CHAPTER VI.
SHARP PRACTICE.
Hope paid a visit to his native place in Derbyshire, and his poor relations shared his prosperity, and blessed him, and Mr.Bartley upon his report; for Hope was one of those choice spirits who praise the bridge that carries them safe over the stream of adversity.
He returned to Sussex with all the news, and, amongst the rest, that Colonel Clifford had a farm coming vacant.

Walter Clifford had insisted on a higher rent at the conclusion of the term, but the tenant had demurred.
Bartley paid little attention at the time; but by-and-by he said, "Did you not see signs of coal on Colonel Clifford's property ?" "That I did, and on this very farm, and told him so.

But he is behind the age.

I have no patience with him.

Take one of those old iron ramrods that used to load the old musket, and cover that ramrod with prejudices a foot and a half deep, and there you have Colonel Clifford." "Well, but a tenant would not be bound by his prejudices." "A tenant! A tenant takes no right to mine, under a farm lease; he would have to propose a special contract, or to ask leave, and Colonel Clifford would never grant it." There the conversation dropped.