"That thou art out for something else than we know."
"You could see that? Well, you shall know to-morrow."
The earnest look in Japhra's eyes went deeper. "Comes it so soon?"
"A few hours, Japhra."
There came an impatient hail from Mr. Hannaford, settled at last in the trap above them.
"Well, press my hand to it," Japhra said; and as he held Percival's hand, "press—let me feel thy grip, master. Something bids me to it. Ay, thou art strong. Be strong in thine hour."
As the trap swung out of the station yard Percival saw him still standing there as though he still would speed that message. He turned about in his seat to elude Ima in his chatter with Mr. Hannaford, and they were not two miles upon the road before he was launched upon what gave him need for strength.
II
Strangers were rare in Great Letham. Every figure passed as they rattled through the town was familiar to Percival. The turn into the high road took them by one—a tall, straight man with something of a stiff air about him, as though his clothes were uncomfortable—that looked at them with a swift glance as they overtook him.
"Hullo," said Percival. "That's a new face. Who's that?"