n perhaps see into it a little further
than they. And foresight is sometimes a still better tool than courage."

Then he took Hobb's hand in his, and they gripped with the grip of men
who love each other; and Ambrose went out of the garden, and Hobb was
left alone. For Hugh and Lionel were companions to none but themselves.

But on the first of June Hobb, coming to the gate of his garden, saw
with surprise a peacock strutting on the hillbrow, his fan spread in
the sun, a luster of green and blue and gold, and behind him was
another, and further south three more. So Hobb went out to look at
them, and found not five but fifty peacocks sweeping the Downs with
their heavy trains, or opening and shutting them like gigantic magical
flowers. Following the throng of birds, he came shortly to a barn
already known to him, but he had never seen it as he saw it now. For
the roof was crowded with peacocks, and peacocks strayed in flocks
within and without; and sitting in the doorway was Heriot, the sight of
whom so overjoyed his brother that Hobb forgot the thousand peacocks in
the one man. And he made speed to greet him, but within a few yards
halted full of doubt. For was this Heriot? He had Heriot's air and
attitude, yet the grace was gone from his body; and Heriot's features,
surely, but the beauty had melted away like morning dew. And his dress,
which had always been orderly and beautiful, was neglected; so that
under the half-laced jerkin Hobb saw that he was shirtless. Yet after
the first moment's shock, he knew this gaunt and ugly youth was Heriot.
And Heriot seeing his coming hung his head, and made a shamed movement
of retreat into the shadow of the barn. But Hobb hurried to him, and
took him by the shoulders, and beheld him with the eyes of love which
always find its object beautiful. Then the flush faded from Heriot's
haggard cheeks, and he looked as full at Hobb as Hobb at him. And as at
the steadfast meeting of eyes men see no longer the physical
appearance, but for an eternal instance the appearance of the soul,
these brothers knew that they were to each other what they had always
been. And Heriot saw that Hobb was full of questions, and he laid his
hand over Hobb's mouth and said, "Hobb, do not ask me anything, for I
can tell you nothing."

"Neither of yourself nor of Ambrose?" said Hobb.

"Nothing," repeated Heriot.

So Hobb left his questions unspoken, and as they went home together
told Heriot of Hugh's retur