rticularly noticeable about the young man who a
minute later was standing before them with his cap in his hand. He was
plainly of the working class; and he had over his shoulder a bag of
tools. He was dusty up to the knees with his long tramp. Mr. John gave
him a word of welcome; and then the whole group went slowly together
back to the house, with the two men following. Sir Thomas stumbled a
little going up the two or three steps into the hall. Then they all sat
down together; the servant put a big flagon and a horn tumbler beside
the traveller, and went out, closing the doors.

"Now, my man," said Mr. John. "Do you eat and drink while I do the
talking. I understand you are a man of your hands, and that you have
business elsewhere."

"I must be in Lancashire by the end of the week, sir."

"Very well, then. We have business enough for you, God knows! This is
Mistress Manners, whom you may have heard of. And after you have looked
at the places we have here--you understand me?--Mistress Manners wants
you at her house at Booth's Edge.... You have any papers?"

Owen leaned back and drew out a paper from his bag of tools.

"This is from Mr. Fenton, sir."

Mr. John glanced at the address; then he turned it over and broke the
seal. He stared for a moment at the open sheet.

"Why, it is blank!" he said.

Owen smiled. He was a grave-looking lad of eighteen or nineteen years
old; and his face lighted up very pleasantly.

"I have had that trick played on me before, sir, in my travels. I
understand that Catholic gentlemen do so sometimes to try the fidelity
of the messenger."

The other laughed out loud, throwing back his head.

"Why, that is a poor compliment!" he said. "You shall have a better one
from us, I have no doubt."

Mr. Thomas leaned over the table and took the paper. He examined it very
carefully; then he handed it back. His father laughed again as he took
it.

"You are very cautious, my son," he said. "But it is wise enough....
Well, then," he went on to the carpenter, "you are willing to do this
work for us? And as for payment--"

"I ask only my food and lodging," said the lad quietly; "and enough to
carry me on to the next place."

"Why--" began the other in a protest.

"No, sir; no more than that...." He paused an instant. "I hope to be
admitted to the Society of Jesus this year or next."

There was a pause of astonishment. And then old Sir Thomas' deep voice
broke in.

"You do very well, sir