`Well, I'll turn it over, Tom. I must inquire into the matter, and go into it with Mr Guest. But, you see, it's rather striking out a new branch, and putting you to that, instead of keeping you where you are - which was what we'd wanted.'

`I should be able to manage more than the mill when things were once set properly going, sir. I want to have plenty of work. There's nothing else I care about much.'

There was something rather sad in that speech from a young man of three and twenty, even in uncle Deane's business-loving ears.

`Pooh, pooh! you'll be having a wife to care about one of these days, if you get on at this pace in the world. But as to this Mill, we mustn't reckon our chickens too early. However, I promise you to bear it in mind, and when you come back, we'll talk of it again. I am going to dinner now. Come and have breakfast with us tomorrow morning and say good-by to your mother and sister before you start.'