At Grey Pine Mrs. Ann, uneasily conscious of her share in the matter, asked John if he had given the money to Josiah.  He said yes, and that the man was safe and by this time far away.  Meanwhile, the little town buzzed with unwonted excitement and politics gave place about the grocer’s door at evening to animated discussion, which was even more interesting when on Wednesday there was still no news and the town lamented the need to go unshaven.

On Thursday morning Billy was sent with a led horse to meet Penhallow at Westways Crossing.  Penhallow had written that he must go on to a meeting of the directors of the bank at the mills and would not be at home until dinner-time.  The afternoon train brought Mr. Woodburn, who as advised by Grey went at once to Swallow’s house, where Mrs. Swallow gave him a note from her husband asking that if he came he would await the lawyer’s return.

“Well, Billy, glad to see you,” said Penhallow, as he settled himself in the saddle.  “All well at Grey Pine?”

“Yes, sir.”

The Squire was in high good-humour on having made two good contracts for iron rails.  “How are politics, Billy?”

“Don’t know, sir.”

“Anything new at Westways?”

“Yes, sir,” replied Billy with emphasis.

“Well, what is it?”

“Josiah’s run away.”

“Run away!  Why?”

“Don’t know—­he’s gone.”

Penhallow was troubled, but asked no other questions, as he was late.  He might learn more at home.  He rode through the town and on to the mills.  There he transacted some business and went thence to the bank.  The board of well-to-do farmers was already in session, and Swallow—­a member—­was talking.

“What is that?” said Penhallow as he entered, hearing Josiah mentioned.

Some one said, “He has been missing since Monday.”  “He drew out all his money that morning,” said Swallow, “all of it.”

“Indeed,” said Penhallow.  “Did he draw it—­I mean in person?”

“No,” said the lawyer, who was well pleased to make mischief and hated Penhallow.

Penhallow was uneasily curious.  “Who drew it?” he asked.  “Josiah could hardly have known how to draw a cheque; I had once to help him write one.”

“It was a cheque to bearer, I hear,” said Swallow smiling.  “Mrs. Penhallow drew the money.  No doubt Josiah got it before he left.”

Penhallow said, “You are insolent.”

“You asked a question,” returned Swallow, “and I answered it.”

“And with a comment I permit no man to make.  You said, ’no doubt he got it.’  I want an apology at once.”  He went around the table to where Swallow sat.

The lawyer rose, saying, “Every one will know to-day that Josiah was a runaway slave.  His master will be here this evening.  Whoever warned him is liable under the Fugitive-Slave Act—­Mrs. Penhallow drew the money and—­”

“One word more, sir, of my wife, and I will thrash you.  It is clear that you know all about the matter and connect my wife with this man’s escape—­you have insulted her.”