er
Elsie might be.

But a thought flashed across my mind. The young dog! At it already!
If I had my hand on his collar, I would teach him to be anybody's
"Dearest Joe!" "Dearest Joe" indeed! I would "Dearest Joe" him!

But after all the situation had made me smile, and I knew that there
was but one Elsie in Breckonside--Elsie Stennis--and as good a girl as
ever stepped! Too good for Joe, if only she had her rights--what with
the old rascal's property, not that I minded much about that--and a
temper which would make Master Joe toe the line. He had need of
that--I never!

Now I do not say that I thought all that then. I desire to be exact in
the smallest details. I merely smiled, perhaps a little grimly, and
rapped out the correction--"Joseph Yarrow, Senior."

I knew that would surprise her. For I must have had the reputation of
being in my grave for many days before the wretched crew at Deep Moat
Grange got hold of her.

Then very falteringly was rapped out the further question: "Are you
really Joe's father?"

I replied that I had been given to believe so, but that Joe's apparent
conduct might well give rise to doubts.

The answer came back at once:

"You don't mean that, Mr. Yarrow!"

Which, I will own, fairly conquered me--almost made me laugh, and
though an old man, I felt quite warm about the heart. Now, when I came
to think of it, I had always liked to see Elsie Stennis tripping about
the village streets. One picture I was foolish enough to remember--a
dingy November day after it had been raining, and Elsie going to school
to her teaching. She was crossing the little dirty place in front of
Ebie McClintock's forge, and she stooped to pick up her skirts, giving
them a little shake, and then hopped across with her nose in the
air--pert and pretty as a robin redbreast.

No fool like an old fool. I am speaking to you--Mr. Joseph Yarrow,
Senior.

CHAPTER XXVI

COMRADES IN CAPTIVITY

After that we had much intercourse. There was, indeed, little else to
do, though now I know that the periods when I could get no answer were
those in which the three sisters still in hiding were in the habit of
visiting Elsie in company generally with Mad Jeremy. Little by little,
however, Miss Stennis--well, after being addressed as "Dearest Joe" I
suppose I may as well say "Elsie"--told me all about her position--the
manner of her capture, and the liberty, comparative though it was,
which she enjoyed.