall in and I canna tak’ it on again, unless I get the repairs and improvements done.  Mr. Hayes has t’ list.”

The agent took out the list with some builders’ and millwrights’ estimates, and Osborn frowned as he studied the documents.  It was obvious that Bell meant to use pressure.

“I don’t like to be threatened,” he replied.

“It’s not a threat,” said Bell, with a cunning smile.  “If I’m to lose my money at coal yards, I must earn some at mill, but unless I get t’ repairs and new machines, mill willunt pay to run.”  He paused and studying Osborn’s face resumed:  “There’ll be nea peace for either o’ us while the Askews gan aboot makin’ trouble.”

“I suppose that is so, to some extent,” Osborn agreed.

“Then is it fair to leave me to fratch wi’ them?  After aw, they’re mair your enemies than mine.”

“I don’t understand you; I have no coal to sell.”

Bell looked up with a sour grin.  “There’s worse ways o’ hurting a proud man than touching his pocket.  If you dinna ken what’s going on, it’s time you watched young Kit.  I’ll say nea mair, but aw t ’oad wives are cracking and you can ask Mr. Hayes.  He kens!”

Osborn’s face got red, but he gave Bell a haughty look.

“Anything that touches me personally is my private concern—­and we are talking about the lease of the mill.  I cannot make all the improvements you ask for, but perhaps something can be done.  When we have studied the matter Mr. Hayes will let you know.”