“It would be surprising if you all felt that way. I should judge a crowd picked up in the way yours was would have at least some who would be deadheads on the hands of the others. You say there are several among you who are unable to work if they wished?” “Two,” faltered Rob, for the first time losing courage. Somehow the candid words of Dr. Menter struck to his heart as nothing said by others had done. “Do you know what I think?” “That we made a mistake in coming?” “Worse than that, young man. The deacon is famous for his foolish schemes, and that this caps the climax. No other man in town would have gone good for Jonas Lyford, and with the prospect of paying up another’s debt, which is likely to take all he is worth, I should have thought Deacon Cornhill would have felt like letting you and your companions alone.” “We shall not make Mr. Cornhill any extra trouble, sir.” “The safest way for you to make good your words will be by leaving town at once. I can see that you have created an unfavorable impression already. Still, I feel very sure that money enough to pay your fare to the city will be forthcoming if you conclude to go. I will give five dollars toward it myself.” “You are very kind, sir.” “You think you will go?” Rob hesitated a moment before replying, but there was no mistaking his meaning when he spoke, low, but firmly: “I can’t answer for my friends, but I have come to stay.” CHAPTER XIV. A WRITTEN NOTICE. Dr. Menter made no reply to Rob’s last statement, but a few minutes later, as he turned his horse into the driveway leading to a comfortable-looking, old-fashioned, two-story house, he said: “This is where the deacon lives. He is so sick I do not believe he will care to see you, so you had better remain in my carriage until I come out. I will say to him that you have come.” Rob could do no better than to take up with this advice, though the time hung heavy on his hands until the physician reappeared. “I have spoken to the deacon about you, and he seems greatly concerned over your welfare. I could not think of letting you see him in his present state. But, as your situation is such that something has got to be done at once, I will act for him for a few days, until we can see how he gets along. Now say to me just what you have come here to say to him.” “I am sorry Deacon Cornhill is so sick,” said Rob. “Is there nothing I can do for him?” “You show a pretty unselfish spirit to think of some one else before yourself, considering the hopeless situation you are in. I do not think you can do anything for the deacon at present. Is there anything I can do for you?” “We need tools, sir, to begin work on the land, and we want to find chances to work so we can earn money.” “Now you talk business. In regard to the first matter, I shall take the liberty to borrow of the deacon for you. In the second case, I have got to do a little thinking. How many of you wish places, and what can you do?”