By degrees, and rapid ones, Bartley was becoming a rival magnate; the poor came to him for the slack, or very small coal, and took it away gratis; they flattered him, and to please him, spoke slightingly of Colonel Clifford, which they had never ventured to do before.

But soon a circumstance occurred which mortified the old soldier more than all.

He was sole proprietor of the village, and every house in it, with the exception of a certain beer-house, flanked by an acre and a half of ground.

This beer-house was a great eye-sore to him; he tried to buy this small freeholder out; but the man saw his advantage, and demanded L1500--nearly treble the real value.

Walter, however, by negotiating in a more friendly spirit, had obtained a reduction, and was about to complete the purchase for L1150.
But when Walter left the country the proprietor never dreamed of going again to the haughty Colonel.