Page:The Toll of the Bush.pdf/108

got out.” Oh yes; write and tell him we’ll take it if he halves the fire risk until we start cutting.’

‘I suppose in that case we should fix a date when the cutting will begin,’ Geoffrey suggested.

‘He will probably think of that,’ said the Major drily; ‘and we’ll let it stand over until he does. About the price—Sandy will tell you what it’s worth.’

The Major returned to the letter he had been reading. Presently he said: ‘I see Hogg writes that the lease will expire in fifteen months’ time, and he asks with Howell’s consent for a transfer to himself for ten years at the same rental.’

‘Yes, sir, what reply shall I send to that?’

Major Milward referred to the index of the old account book and turned up a page. ‘Just come here,’ he said.

Geoffrey went round behind his employer’s chair and looked over his shoulder.

‘What do you make of it?’ the Major asked after a moment.

‘I take it to be a loan account for £480, on which there is £75 owing as interest.’

‘That's the position,’ the Major said, nodding approval. ‘Write and tell him that when he has discharged arrears of interest on that loan and made a reduction in the capital amount, I shall be prepared to consider his application for this lease.’

‘Is the rent account satisfactory?’ Geoffrey asked.

‘Yes, the rent is paid through another channel. That was the money you received from Howell a fortnight ago. Hogg is a sub-tenant.’

Geoffrey made a note of his instructions while