"Pip is that hearty welcome," said Joe, "to go free with his services, to honor and fortun', as no words can tell him.

But if you think as Money can make compensation to me for the loss of the little child--what come to the forge--and ever the best of friends!--" O dear good Joe, whom I was so ready to leave and so unthankful to, I see you again, with your muscular blacksmith's arm before your eyes, and your broad chest heaving, and your voice dying away.

O dear good faithful tender Joe, I feel the loving tremble of your hand upon my arm, as solemnly this day as if it had been the rustle of an angel's wing! But I encouraged Joe at the time.

I was lost in the mazes of my future fortunes, and could not retrace the by-paths we had trodden together.

I begged Joe to be comforted, for (as he said) we had ever been the best of friends, and (as I said) we ever would be so.