was a large mail waiting."

"I'll warrant it. Mr. Henry hesn't been near the mill since Friday
morning," and with these words the overseer lifted his books and records
and left the room.

John sat very still with bent head; he shut his eyes and turned them on
his heart, but it was not long before his thoughtful face was brightened
by a smile as he whispered to himself, "I must hear what Harry has to
say before I judge him. Jonathan has strong prejudices, and Harry must
have what he considers 'reasonable cause' for what he wishes."

He waited anxiously all morning, going frequently to his brother's
office, but it was mid-afternoon when he heard Harry's quick light step
on the corridor. His heart beat to the sound, he quickly opened his
door, and as he did so, Harry cried,

"John! I am so glad you are here!"

Then John drew the bright handsome lad to his side, and they entered his
office together, and as soon as they were alone, John bent to his
brother, drew him closer, and kissed him.

"I have been restless and longing to see you, Harry. Where have you
been, dear lad?"

It was noticeable that John's tone and attitude was that of a father,
more than a brother, for John was ten years older than Harry and through
all his boyhood, his youth, and even his manhood he had fought for and
watched over and loved him with a fatherly, as well as a brotherly,