The Man in Possession — page 22: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 19 rejoinder, as the individual removed his greasy hat and began to wipe it apologetically with his greasy sleeve. ‘‘Only put in temporary, you know, sir. Notice was served. Taxes not paid. Easily settled.” ‘‘Easily,” muttered O’Brien, with rising wrath. ‘“By Jove, I wish it was.” ‘*What’s to be done?”’ asked Kate. ‘Oh, don’t you trouble yourself, mum, I’m used to ladies. You won’t know I’m here. I'll just step into the kitchen, and as long as I’ve my pipe and my bit of vittals, why, no one could be quieter or more peaceable than Bill Fletcher.” ‘‘It’s dreadful,” said Kate despairingly. Her father took some loose silver from his pocket, and tossed it to the cabman, who drove away, leav- ing the luggage piled in the hall. | ‘‘Now, my man,” said O’Brien, cheerfully, ‘I suppose since you are here, you'll have tostay. It’s quite impossible that I can meet your demands just at this moment. Most inconsiderate to place one in such a fix. They call this a free country, and aman finds his house taken possession of in this fashion the moment he turns his back. Hanged if I'll sup- port the government any more. Now, lend a hand, — and get these bags and things upstairs.” ‘‘Certainly, sir, always ready to oblige.” He shouldered the bag, and made his way upstairs. Biddy followed, calling out directions. Kate looked at her fatherin dismay. ‘“Can’t you pay him off?” she said. ‘‘My present amount of capital is in the pocket of that departing Jehu,” said O’Brien, laughing. ‘‘ Be- 2 COMicloe (Sri C(O)