“I thank the Lord!” ejaculated Longman, lifting his cap, almost overcome by the sudden collapse of highly strung nerves. “See here, my man, what’s the matter with you? You look to be used up! I thought it was drink when I first saw you. But now I see it isn’t. You look to be faint for want of drink, not heavy from too much of it. Come in now and take a mug o’ beer, home brewed. ’Twill do ye good,” urged the farmer. “No, thank you. No, really. You are very kind, but I must get on,” said Longman, rising, and now that his tension of anxiety was relieved, gaining life with every breath he drew. “I wouldn’t wonder now if you was that son o’ hern who went to sea long years ago and never was heerd on since?” said the farmer, calling after him. “Yes, I am her son, and I am going to Haymore now to find her. Thank you, and good-day to you,” said Longman. “I’m dogged glad on it! One widdy’s heart will sing for joy this night, anyhow! Well, good-day, and good luck to you, my lad!” were the last words of the kind-hearted farmer. When Longman rejoined his two friends, who he had left waiting for him at the farm gate, his happy face told the “glad tidings” before his tongue could speak them. “Hooray! It’s good news ye’re afther hearing!” cried Mike, throwing up his cap and catching it. “Yes, I thank the Lord!” replied Longman reverently. And then, as they walked down the lane and out upon the highroad leading to Chuxton, Longman told them all that he had heard from the farmer. “So she’s housekeeper at the rectory itself! That’s where your niece, Miss Julia, will be at service, Mr. Quin!” exclaimed Mike; “that is, if she’s not married,” he added. “Or dead, poor wench!” sighed old Dandy. “Oh, bother that! Nobody’s dead, or going to die just yet, is there, Samson, man?” “I hope not, Mike.” “Anyways, we shall hear when we get to Haymore. Yes, that is so,” said Dandy, with an air of resignation. He was not nearly so anxious to hear from his niece as Longman had been to get news of his mother. He did not, indeed, care much about her now, whatever he might come to care after he should have renewed his acquaintance with her. When they reached Chuxton and turned into the street leading to the “Tawny Lion,” they saw the huge carryall drawn up before the door, with a crowd of idlers, mostly boys, gathered around it to see it start. Longman and his companions went into the parlor, where they found the Hays and Will Walling waiting for them. “Why have you stayed for us, Mr. Hay? This is really too kind!” said Longman. “Kind to myself, friend! I did not want to go without you. Even if I had, Judy would not have allowed it. I see by your face that you have good news of your mother. I congratulate you,” said Ran, offering his hand. “Yes, sir, thank Heaven!” replied the hunter. And then in a few words, as they walked to the carryall, he told all he heard at the farm.