"In sooth," said the barber, "my eyes give me ample evidence of the fact."
"And art glad to see me, father?"
"Ay, God knoweth I am that, Tim. Give me thy hand!"
"What, though I am dressed as a beggar withal?"
"Ay, though thy rags were e'en raggeder than they are," said Peter, the tears filling his eyes. He shook the lad's hand with a grip whose strength betokened his fulness of joy. "Tim, my lad," he added after a brief pause, "tell me, I pray you, hast thou been in battle?"
"Ay," returned Timothy, "the most glorious battle that ever was. I have fought, father, as my wounds shall presently prove to thee, and have killed as many Spaniards as might fill thy poor shop."
"An thou hast proved thyself a man and not a coward?"
Timothy nodded.
"'Tis enough for me," said Peter. "And now, I pray you, tell me where is thy ship?"