his brother was generally to be found. And there sure enough was
Benjamin, a pretty fair-haired boy, who looked scarce strong enough
for the task in hand, but who was yet working might and main with
chisel and hammer. His face brightened at sight of his brother, yet
he did not relax his efforts, only saying eagerly:

"How goes it at home with them all, Joseph? I trow it is the coffin
makers, not the lace makers, who have all the trade nowadays! We
are working night and day, and yet cannot keep up with the orders."

Benjamin was half proud of all this press of business, but he did
not look as though it agreed with him. His face was pale, and when
at last he threw down his hammer it was with a gasp of exhaustion.
The day was very hot, and he had been at work before the dawn. It
was no wonder, perhaps, that he looked wan and weary, yet the
master passing by paused and cast an uneasy glance at him. For it
was from the very next stool that he had recently dismissed the man
Job of whom he had spoken, and of whose condition he felt grave
doubts.

Seeing Joseph close by he gave him a nod, and said:

"Hast come to fetch home thy brother? Two of my apprentices have
been taken away since yesterday. He is a good lad, and does his
best; but he may take a holiday at home if he likes. You are
healthier at your end of the town, and they say the distemper comes
not near water.

"Wilt thou go home to thy mother, boy? We want men rather than lads
at our work in these days."