ther, making his leather apron
sound again.

"Yow'll let a mon shek hans wi' thee, lad?" cried Pannell. "Hey, that's
hearty! On'y black steel," he cried in apology for the state of his
hand.

Then I had to shake hands all round, and listen to the remarks made,
while Gentles evidently looked on, but with his eyes screwed tight.

"Say a--look at his arms, lads," cried Stevens, who was as excited as
everybody. "He hev growed a big un. Why, he bets the three mesters
'cross the showthers."

Then Pannell started a cheer, and so much fuss was made over me that I
was glad to take refuge in the office, feeling quite ashamed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Why, Cob, you had quite an ovation," said Uncle Bob.

"Yes, just because I have grown as big as my big uncles," I said in a
half-vexed way.

"No," said Uncle Dick, "not for that, my lad. The men remember you as
being a stout-hearted plucky boy who was always ready to crush down his
weakness, and fight in the cause of right."

"And who always treated them in a straightforward manly way," said Uncle
Jack.

"What! Do you mean to say those men remember what I used to do?"

"Remember!" cried Uncle Bob; "why it is one of their staple talks about
how you stood against the night birds who used to play us such cowards'
tricks. Why, Gentles remains _Trappy_ Gentles to this day."

"And bears no malice?" I said.

"Malice! Not a bit. He's one of our most trusty men."

"Don't say that, Bob," said Uncle Jack. "We haven't a man who wouldn't
fight for us to the end."

"Not one," said Uncle Dick. "You worked wonders with them, Cob, when
you were here."

"Let's see, uncles," I said; "I've been away eight years."

"Yes," they said.

"Well, I haven't learned yet what it is not to be modest, and I hope I
never shall."

"What do you mean?" said Uncle Dick.

"What do I mean!" I said. "Why, what did I do but what you three dear
old fellows taught me? Eh?"

There was a silence in the office for a few minutes. No; only a pause
as to words, for wheels were turning, blades shrieking, water splashing,
huge hammers thudding, and there was the hiss and whirr of steam-sped
machines, added since I went away, for "Russell's," as the men called
our works, was fast becoming one of the most prosperous of the small
businesses in our town.

Then Uncle Dick spoke gravely, and said: "Cob, there are boys who will
be taught, and bo