"Then I am to keep on with my work, sir?" asked Eben, hardly able to believe his ears.
"Of course. Keep on and do the best you can, and if you convince me that Mr. Antis was right and I was mistaken, why, so much the better, that's all. I dare say I was cross this morning. I got up very early and had a poor breakfast, which disturbed my digestion, and I have had a good deal to worry me. Now go about your business, and when you go home carry a sack of fine flour to your mother, with my compliments. Do you hear?"
Eben expressed his thanks he hardly knew how, and went about his work with a grateful and thankful heart, longing for the time when he could run home and relieve Flora by the news.
"Mr. Antis, how far is it from here to Lyons? Could you drive me over there in two hours?"
"Oh yes, sir, easily," replied Mr. Antis. "The mare will do the distance in less time."
"I believe I will go there, see Mr. Jones to-night, and run over to Millby to-morrow," said Mr. Francis. "I suppose the roads are good. Can you send some one over to the Springs with a telegram? Here's young Fairchild; let him go."
"You can ride the old gray, you know, Eben," said Mr. Antis.
He interpreted this commission as a full and free pardon to the boy, and was pleased accordingly, for he was very fond of Eben.
"Well, be off and get ready," said Mr. Francis. "How soon can you set out?"
"Just as quick as I can saddle the horse, sir, only I should like to stop at home and get my coat," replied Eben, rejoicing in the chance to tell the good news a little sooner. "I won't be ten minutes."