"He is a bad enough tenant," replied his lordship. "And he isalways close behindarm, Newick tells me."

"He is in great trouble now," exclaimed the rector.

"He is quite fond of his wife and children, and if the farm istaken from him they may literally starve. He can not give themthe nourishing things they need. Two of the children were leftvery low after the fever, and the doctor orders for them wine andluxuries that Higgins can not afford."

At this Fauntleroy moved a step nearer.

"That was the way with Michael," he said.

The Earl slightly started.