"To be sure, I know that, John. Well, then, it is your brother Harry."

A look of anxiety came into John's face and he asked in an anxious
voice, "What is the matter with Harry? Is he well?"

"Quite well."

"Then what has he been doing?"

"Nay, it's something he wants to do."

"He wants to get married, I suppose?"

"Nay, I haven't heard of any foolishness of that make. I'll tell you
what he wants to do--he wants to rent his share in the mill to Naylor's
sons."

Then John leaped to his feet and said angrily, "Never! Never! It cannot
be true, mother! I cannot believe it! Who told you?"

"Your overseer, Jonathan Greenwood, and Harry asked Greenwood to stand
by him in the matter, but Jonathan wouldn't have anything to do with
such business, and he advised me to send for you. He says the lad is
needing looking after--in more ways than one."

"Where is Harry?"

"He went to Manchester last Saturday."