She thought he was gone for the "millingtary;" but Mr. Halifax was at
the mill now--she hoped no harm would come to Mr. Halifax.

Even in that moment of alarm I felt a sense of pleasure. I had not
been in the tan-yard for nearly three years. I did not know John had
come already to be called "Mr. Halifax."

There was nothing for me but to wait here till my father returned.
He could not surely be so insane as to go to the mill--and John was
there. Terribly was my heart divided, but my duty lay with my
father.

Jael sat down in the shed, or marched restlessly between the
tan-pits. I went to the end of the yard, and looked down towards the
mill. What a half-hour it was!

At last, exhausted, I sat down on the bark heap where John and I had
once sat as lads. He must now be more than twenty; I wondered if he
were altered.

"Oh, David! David!" I thought, as I listened eagerly for any sounds
abroad in the town; "what should I do if any harm came to thee?"

This minute I heard a footstep crossing the yard. No, it was not my
father's--it was firmer, quicker, younger. I sprang from the
barkheap.

"Phineas!"

"John!"