For it was from the very next stool that he had recently dismissed the man Job of whom he had spoken, and of whose condition he felt grave doubts.
Seeing Joseph close by he gave him a nod, and said: "Hast come to fetch home thy brother?
Two of my apprentices have been taken away since yesterday.

He is a good lad, and does his best; but he may take a holiday at home if he likes.

You are healthier at your end of the town, and they say the distemper comes not near water.
"Wilt thou go home to thy mother, boy?
We want men rather than lads at our work in these days." Joseph had had no thought of fetching home his brother when he started, but it seemed to him that Benjamin would be much better at home than in this crowded yard, where already the infection might have spread.

The boy confessed to a headache and pains in his limbs; and so fearful were all men now of any symptom of illness, however trifling, that the master sent him forth without delay, bidding Joseph take him straight home to his mother, and keep him there at his father's pleasure.

A young boy was better at home in these days, as indeed might well be the case.
Benjamin was well pleased with this arrangement, having had something too much of over hours and hard work.
"He thinks perchance I have the distemper upon me," he remarked slyly to Joseph, "but it is not that.