It will be a fortnight, or nearly so, before you will be
able to use them," answered the doctor. "You will have time to stay
quiet and get wisdom, if that is what you want."

One of Jack's first visitors was Mr Strelley.

"I have come to thank you, Mr John Deane, for saving my property," he
said, as he took his seat by his side. "You have not only benefited me
very greatly, but I can scarcely tell you how many poor families would
have been thrown out of work if my factory had been destroyed."

Jack of course made a suitable answer.

"I just did what I saw ought to be done," said Jack. "Really, Mr
Strelley, I do not think you have anything to thank me for."

"There may be two opinions even on a matter of that sort," answered the
manufacturer; "and, at all events, I wish you would tell me how I can
best serve you. I wish to do it for your father's sake, as well as for
your own. We are old friends, you know; so do not stand on ceremony, at
all events."

The occurrence of the night had made Jack more than ever anxious to
leave home for a time; for he felt that even should his father not
question him as to the cause of his absence during it, he was bound to
tell him. He therefore explained fully to Mr Strelley what were his
wishes with regard to becoming a cattle-dealer and drover.

"If you really have made up your mind on the subject, I will most gladly
forward your views," said Mr Strelley. "You know my trusty old head
drover, Will Brinsmead, as you took an excursion with him last year, I
rather think. He will start in a few days in charge of a large drove
now grazing in Colwick Park and adjoining meadows, and dispose of them
at Stourbridge Fair. With the price he obtains he is to buy Scotch
cattle at Saint Faith's, near Norwich; for, as you know, the Highland
drovers bring their lean beasts to that place. I have a correspondent
at Norwich, my old friend Mr Gournay, the manufacturer, and several
merchants; and Brinsmead will have to transact some business with them.
Now you could not do better than serve your apprenticeship under him,
and act as his clerk. You will learn in that way how to do business on
a large scale, and that, I take it, will be your aim as a young man of
spirit. You would not be long content to follow at the tails of oxen,
and keep them moving on the straight road."

"The very thing above all things I should like," exclaimed Jack. "I
hope my Cousin Nat will get my hands all to righ