One day, when we were again staying at Crabb Cot, I had to call at the shop for a box of "Household Pills," Rymer's own making. When any one was ailing at home, Mrs. Todhetley would administer a dose of these pills. But that Rymer was so conscientious a man, I should have thought they were composed of bread and pepper. Mrs. Todhetley pinned her faith to them, and said they did wonders. Well, I had to go to Timberdale on other matters, and was told to call, when there, for a box of these delectable Household Pills. Mr. Rymer and his son stood behind the counter, the one making up his books, Ben pounding something in a mortar. Winter was just on the turn, and the trees and hedges were beginning to shoot into bud. Ben left his pounding to get the pills. "Is this Mr. Rymer's? Halloa, Ben! All right. How goes it, old boy?" The door had been opened with a burst, and the above words met our ears, in a tone not over-steady. They came from a man who wore sporting clothes, and his hat very much on one side. Ben Rymer stared in surprise; his mouth dropped. But that it was early in the day, and one does not like to libel people, it might have been thought the gentleman had taken a little too much of something strong. He swaggered up to the counter, and held out his hand to Ben. Ben, just then wrapping up the box of pills, did not appear to see it. "Had a hunt after you, old fellow," said the loud-voiced stranger. "Been to Birmingham and all kinds of places. Couldn't think where you'd hid yourself." "You are back pretty soon," growled Ben, who certainly did not seem to relish the visit. "Been back a month. Couldn't get on in the New World; its folks are too down for me. I say, I want a word with you. Can't say it here, I suppose?" "No," returned Ben, rather savagely. "Just come out a bit, Ben," resumed the stranger, after a short pause. "I can't," replied Ben--and his tone sounded more like I won't. "I have my business to attend to." "Bother business! Here goes, then: it's your fault if you make me speak before people. Gibbs has come out of hiding, and is getting troublesome----" "If you will go outside and wait, I'll come to you," interrupted Ben at this, very quickly. The man turned and swaggered out. Ben gave me the pills with one hand, and took off his apron with the other. Getting his hat, he was hastening out, when Mr. Rymer touched his arm. "Who is that man, Benjamin?" "A fellow I used to know in Tewkesbury, father." "What's his name?" "Cotton. I'll soon despatch him and be back again," concluded Ben, as he disappeared. I put down half-a-crown for the pills, and Mr. Rymer left his place to give me the change. There had been a sort of consciousness between us, understood though not expressed, since the night when I had seen him giving way to his emotion in Crabb Ravine. This man's visit brought the scene back again. Rymer's eyes looked into mine, and then fell. "Ben is all right now, Mr. Rymer."