Mr. Telfer's contention was that he had a good point in law, and that it would be cowardly "to fling up the sponge" without a legal decision.
"I have no respect for what you call the law," he said, a little bitterly. "I have tasted its quality, and want no more of it."
"But what is the law for, except to preserve our rights?" Mr. Telfer demanded.
"Why, your rights and mine, and everybody's."
"Put it to yourself," Ralph said quietly. "What rights has a poor man; or, if he thinks he has, what chance has he of defending them if they are threatened by the rich and powerful?"
"But is not justice the heritage of the poor?" Mr. Telfer asked.
"In theory it is so, no doubt; but not in practice. To get justice in these days, you must spend a fortune in lawyers' fees--and probably you won't get it then. But the poor have no fortune to spend."
"I'll admit that going to law is a very expensive business; but what is one to do?"
"It may be so. And yet, I do not see much heroism in running your head against a stone wall."
"But is it manly to sit down quietly and be robbed?"
"That all depends on who the robbers are. If there are ten to one, I should say it would be the wisest policy to submit."
"I admit that the company is a powerful one. But it is a question with me whether they have any right to the stuff at all. Their sett extends from the line of Cowley's farm westward; but their tip has come a quarter of a mile eastward. For years past they have had to pay for the right of tipping their waste. In point of law, it isn't their stuff at all. It isn't even on their land--the land belongs to Daniel Rickard."
"That may be quite true," Ralph answered; "but I can't think that will help us very much."
"Because I heard this morning they were negotiating with Daniel for the purchase of his little freehold."
"In any case," he said, "I would get counsel's opinion. Why not run up to London and consult Sir John Liskeard? He is our member, you know, and in your case his charge would not be excessive. You can afford to spend something to know where you stand. I believe in dying game." And with a wave of his hand, Mr. Telfer marched away.
Two days later Ralph got a second letter from the chairman of the Brick, Tile, and Clay Company which was much less conciliatory in tone. In fact, it intimated, in language too plain to be misunderstood, that the company held him guilty of trespass, and that by continuing his work after the previous intimation he was rendering himself liable to an action at law.