He was used to such troubles, and could always tell himself that his back was broad enough to bear them; but his desolation among enemies oppressed him.

Medlicot, however, was no longer an enemy.

Then there came across his mind for the first time an idea that Medlicot might marry his sister-in-law, and become his fast friend.

If he could have but one true friend, he thought that he could bear the enmity of all the Brownbies.

Hitherto he had been entirely alone in his anxiety.