He was picked up in Norton Bury streets--a beggar, a thief, for all I know." "You do know very well, Mr.Brithwood.

Sir Ralph, I was never either a beggar or a thief.

I began life as a working lad--a farm-labourer--until Mr.Fletcher, the tanner, took me into his employ." "So I have always understood," said Sir Ralph, courteously.

"And next to the man who is fortunate enough to boast a noble origin, I respect the man who is not ashamed of an ignoble one." "That is not exactly my position either," said John, with a half smile.
"But we are passing from the question in hand, which is simply my claim to be a freeman of this borough." "On what grounds ?" "You will find in the charter a clause, seldom put in force, that the daughter of a freeman can confer the freedom on her husband.

My wife's late father, Mr.Henry March, was a burgess of Kingswell.