In my opinion, the correct answer is <span>D.) The author uses a metaphor to compare the West Riding men in their quest for money with hounds that pursue prey. From the context, we can realize that </span><span>Brontë was referring precisely to those men as money-thirsty people who underwent all kinds of small "local speculations" to earn money.</span>
They lock themselves up in the prince's<span> abbey with food & drink so they </span>can<span> survive</span>
