The master of the mill, who was a tall man, with hair thickly sprinkled with grey, came to the door of his office—a small building at one side of the yard—as they rode up.
"Well, men?" he said laconically.
"We've killed two head of deer, that's all," replied the spokesman of the party, "and we've picked up a man and a boy who were on their way here."
"Dismount," said the master briefly, addressing the strangers.
Green jumped down and took off his skin cap.
"Beg pardon, Mr. Ellison, sir," said he, "but can you tell me, is Josh Davidson, my father, still living here?"
"Yes," replied the master. "You are his son Ben?" he added.
"That's so," said Green, whose real name was Ben Davidson. "Can I see him?"
The master sent for the prodigal's father. Then looking at Ben, he said inquiringly—
"Turned over a new leaf?"