"How could _we_ foresee that the neighbors would search the kiln, and say what they have said of us?
All we feared was, that the old man might hear of the quarrel, and be bitterer against us than ever.

I was the more anxious of the two to keep things secret, because I had Naomi to consider as well as the old man.

Put yourself in my place, and you will own, sir, that the prospect at home was not a pleasant one for _me_, if John Jago really kept away from the farm, and if it came out that it was all my doing." (This was certainly an explanation of his conduct; but it was not satisfactory to my mind.) "As _you_ believe, then," I went on, "John Jago has carried out his threat of not returning to the farm?
According to you, he is now alive, and in hiding somewhere ?" "Certainly!" said Ambrose.
"Certainly!" repeated Naomi.
"Do you believe the report that he was seen traveling on the railway to New York ?" "I believe it firmly, sir; and, what is more, I believe I was on his track.

I was only too anxious to find him; and I say I could have found him if they would have let me stay in New York." I looked at Naomi.
"I believe it too," she said.

"John Jago is keeping away." "Do you suppose he is afraid of Ambrose and Silas ?" She hesitated.
"He _may_ be afraid of them," she replied, with a strong emphasis on the word "may." "But you don't think it likely ?" She hesitated again.