"Yes, but that is rather a hope than a certainty."
Tobias changed colour, and Johanna turned to him, saying, in a kind tone—
"Nay, now, Tobias, you have nothing to fear from Todd. Did you not hear what the letter said upon that point?"
"Yes oh, yes!" replied Tobias. "I will fear nothing while you are all so good to me."
"I tell's you what it is," said Ben. "That 'ere fellow is for all the world just like one of the wild beastesses as declines being tamed. We had one once as got away one night, and he swam over the river, you see."
"And did you catch him?" said Tobias.
"After a time, yes. Easy did it."
"Who did it, sir?"
"Easy—It ain't a who. It's a way of doing things. You take it easy, you know."
"Oh, yes, I understand now."