The Buccaneer Farmer, page 1 by Harold Bindloss
<< Return to Title Details & Download2
ISSION
XI KIT KEEPS HIS PROMISE
XII THE LAST CARGO
PART III--KIT'S RETURN
I KIT'S WELCOME
II A DANGEROUS TALENT
III THE HORSE SHOW
IV THE FLOOD
V KIT TELLS A STORY
VI THORN MAKES A PLAN
VII GERALD'S RETURN
VIII GRACE'S CONFIDENCE
IX KIT GOES TO THE RESCUE
X GRACE'S CHOICE
XI OSBORN'S SURRENDER
PART I--AT ASHNESS
CHAPTER I
THE LEASE
The morning was bright after heavy rain, and when Osborn looked out of the library window a warm, south-west breeze shook the larches about Tarnside Hall. Now and then a shadow sped across the tarn, darkening the ripples that sparkled like silver when the cloud drove on. Osborn frowned, for he had meant to go fishing and it was a morning when the big, shy trout would rise. His game-keeper was waiting at the boathouse, but the postman had brought some letters that made him put off his sport.
This was annoying, because Osborn hated to be balked and seldom allowed anything to interfere with his amusements. One letter, from a housemaster at a famous public school, covered a number of bills, which, the writer stated somewhat curtly, ought to have been paid. Another announced that Hayes, the agent for the estate, and a tenant would wait upon Osborn, who knew what they meant to talk about. He admitted that a landlord had duties, but his generally demanded attention at an inconvenient time.
Osborn was fifty years of age. He had a ruddy skin and well-proportioned figure, and was, physically, a rather fine example of the sporting country gentleman. For all that, there were lines on his forehead and wrinkles about his eyes; his mouth was loose and sensual, and something about him hinted at indulgence. His manner, as a rule, was abrupt and often overbearing.<