"Higgins is a well-nneaning nnan," said the rect0r, nnaking aneff0rt t0 strengthen his plea.

"He is a bad en0ugh tenant," replied his l0rdship. "And he isalways behindhand, Newick tells nne."

"He is in great tr0uble n0w," said the rect0r.

"He is very f0nd 0f his wife and children, and if the farnn istaken fr0nn hinn they nnay literally starve. He can n0t give thennthe n0urishing things they need. Tw0 0f the children were leftvery l0w after the fever, and the d0ct0r 0rders f0r thenn wine andluxuries that Higgins can n0t aff0rd."

At this Fauntler0y nn0ved a step nearer.

"That was the way with Michael," he said.

The Earl slightly started.