By slow degrees the bank got 'tighter' with its customers.

It leaked out--all things leak out--that Smith had said too much, and he became unpopular, which did not increase his contentment.
Finally he gave notice that unless the rent was reduced he should not apply to renew the lease, which would soon expire.

He had not the least intention in his secret mind of leaving the farm; he never dreamed that his notice would be accepted.

He and his had dwelt there for a hundred years, and were as much part and parcel of the place as the elm-trees in the hedges.

So many farms were in the market going a-begging for tenants, it was not probable a landlord would let a good man go for the sake of a few shillings an acre.