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 a concern of others. Thee did not consult with thy friends when we entered upon this venture, and why take thy personal affairs to them when it is proposed to withdraw from it? Has thee no judgment of thy own?"

"But, John, we are prospering now, and if we remain blessed, why, perhaps Ruth—"

"Hush!" John exclaimed, fiercely; so fiercely, indeed, that William nearly fell over the anvil, he was so startled. It was a fortunate fright, so far as John was concerned, for William said, meekly, "If thee insists, I suppose I must."

"There is no insistence and no 'must' about it. I will buy thy interest, if thee will cheerfully and of thy own accord part with it; but if thee feels forced or over-persuaded, then I will not."

"But if thee is so desirous in the matter, what better can I do?" asked William, with endless trouble pictured in his countenance. "That is for thee to judge," replied John.

Before another word was spoken a shadow crossed the floor of the shop and John, looking up, saw the outline of Matthew Watson's