‘I do not know what ideas you may have had, sir, nor what you meant, but it is not the first time you have attacked me, and said ill things of me behind my back. You tried to set my own brother against me on this very subject. You will pardon my presumption in saying it, but upon my word I cannot see what our family affairs are to you. I have fought my father’s battle, and that for my brother and myself, without appealing to you for help. But,’ he added, with a sudden change of tone which went subtly home to his hearers, ‘you have done me a good turn to-day, when you would have done me an ill one. You have shown me who _is_ my friend.’ He struck his hand into that of Otho, which was still held out, and looked him full in the face. ‘I hear what you say, Askam, and as long as I live I shall not forget that you have stood by me while my father’s friend and your father’s friend maligned me to you. I think I will say good afternoon,’ he added, as a stinging parting shaft to Sir Thomas. ‘It would be embarrassing for us both to remain, and it is fitter that I should leave than you.’ With which, and with a slight and perfectly self-possessed bow to Sir Thomas and the assembled company, he departed, and Otho Askam with him. This scene, of course, made a great sensation, and that night was reported far and wide, throughout many miles of Yorkshire and Durham. Every man agreed in saying that Sir Thomas Winthrop was apt to become too expansive on these occasions, and that they hoped it would be a lesson to him. As to Gilbert and Otho, and their behaviour, opinions differed. Men spoke of their parts in the fray according to their own feelings and dispositions, some saying that it was a touching example of faith and friendship, others leaning on the opinion that Otho Askam, in to-morrow’s stingy fit, would repent him of his reckless generosity to-day; while one observer said— ‘I suppose there was something real in it. I’m sure there was on Askam’s side, at any rate; but that Gilbert Langstroth is a queer fellow. I’m certain, if you could see to the bottom of his heart, you would find gratitude to Sir Thomas for having given him such a chance. It was very telling, that slightly trembling voice, and that little side stroke about having fought their battles alone, and without asking Sir Thomas’s help. It made Sir Thomas look confoundedly foolish, and as if he had been doing a very mean thing.’ ‘And don’t you think he had?’ ‘Certainly not. He had been doing what he thought was the very best for everybody, and in the most disinterested way. Only, you know, he hates what he calls tradespeople like poison; and the idea of knocking Gilbert’s factories on the head was just too much for him.’ ‘Well, I’m much mistaken if he has not given them a good push towards a fresh start.’ ‘I quite agree with you.’ And there was a laugh at the expense of Sir Thomas.