Luke took the halter, unloosed it from where it had been fastened to the beam, knotted it up, and flung it far away among the bushes.
The old man said nothing, but stood before his nephew with downcast eyes, slightly trembling.
Luke was silent also for some while, allowing the old man to recover himself. Then he took his arm in his own and led him back to the horse.
"Let me alone! Let me go!" said old Cleverdon.
"Uncle, we will go together. I was on my way to you. I had heard in what trouble you were, and I thought it possible I might be of some assistance to you."
"You!" the Squire shook his head. "I want over a thousand pounds at once."
"That I have not got. Can I not help you in any other way?"
"There is no other way."
"What has happened," said Luke, "is by the will of God, and you must accept it, and look to Him to bless your loss to you."