Question

Why did a gentleman hang around Jerome and Harris in Kampton Park? What did Jerome tell about that man? How do Harris and Jerome respond to the accusation that they are trespassing?

Answer 1

Harris and Jerome stop at Kempton Park to lunch. As they sit beneath a willow, a gentleman asks them if they are aware they are trespassing.
Jerome explains to the reader that the man was expecting a bribe, and most likely did not work for the landowner at all. He adds that these attempts at blackmail are common along the banks of the Thames, and that tourists should avoid paying people who do this.
Harris and Jerome casually say they are not aware that they are trespassing, but are willing to take his word for it. They do not move, however, and the man does not leave. Harris offers him some bread and jam, but he declines gruffly and says it is his duty to get them to leave. Harris, a large young man, asks, again casually, how he intends to go about it. The man sizes Harris up and then says he will go and tell his master and see what he wants to do.