"Let it end now," replied Benjamin, with a smile, "for I am here again."
"Yes, I thank my God, for 'this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.'" And his mother came almost as near to death with joy, as she had been before with sorrow.
They sat down together, when Benjamin rehearsed his experience since leaving Boston, not omitting to state the cause of his sudden departure, and the reason of his return. And then he put the letter of Governor Keith into his father's hand.
"How is James? I suppose he is at the printing office? I must go to see him."
Benjamin's words and tone of speech indicated only good will towards his brother.
"I am glad to hear you say that, Benjamin. It has grieved me terribly that he should treat you so unbrotherly; I do hope that you will now be reconciled to each other." His mother spoke with much feeling.
"I trust we shall; I am ready to forgive and forget. I have learned a good lesson from experience since leaving Boston."
So saying, he started for the printing office, not knowing what sort of a reception awaited him there He hoped for the best, however.
"James!" He extended his hand as he spoke. James would not have been more astonished over one who rose from the dead, but he took his hand in a cold, reserved sort of a way, merely saying:
"Benjamin!"